Ghost
El Corazon, Seattle, WA
10.20.15
Driving down Stewart Street towards El Corazon, I saw a line of people wrapping around the block. “That can’t be for tonight,” I said to myself. I was wrong. Never have I seen so many people waiting to get into a show at the small Seattle rock institution, and I knew I was in for quite the night. Ghost had descended upon Seattle, promoting their 3rd album, Meliora.
To begin, Ghost built anticipation by taking the crowd to church: pipe organs, chanting, and an almost serene atmosphere that was coupled with the fervent screams of their disciples. The Nameless Ghouls of Papa Emeritus III’s brood then appear from the fog and begin to play hard, driving metal. The crowd becomes energized and almost frantic waiting for Papa to grace the stage. Finally, in all of his glory, Papa emerges from the thick fog, addresses his flock, and the ground shakes as the patrons pay homage to the enigmatic singer.
A Ghost show is more of an experience than a concert – almost ritualistic. Performers in every sense of the word, they commanded the stage with their undeniable presence and energy. I’ll be honest, I did not understand a word they were saying (except for the thank-yous from Papa himself), but I appreciated their vision for their shows and I can see why their cult-like following is so large.
Ghost may not be for everyone, but you cannot deny the passion they put into transforming a concert into a doom metal church service.
Review and photos by Phillip Johnson
Ghost
