Ghost’s rise to mainstream prominence peaked with the release of 2022’s *Impera*, a diabolical collection of pristine pop-metal anthems that merged the glitz and glam of the Sunset Strip with the grandeur of a high mass. What began as a clandestine inverted papacy, featuring Satan at its helm, has transformed into an arena rock spectacle. Complete with Kiss-style merchandising, colossal set-pieces, pyrotechnics, and choreographed dancing skeletons, all led by a shape-shifting Pontiff, Ghost has solidified its place in rock royalty.
Rite Here Rite Now, both the film and its accompanying soundtrack, serves as a grand coronation for Tobias Forge and his Nameless Ghouls and Ghoulettes, delivering a Ritual for the ages. Recorded during the final two North American Re-Imperatour dates in Los Angeles, the eighteen-song set focuses heavily on the band’s last three albums, with the film version offering a taste of their early works as well. Highlights include the electrifying “Twenties” and a beautiful chamber quartet-assisted rendition of Roky Erickson’s “If You Have Ghosts,” both of which made their live debuts to the delight of fans. Frater Imperator, the band’s fourth frontman, gives a stellar final performance, expertly balancing kitsch and gravitas while leading his band with hip-shaking theatrical flair. The band, dressed in steampunk regalia, delivers a powerful performance, with the backing vocalists playing a more prominent role than on the original recordings. The album concludes with a new studio single, “The Future Is Foreign Land,” fronted by Papa Emeritus Nihil. This retro-pop gem, reminiscent of “Kiss The Go-Goat” and “Mary On A Cross,” showcases Ghost at their peak, with their adoring fan base in complete awe. As the future of Ghost’s leadership remains uncertain, a steady stream of black smoke continues to emanate from the Sistine Chapel’s chimney, signaling that the next chapter in Ghost’s saga is yet to be written.
English