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Review: Ghost (Sweden) - Opus Eponymous
Ghost (Sweden)
ghost-official.com
Opus Eponymous

Label: Rise Above Records
Year released: 2010
Duration: 34:41
Tracks: 9
Genre: Heavy/Doom

Rating:
3.75/5


Review online: April 3, 2012
Reviewed by: MetalMike
Readers' Rating
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Rated 4.17/5 (83.39%) (118 Votes)
Review

Ghost's Opus Eponymous has generated quite a bit of "buzz" since its release in late 2010, so I figured it was about time I gave it a listen. Overall, Opus Eponymous is a very melodic album with a heavy nod towards the NWOBHM and a modern production. The songs are unashamedly satanic, from a lyrical stance, to the point where it is almost over the top. Lines like "The Devil's power is the greatest one!" are hard to take at face value. Ghost doesn't appear to be laying down the foundation for a spiritualistic or philosophical paradigm. It feels more like an homage to early bands like Venom and Mercyful Fate.

Musically, guitars and drums are augmented with evil church organs, giving the songs a creepy atmosphere. Vocalist Papa Emeritus I sings mainly at the higher end and he does not display a terribly wide range. That, combined with the vocals being a little far back in the mix, gives them a non-descript quality. The songs themselves are a mix of the Doom-influenced sounds of Witchfinder General and the cheesy, yet infectious melodies of Spinal Tap.

None of the individual gimmicks employed by Ghost is original but that doesn't stop me from liking the album. I found myself singing the chorus to "Ritual" every time it came on and then hitting repeat so I could sing it again. Opus Eponymous isn't going to change Heavy Metal but it is a hell of a lot of fun.

More about Ghost (Sweden)...
Review: Meliora (reviewed by MetalMike)
Review: Opus Eponymous (reviewed by Adam Kohrman)
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