Music fans in this city seem to have an adversity to opening acts, so to stumble into the Metropolis on a Wednesday evening and find it well on its way to capacity was, frankly, a little unnerving. It was to be a sign of things to come.
England’s psychedelic stoner rockers, Purson, were first to take the stage. Seemingly sent from the 70s to ensure that everybody get high, bringing with them a fitting period wardrobe and sound. I felt as if I had been sucking on a joint the whole time they played; and it isn’t like the old days, when people would puff away in the building. Such a warm, fuzzy guitar tone emanated from the stage, flowing in groovey riffs in powerful waves of euphoria. Perhaps a strange choice as opener given the headliner; but then I recall Jess & The Ancient Ones opening for Mercyful Fate not long ago.
Perhaps the longest intro I’ve ever witnessed led into Ghost‘s presence on the stage; but the classical piece perfectly set the ambiance for the remainder of the evening. Atmosphere and ambiance are the two most over looked aspects to entertainment, and part of Ghost’s success comes from their attention to detail in this manor. Everything from posture to costume, to keeping the members of the bands identities a secret (calling themselves Nameless Ghouls et cetera), stage settings and the way vocalist Pope Emeritus III converses with the crowd; pure theatrics. Of course, the actual music being incredible helps as well.
Touring for, and playing a large amount of tunes from their new album, “Meliora”, Ghost dove right in with “Spirit” and “From The Pinnacle To The Pit” – the first two tracks from the new record, and would play a total of eight songs off that record on the night. Their sound was stunning and dead on musically, truly something to witness live. The crowd ate it up, as did I. Also playing selections from their two previous records, such as “Stand By Him” and Year Zero”, Zombie Queen” and “Ritual” – as well as a cover of Roky Erickson’s “If You Have Ghosts”; which is perfectly fitting in name and sound. Amusingly enough (for me anyway), was the way the show ended – with a cover of Dead Can Dance’s “The Host Of Seraphim”. (Dead Can Dance is my second cousin’s band, you see)
I was heavily anticipating this show and it couldn’t come quick enough. I bought the new album at the same time as I picked up the new Slayer record – and I haven’t even unwrapped the new Slayer CD yet, because “Meliora” has found a permanent home in the car stereo. In one word, this show was incredible. I urge you to get up, go out, catch these two bands live in a city near you. Absolutely not something to miss.
Setlist:
Spirit
From the Pinnacle to the Pit
Ritual
Con Clavi Con Dio
Per Aspera ad Inferi
Majesty
Stand by Him
Prime Mover
Body and Blood
Devil Church
Cirice
Year Zero
Spöksonat
He Is
Absolution
Mummy Dust
Jigolo Har Megiddo
(Acoustic)
Ghuleh/Zombie Queen
If You Have Ghosts
(Roky Erickson cover)
Encore:
Monstrance Clock
The Host of Seraphim
(Dead Can Dance song)
Review + photos – Kieron Yates
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