Don't Be Afraid Of Ghost (B.C)

Ghost B.C. is a Swedish metal band whose schtick is their heavy Satanic-leanings. The trick is to not take them seriously (as they obviously don't) and appreciate the music. It helps that the band's members (only identified as Nameless Ghouls) dress in black robes and hoods except for the singer (named Papa Emeritus) who wears elaborate face-paint while dressed in Papal-inspired robes. Over the top, you say? Sure, but that's what makes it so amusing.

Their latest record is called Infestissumam. It's a bit of a departure from their debut (Opus Eponymous) and in this case that is ultimately regrettable. What's gone from the new record is the hooks; the debut was a stunningly catchy record, you could almost sing-along with it if you didn't find the material too terribly objectionable. I like metal that has a hook, and the Ghost debut was filled with them.

Infestissumam is much more...plodding is the best way to put it. The catchiness is not quite gone but it's limited. There's a lot more keyboards here, which is not a bad thing. It has a much more progressive rock feel but I am not convinced it entirely works. There's still a sing-along aspect but the musical vibe is far darker, almost like a requiem.  That is probably the natural progression for a band like Ghost B.C.

By the way, they used to be called just Ghost but they evidently got sued by a band with the same name, or were threatened with a lawsuit, so now they go by Ghost B.C.

Here's one of the better songs on the record: "SECULAR HAZE." It has a nice carnival-like atmosphere. HA, carnival! Not the kind you'd take the kids to (unless you're named Rosemary).

Yeah, the schtick is laid on pretty thick. Reading interviews with them you understand it's a joke, a way to stand out from the pack and write the kind of melodic metal that people like me dig. This record is not as playful (if that can word can be used to describe Ghost); it feels more serious, a term I use lightly.

Other strong tracks are "Year Zero" with a laugh-out-loud chant to start the song before breaking into a classic metal groove and lyrics comparing man's fate to that of lice, and especially "Jigolo Har Megiddo" with a great little descending guitar riff. The vocals are strong throughout. Too much metal these days relies on screaming or growling; I like bands that actually SING. Papa Emeritus' voice is bit odd; he kind of sounds like he is preaching but that's part of the act.

There are some duds though: "Ghuleh/Zombie Queen" goes on way too long despite a very good "Yes"-ish keyboard break. The record limps to a close with "Depth of Satan's Eyes" and "Monstrance Clock." But there are enough good moments that will keep me interested.

They headlined here in DC but the timing was bad; they came while I was visiting South Africa. I saw them previously when the opened for Mastodon and Opeth (which I wrote about here) and they put on a fantastic show. I expect they will be back and assuming I am around I will definitely see them.

So, good record but a bit disappointing because the first one was SOOOOO good. Who knows, I will probably wind up loving it once I give it a few more listens.