When Ghost finally announced the release of their new album Impera back in March 2022, I was ecstatic to find out where they’d be touring for it. Seeing them twice on the last tour solidified my love for the band. Luckily the feeling was mutual as Ghost has had an equally loving relationship with our province, announcing two stadium dates here.
For the first time in five years, they were returning to Quebec City’s Centre Videotron, bringing along metal veterans Mastodon and Canadian band Spiritbox.
My first experience at Centre Videotron was a huge upgrade from the Collisee Pepsi – which Centre Videotron replaced. Much more intimate for this type of show, even though it was still a stadium.
Starting off on the first date of the Canadian part of the tour, from Victoria, British Columbia, was heavy metal act Spiritbox. Featuring husband and wife duo, they had a tough spot warming up the crowd for Ghost. Playing a mix of their latest material from Rotoscope and Eternal Blue, it was an entertaining seven songs. Lead singer Courtney Laplante’s raspy growl and constant movement and interaction with the crowd. I’m sure they gained a few new fans during their brief set.
With the quickest change-up between bands I’ve ever witnessed, Mastodon was on before most people even had a chance to grab more beer or merch and return to their seats.
This being my second time seeing Mastodon in 2022, I had hoped to hear a new set or more variety of songs. But it was almost identical to the last one. The psychedelic visuals on the many screens and lasers projected on the audience were not enough to distract from the bad sound. I was not impressed. Last time wasn’t great, but it was horrendous this time, with the bass overpowering the entire sound of the band. I couldn’t hear the vocals on the songs I actually knew, and with all the smoke being poured onto the stage could barely see the band at points. At first, I thought it was the venue because arenas distort sound depending on where you sit, but that wasn’t the case as friends that had made the trip to Quebec City from New Brunswick experienced the same in different seats. It was a shame as I knew a lot of people were there to see Mastodon.
They played most songs off Hushed And Grim and a mix of other albums. I wish I could have enjoyed it more, but unfortunately, it didn’t get better. Their sound guy should pick up on that, but I guess things have changed in these modern times that we rely on technology instead of the human ear. Surely, they must have had a soundcheck at some point before the show started!?
A white curtain obscured the change up between sets, but I could still see part of the process on the side. Smoke began bellowing into the stadium, and church music began signalling it was showtime soon.
Ghost’s live show is not just an experience but a ritual. Fans paying homage to the many characters of each respective album. Nuns, ghouls, priests, and horned creatures could be seen scattered through the audience. Along with the sea of Ghost shirts, I believe that most of Quebec now owns one.
It was time for this ritual to begin as the white curtain fell to reveal a cathedral stained glass backdrop. The nameless ghouls emerged onstage with singer Tobias Forge aka Papa Emiretus IV not far behind.
The anonymity of the members of Ghost is part of the allure of the group. Though a 2017 lawsuit forced them to reveal the identities of the Ghouls. Confirming the rumoured past members from Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters to Megan, the bassist of Lez Zeppelin; a lesbian cover band.
What you hear on the albums is what you get live. They are one of the few bands capable of reproducing the right energy and sound live, which is rare these days. Especially considering the members are ever-changing.
After a few more songs, such as Rats and Faith, Papa Emeritus apologized for taking five years to return to Quebec City. Although a lot of that was on the pandemic and not the band’s fault.
It was clear that the sound issue was not due to the type of venue. Ghost sounded amazing. At this point, everyone in the arena was standing and singing along. Enjoying each and every epic moment of the new and older hits.
You could say it was a best of tour, though the older fans will always have something to complain about. To appease the crowd, they played Year Zero off the second album Infestissumam, a theatrical telling of the birth and rise of Satan. As flames exploded behind the members, you could feel just how extreme the heat was at the back of the venue. I’m still in awe of the Nameless Ghouls, who play with such precision through the entire set in what appear to be gas masks. That’s dedication.
Nearing the end, a surprise reviving of Papa Nihil, last seen being laid to rest on the 2020 tour. Wheeled out in a coffin and subsequently revived with a defibrillator. Brought back to life for his saxophone solo for the song Miasma. He rocked our socks off.
I could tell the show was winding down. Though I had peeked at the set list of the tour, I was hoping Quebec would get some extra songs. Papa came out and got real serious, exclaiming: “Every good thing must come to an end, and I’m just warning you that these are the last three songs, so you don’t get pissed at me. You need to prepare for things to end.”
Mary On A Cross, Mummy Dust and Dance Macabre is what we were gifted as a finale. With explosions of confetti covering the crowd for Mummy Dust with a few collector’s surprises of Ghost dollars. Eager fans crawling on the floor to own a piece of Ghost history. I wanted a piece as well, and later that night, while grabbing a poutine, a fan in full makeup spotted my Ghost sweater and handed me 1 ghost dollar.
In this province, we are used to chanting the famous soccer chant ole ole until the band returns to play more.
“We’re going to play one more song, but you guys have to promise to go home after this. If you have someone to go home to, that’s great; if not, you can go fuck yourselves!” said Papa
It wasn’t needed this time. Ghost hadn’t played their biggest radio hit yet. That earworm tune that used to play on CHOM 97.7 every hour, Square Hammer. It’s a great introduction song, though overplayed.
The night had come to an end way too fast. With the mention of a new album next year, I can only hope for another visit soon.
Review – Samantha Morris
Photos – Kieron Yates
