Album Review of Impera by Ghost
Score 8.5/10
With an intro that seemingly pays homage to the gripping and soulful duel guitar harmonies perfected by the likes of legends like Iron Maiden or Judas Priest, Impera firmly declares that there will be no deficiency of that sweet, sweet, classic metal intensity and sound this time around. Listening to the opening title track invoked memories of hearing “The Ides of March” for the first time and having a feeling of undeniable certainty that I was about to be pummeled.
Ghost wastes no time in showcasing the sheer virtuosity of their gun for hire, veteran lead guitarist Fredrick Akesson, who proceeds to immediately take the Ghost guitar attack to a whole new level on the epic track Kaisarion. Filled to the brim with ambitious leads that are played with razor precision, this one is sure to awaken the inner shred fan in all of us. He isn't the only one showing off his chops as Papa Emeritus IV kicks off the festivities with a soaring falsetto cry that would make King Diamond proud. The song further evolves into a sprawling prog masterpiece that redefines the limits of a band I thought I knew. Thankfully there is plenty of epic guitar highlights as the track Watcher in the Sky crescendos with a beautifully sustained harmonized guitar line that just plain hits that sweet spot. The gorgeous, soaring solo work from Akesson on Respite on The Spitalfields carries the album home and definitely gives the piece a little bit of that Opeth flair.
As I listened to track after track, my mind was blown at how effectively they were able to emulate that iconic 80's metal/70's Stadium rock sound while maintaining their signature Ghost persona and musical style. It was like stepping into a time machine and emerging into a period when metal still reigned supreme.
The quality of production and technicality in composition is so engrossing that I actually think I found myself interested less in the concepts and lyrics than I was in simply getting lost in the melodies. That being said, I believe Forge has firmly established himself as one of the most innovative and creative lyricists in metal today. His commentary on the cyclical nature of existence and the rise and fall of empires is instrumental in setting the tone for the enormous soundscapes on display. From references to classic literary characters like Mephistopheles to verses that clearly describe the behavior of contemporary figures like Putin and Trump; the sophistication, humor and wit in which the tale of Impera is told is downright impressive.
This lyrical evolution is on full display on the funny, scathing, and sometimes downright raunchy single Twenties. You don't have to read between the lines to identify the shots being fired at our former commander in chief. I couldn't contain the laughter when hearing lines like, “We'll be grabbing them all by the hoohahs” or “we'll be smoochin' at the feet of da rulah.” Throw in a Reggaeton beat that fits right in with that heavy crunch guitar sound and you have yourself an instant metal classic that sounds like nothing else out there.
Forge even takes us to a profoundly vulnerable place in the heartfelt ballad “Darkness at the Heart of my Love” In a departure from the rest of the album, this one plays like a traditional love song but in a way only Ghost can do it. The elegantly played acoustic guitars at the start of the track hook you and Emeritus' soulful delivery reel you in.
The other two singles off the album are strong efforts as well. If there were a fix that any Ghost addict was jonesing for in anticipation of the album, Hunter's Moon is it. A straightforward, hard rocking anthem that will override any inhibition and have you headbanging without a care. The hook in this song comes in the form of a focused, shrieking guitar line that will get stuck in your head. The moody acoustic intro and the catchy, yet intricate lead guitar work paired with the eerie vocals on Call Me Little Sunshine come together to create probably the most radio friendly tune on the album.
All in all, Ghost exceeded my expectations with this one. Definitely one of their best to date, although I might have considered this one THE BEST if not for the occasional excursion into commercial cheese. Yes, there are definitely quite a few moments that have you wondering if you are secretly in love with glam and hair metal. Spillways and Griftwood would fit right in on your dad's favorite classic rock station. Though Spillways has some gritty lyrics, the delivery and overall mood had me wondering if I had accidentally switched over to a Poison or Whitesnake album. Griftwood has some great riffs but also boasts one of the campiest choruses I've ever heard, proclaiming “I'm your rock baby! I won't back down.” A little cringeworthy considering the song would feel right at home as the soundtrack to a slow dance in a high school in the 80s. But hey, it's Ghost. Have a little fun. In a world littered with pandemics, dictators, global warming and all things dark.......at least we have a band who is unafraid to be outrageous and deliver that over the top, multi-dimensional rock fix that surely we all need in these uncertain times. So cherish the music in all its brilliance and cheese because as the album's closer Respite on the Spitalfields says, “Nothing lasts forever, we will go softly into the night.”