Ghost gained a lot of fans and success really quickly just with their debut in 2010, and follow up “Infestissumam”. The song titles/lyrics, satanic pope leader and anonymity of the band members, stage production are understandably the appeal to their popularity. But, these guys are a complete package with the songs (the most important thing) rounding out their winning presentation.

“Meliora” is forward thinking following the more subdued 70s psychedelia influenced “Infestissumam”. There is more energy to the songs on “Meliora” while the band’s trademark melodies and deadpan vocals still present, use of guitar solo and keys as well, reflective and purposeful. After some spooky sound effects, a building tribal drum beat and riffing to ‘Spirit’ establish a fresh upbeat delivery. Yet, still there is that passive/aggressive feel Ghost are known for. ‘From The Pinnacle To The Pit’ actually does embrace this urgency even more so and would have been (in my opinion) a stronger album opener. ‘Pinnacle’ utilizes the bass as the base for the tunes opening and rumbling bottom end. First single ‘Cirice’ was a perfect choice to give a taste of what was to come for the album as a whole, and masterfully embraces Candlemass and their genius. Outstanding use of heavy Sabbathy riffing with complimenting melodies and musicianship. Again, guitar leads and backing keys maintain melodies.

Acoustic guitars with lush 60s peace & love vocal harmonies for ‘He Is’ shows Ghost’s Beatles influence nicely for this hard riff-less track…a lullaby for Lucifer. ‘Mummy Dust’ is what I wanna hear more of on the next album, more of a metal attack, while incorporating breaks in tempo to keep the arrangement interesting avoiding repetition. Placement of the cascading piano in spots was perfect as with the soloing. Deep Purple makes an appearance on ‘Majesty’ with those keyboards for this plodding romper. Interlude ‘Devil’s Church’ could have been a little longer leading into ‘Absolution’ which pulls in more of that piano, and these vocals/harmonies in ‘Deus in Absentia’ could very well be mistaken for arena rock like Styx or Boston, closes the album with the feeling you are attending the church in the artwork.

Ghost have a formula which celebrates the masters of the past, while crafting music of their own which is current and not dated. I look forward to see what they can do with each album, hopefully able to retain their recognizable qualities avoiding repetition. Easily in my Top Albums of 2015, in the top three.