A masterpiece of melodic metal has been unleash upon the people. Tobias Forge and co. have created their strongest effort yet with the new ‘IMPERA.’ A top to bottom record of heavy riff excellence, memorable vocal melodies and top notch instrumentations. It’s the kind of hard rock/heavy metal album that even people who don’t listen to the genre can get behind. Giving it to the potential to top the charts.
Ghost’s last album, 2018’s ‘Prequelle,’ almost did top the charts. Peaking at number two, it was the highest charting rock album of the year. And deservedly so. The follow up, ‘IMPERA’ has proven to be an even bigger step towards hard rock dominance. It’s a top to bottom banger. Unreal song writing quality. Tobias Forge has always been known as being a songwriter first. And this album hopefully sets the standard for what’s to come. An incredible balance of heavy rock guitars and sing along vocal melodies. It’s the ultimate representation of the Ghost formula. Many wonder how they’ve conquered rock and brought back heavy music (to an extent). The answer is simple: Accessible songs, catchy grooves, riffs and vocals that all audiences can relate to. It’s a timeless formula that proves to work time and time again.
The opening track, ‘Kaisarion,’ is as good an opener as any of the legendary hard rock/metal openers that have proceeded it. A flawless mix of uplifting and heavy guitar work. The chorus is immediately drilled into your head. And before you know it, ‘Spillways’ has already started. With its classic, epic keyboard intro. Upbeat vibe and unforgettable vocals. It’s hard to believe it’s only the second song. The two singles: ‘Call Me Little Sunshine’ and ‘Hunter’s Moon’ are both top notch representations of what the album has to offer. The later from the Halloween soundtrack. Forge said it would be the ‘heaviest’ Ghost album. And there are moments that completely come through on all fronts of that claim. Not just with metal breakdowns. But with a thoughtful execution of when they should occur during the song.
‘Watcher In the Sky’ comes next. And it’s absolutely in the running for best song on the album. Chugging rhythm and riff. The music drives the subject matter. It’s not too often that a songwriter convey’s lyrically what the music sounds like. But Ghost pull it off. ‘Dominion’ is a minor interlude before going into one of the most fun and inspiring tracks on the record ‘Twenties.’ A fun, almost broadway sounding track about how humanity is doomed to repeat it’s history, ‘in the twenties, all the way into the thirties.’ With it’s massive, off beat riff, it’s a highlight of the record. ‘Darkness At the Heart of My Love’ is one of the albums ballads. And the most mellow song on the record.
The album ends on two strong finishers. As well as a short interlude to bridge the two tracks together. ‘Griftwood’ is reminiscent of a classic 80’s hard rock sound. The upbeat, pop leanings, combined with the bleak lyrics and loud guitars make for an interesting juxtaposition. ‘IMPERA’ then closes with the cumulative ‘Respite On the Spitalfields.’ A tremendous ballad that sums everything that the record is about.
One word to describe this album: Inspired. From top to bottom, it’s a banger worthy of the times. There isn’t one weak track on the album. A seamless combination of heavy metal and melody. Relevant to what’s happening currently. ‘IMPERA’ is destined to become a hard rock classic. As well as a modern, massive hit. Five out of five stars.
