Review Summary: Preaching to the choir.
Prequelle has been on the tips of everyone’s tongues in recent weeks. Disappointing albums like
Black Labyrinth and even worse
And Justice for None have left listeners grasping for straws. With few albums living up to standards, it’s only poetic the darkest group would steal the spotlight. The papacy rises from the ashes and takes us back to mass as Cardinal Copia preaches from the pulpit. His word is death – suffering – and celebration. Boasting its bombastic showmanship, audacious perspectives, and retro grandiose,
Prequelle earns its spot as one of 2018’s best albums. Ghost once again proves why they’re a force to be reckoned with.
“Faith. Is. Mine,” says Cardinal Copia as we’re dragged further into the flames of
Prequelle. An album defined by its perfect combination of style and substance; the Grammy winning group dominates their fourth outing with an unapologetic stride as they prowl and induce the innocent.
Prequelle is arguably Ghost’s tamest outing as they separate from the dark exterior from before and opt for a retro-infused 80’s metal sound. Keyboard solos, saxophones, disco, and so much more are infused into each track. Through it all, the production is clear and consistent enough to make sure none of the various instruments are overshadowed or out of place. The experimentation is done tastefully and not irresponsibly.
Prequelle goes as far to contain two instrumental tracks ‘Miasma’ and ‘Helvetesfonster’ to further focus on their colourful instrumentation.
‘Dance Macabre’ is the lightest
Prequelle has to offer. Its smooth disco inspired beat offers an interesting texture to explore. ‘Rats’ shreds beginning to end as the bubonic plague devastates the globe. Rats trickle their way through the track as bodies pile beneath the wrath of God in an unforgiving strike from above. “And filthy rodents are still coming for your soul,” blares Copia as the song reaches its climax. “Like your father in hell/What you've sold you cannot unsell,” Cardinal blasts as he tells a pact with the devil. A window to hell leads to ‘Life Eternal’ as we’re welcomed into the afterlife. Copia opens with a choir of ghouls as chants and a piano pave the stairway above. “Is this the moment of just letting go,” they question as the song twinkles into the twilight. Two bonus covers close the record as ‘It’s a Sin’ carries its blasphemous context into Cohen’s ‘Avalanche.’
Prequelle is a blast to listen to and I’ve enjoyed it far more than expected. The music is refreshing, energetic, and mysterious enough to intrigue listeners. Although their goal was to entice mainstream listeners, I feel their work in that department may go without merit. It’s hard for me to envision
Prequelle fitting into that landscape. The songs may come off too stylistic to the untrained listener. With mainstream listeners taking the singles out of context, I doubt they’ll understand what the point actually is, nonetheless what Ghost is about. However, there aren’t any pervasive problems with
Prequelle to point out. The style may be a turn off to hardcore Ghost fans. It’s a lot more similar to the works of Alice Cooper in the sense of a pop-parody. However,
Prequelle earns its keep and stands on its own two feet. It’s already one of my favorite 2018 releases after 4 listens. I suggest you readers dust off your suits and stop skipping church.
Standout Tracks
Rats
Faith
See the Light
Witch Image
