Aria van Weye 
Step into the shadows and prepare for an unholy journey as Swedish satanic metal titans Ghost return with their latest EP, ‘Phantomime.’ Known for their enigmatic presence and their ability to captivate audiences with their blend of occult themes and infectious melodies, Ghost unleashes a dark and devilish collection of cover songs that will leave fans begging for more.
The EP opens with a sinister twist on Television’s “See No Evil.” Ghost’s interpretation takes the original punk anthem and infuses it with their signature grandeur. The haunting vocals of Papa Emeritus IV, the band’s lead vocalist, alongside the relentless guitar riffs and thunderous drumming, create an atmosphere that is simultaneously chilling and mesmerizing.
Next up is a surprising choice: “Jesus He Knows Me” originally performed by Genesis. Ghost takes this ’90s rock hit and turns it into a wickedly catchy metal anthem. The band’s ability to inject their own satanic energy into the song, while maintaining the essence of the original, is commendable. The result is a captivating rendition that showcases their versatility and musical prowess. On top of this, the M/V has become one of the most confronting and controversial video clips of this year! Definitely check it out.
Ghost’s take on The Stranglers’ “Hanging Around” is a glorious celebration of dark rock. The band adds their own ominous touch to the track, transforming it into a brooding masterpiece. The haunting melodies and Papa Emeritus IV’s haunting vocal delivery perfectly complement the lyrics, creating an eerie and immersive experience.
One of the standout moments on ‘Phantomime’ arrives with Ghost’s rendition of Iron Maiden’s “Phantom of the Opera.” This epic cover showcases the band’s ability to handle classic metal with finesse. With thundering drums, blistering guitar solos, and Papa Emeritus IV’s powerful vocals, Ghost pays homage to the iconic British metal legends while adding their own dark and theatrical flair.
Closing the EP is an unexpected gem: a cover of Tina Turner’s “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome).” Ghost takes this ’80s pop anthem and transforms it into a haunting symphony of darkness. The band’s ability to reinterpret a song of such a different genre is a testament to their creativity and musical prowess. This reimagined version stands as a testament to their ability to make any song fit seamlessly into their dark and mesmerizing world.
‘Phantomime’ is a testament to Ghost’s artistry and their mastery of atmosphere. While the EP consists solely of cover songs, Ghost manages to infuse each track with their distinctive sound, making them their own. The band’s ability to take songs from various genres and weave them into a cohesive, satanic metal tapestry is truly impressive.
While ‘Phantomime’ may leave fans yearning for new original material, it is undeniably a captivating and satisfying release. Ghost’s interpretation of these iconic songs breathes new life into them, making them feel fresh and exciting. With their dark and theatrical approach, Ghost once again proves why they stand at the forefront of the satanic metal genre.
‘Phantomime’ by Ghost is a thrilling and wickedly entertaining EP that showcases the band’s musical versatility and their ability to reimagine songs from diverse genres. It is a dark and devilish feast for the senses, leaving listeners hungry for more. Step into Ghost’s macabre realm and let ‘Phantomime’ envelop you in it’s dark embrace.
