GHOST - Prequelle LP

Label: Loma Vista

Please be seated. You are about to receive the fourth sermon from twisted Swedish clergymen Ghost. But first, some background for the heathens: after every album, the band ‘change’ singer. Papa Emeritus III was removed last year, and a new emissary called Cardinal Copia was installed by the mysterious holy order. Prequelle is a dizzying, all-consuming rock opera delivered with convincing evangelical zeal.

Despite its medieval theme, the music is a homage to the 80s, as with much of this record. The band have long enjoyed a love affair with the era (most obviously on their If You Have Ghost and Popestar EPs, featuring covers of Roky Erickson, Eurythmics and more), with major chords and warm production bumping up against grotesque, devilish lyrics.

The whole record brims with a nostalgic yet timeless affection, not to mention a huge sense of fun, and a dose of escapism that’s badly needed in these turbulent times. It’s a faith-healing session run by a perverse preacher. It’s Jesus Christ Superstar made over by Satan.