LIVE: GHOST – August 22, 2023

Venue: TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park

City: Indianapolis, IN

Date: August 22, 2023

Review and Photographs by: Jeffrey Everett (http://www.jeffrey-everett.com)

Ghost returned to Indianapolis on their Re-Imperatour USA 2023. It was 2018 since we last saw the band and by the crowd’s response it was long overdue. Many fans were in costume, with face paint, ghoul masks, and nun or priest outfits. The amphitheater was sold out despite being a Tuesday night. Swedish death metal group Amon Amarth got the evening started on what was the hottest day this year, well over 90 and sweltering humidity. An elaborate, Viking themed stage set the backdrop for their performance. They captivated the crowd with their stage presence and musical talent during the hour-long performance. A long break ensued as the crew had to change the elaborate stage production. Finally, cathedral music and chanting set the backdrop as Ghost took the stage.  The crowd was electric and sang in unison throughout the night.  Though Ghost is a Grammy winning Swedish metal band, I found them to be much more melodic and the guitar riffs precise and controlled. Their lead singer’s latest incarnation is Papa Emeritus IV and he was engaging all night. He even brought out former Papa Nihil in a coffin. Sparks flew as they resuscitated him back to life to play the saxophone on “Miasma.” The nameless ghouls were decked out in disturbing apocalyptic gas masks and goggles. But make no mistake, they are each technically gifted musicians. They performed in a rhythmic, orchestrated fashion that was top notch. Their lyrics remain dark and their appearance clearly has an anti-religious theme, but Ghost is much more than a novelty. The stage presence and music are the real deal; it is easy to see why they have a loyal fan base!

Setlist: Kaisarion – Rats – Faith – Spillways – Cirice – Absolution – Ritual – Call Me Little Sunshine – Con Clavi Con Dio – Watcher in the Sky – Year Zero – Spöksonat – He Is – Miasma – Mary on a Cross – Respite on the Spitalfields – Kiss the Go-Goat – Dance Macabre – Square Hammer

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Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries