Ghost, Sweden’s hardest-rocking band, brought their unique sound and style to the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania earlier this week. I was lucky enough to catch the band while touring across North America with co-headliners Volbeat. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect walking into the photo pit for Ghost’s performance, and I must admit I was somewhat nervous, but my expectations were far exceeded.
Anyway, this is a must-see musical event for all fans of hard rock and heavy metal. Tickets for remaining tour dates are available HERE. Also be sure to check the Official Ghost Website for music, videos, news, and all upcoming tour dates. Continue reading below for my full concert review. All images copyright and courtesy of Andy Jillson.
Ghost bum-rushed the stage at the Giant Center following a massive curtain drop and an extremely loud cannon blast and flash of bright lights. The band of musical ghouls wasted no time giving the arena full of diehard fans what they came for. The energy and frenzied excitement was highly contagious. I was equally hypnotized by Ghost’s performance as I was by the crowd’s reaction.
Ghost started off their set with the songs “Kaisarion,” “Rats,” “From the Pinnacle to the Pit,” and “Mary on a Cross.” The next couple songs after that are a blur due to being escorted between the photo pit and the press area. Upon my return to the crowd, I stood in my spot mesmerized by the remainder of Ghost’s performance.
The stage looks like an old satanic temple of sorts. The setting actually reminded me of an abandoned catholic church that had been redesigned for the dark lord. The band members themselves look like something out of a nightmare. You can’t help by stare at them. Watch the video for the latest single, “Call Me Little Sunshine” on YouTube.
Other musical highlights were performances of “Cirice,” Hunter’s Moon,” “Year Zero,” and “Mummy Dust.” There were plenty of other great songs in the setlist accompanied by jaw-dropping metal theatrics. I would urge all readers to catch this band on tour if possible. This show is awesome show; even for those who may not generally like satanic rock music.
For those who are unaware, Ghost are a rock band from Linköping, Sweden formed in 2006. The band is led by Tobias Forge under the moniker Papa Emeritus IV (aka Papa Emeritus I, II and III and Cardinal Copia), accompanied by a full band, A Group of Nameless Ghouls, who all wear costumes and masks. In this case they were all wearing individually tailored gas masks. Stunning look.
They released their debut album, Opus Eponymous, in 2010 and have since expanded their discography to include a total of four full length records including, most recently, 2018’s Prequelle. Ghost are currently set to release their fifth studio album, Impera, on 3/11/2022. The band will also tour the UK on the European leg of their “Imperatour” in April 2022, following the end of their co-headline tour across North America with Volbeat.
As I said I wasn’t sure what to expect walking into this show, but my expectations were definitely far exceeded. Long story short, I was pleasantly surprised and quickly put at ease by Ghost’s progressive music, psychedelic stage show, and blatantly satanic overtones. Yes, those are things that put me at ease. Also…their fans kick ass!
Below are more photos from Ghost’s performance at the Giant Center in Hershey, PA on 2/8/2022. All images copyright and courtesy of Andy Jillson/Hazy Eye Media. Enjoy!
