Label: Loma Vista

Release Date: September 16, 2016

Rating: 10/10

Reviewed by: Todd "Toddstar" Jolicoeur

I dig Ghost's previous efforts, so why not this one?  After checking out the show in Detroit the other night, I had to put my hands on a copy of this EP.  With four great covers and a bombastic original to open the disc that also opens their current string of tour dates, this disc is a keeper that is awesome from first note to last.  "Square Hammer" kicks off with a killer tempo and only gets better from there.  With guitars that swirl together in the mix with the keyboards along with a heavy bass line and drums, the proverbial stage is set for the Papa Emeritus III's lead vocals to drape the song perfectly.  The chorus has some of the catchiest lyrics the band has produced yet, and don't miss the guitar solo at the bridge.  Emeritus III and the Nameless Ghouls tackle Echo & The Bunnymen's "Nocturnal Me" and put their own stamp on this track.  The song has a cool vibe woven through it that makes it easy for Ghost to embrace the track and add it to their catalog of originals that strike the same vein musically.  "I Believe" from Simian Mobile Disco was unknown to me before listening to this EP, but hearing it prompted me to check out the original.  While that versions framework exists in this cover, the Ghouls and Papa have made this track their own with an eerie vibe that has ingrained itself in the mix.  The Eurythmics "Missionary Man" is very close to the original, with a heavier rock vibe that has killer solos and riffs dropped throughout the track.  The lead vocals are cool and accentuated perfectly by the female background vocals threaded through the chorus.  Closer "Bible" from Imperiet is a cool track that allows Emeritus III's vocals to soar above the track along with a great keyboard and guitar blend that helps carry the song.  The tempo is great and perfectly controlled by the rhythm section.  If you don't buy anything else in the next few weeks, do yourself a favor and grab this release...

​​​Tracklisting: Square Hammer - Nocturnal Me - I Believe - Missionary Man - Bible

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