By: Jenafur Schlangen
It was a typical dark, drab, and freezing winter night in Chicago on February 18th, yet on this particular evening, there were thousands of eager music fans packed into Allstate Arena, awaiting the beginning of what was to be the first live metal music arena tour since Covid-19. The anticipation was so palatable you could almost taste it. You could certainly feel it, that is a fact, and it was fucking glorious.
Headlining the evening was Swedish Grammy award winning pop-metal band, Ghost, while Danish rock band, Volbeat claimed the second slot and L.A.’s finest, Twin Temple opened it all up, respectively. It was definitely a visually striking performance and one that was extremely welcomed and appreciated among those in attendance, which became extremely obvious throughout the entire evening. The darkened chants, the giddy-like screams, and not so melodic singing voices filled the almost sold-out arena was deafening, yet amazing at the same time. After all, it had been such a long time since such a magnificent gathering of music lovers has occurred so, the vibe was incredible to say the least.
Kicking off the night, from Los Angeles, California, was husband and wife duo (Alexandria and Zachery James), Twin Temple. As self-proclaimed satanists and creators of a style of music they have entitled, “satanic doo-wop,” these two put on one “hell” of an interesting and impressive performance. Their sound-style could be described as though Rocky Horror Picture Show and Betty Boop had a baby, simply because their stage production was completely over the top, yet Alexandria’s voice is beyond adorable. They sounded great and the crowd agreed, heaving an overwhelmingly positive reaction during and upon conclusion of their set. A definite must see/hear experience, without a doubt.
Taking the stage after Twin Temple was Copenhagen’s own, bass-driven rock band, Volbeat, who wasted zero time dominating their set, beginning with their single, “The Devil’s Bleeding Crown.” It was then when the arena erupted with extreme verbal accolades and Olympic-worthy head banging. Again, it was glorious.
Supporting their eighth album, Servant of the Mind, which was released on December 3rd of 2021, Volbeat has an excellent originality to them however, the influence of AC/DC and Metallica is awesomely obvious. This is one band that simply cannot be missed if ever in a city near you…or even one that you must travel far and wide to get to, trust that and you will not be disappointed, guaranteed.
Last but certainly not least, the beloved headliner, Ghost takes the stage…after a lengthy and completely dramatic and over-the-top prelude, of course. Fronted and founded by the ingenious Tobias Forge in 2008, along with his interchangeable band of masked ghouls, Ghost is a guaranteed spectacle that simply must be experienced with the eyes and the ear holes. Sounding similar to that of the Scorpions in music and in vocals, their “metal” style is not the type to blow out your eardrums, yet is powerful enough to rattle your soul.
Beginning their set with, “Kaisarion,” and including several fan favorites, they certainly did not disappoint, per usual. Again, this band is a must-see/hear live.
The band is releasing their newest album, Impera, on March 11, 2022, and the media previews have given rave reviews. It also appears as though Forge has dipped his black-clad finger into the NASCAR arena, having recently sponsored the No. 4 Ghost Chevrolet, driven by Bayley Currey, debuts in the Xfinity Series race at Phoenix Raceway on March 12, 2022. In that, it seems as though there are no boundaries for Forge and his band of ghouls known simply as, Ghost.
All and all, it was a great night, an even better experience, and this writer believes that every single one of the thousands in attendance left with warmth in their heart and dark-entwined souls, regardless of the single-digit temperatures outside. 🤘
Ghost Set List:
1. Kaisarion
2. Rats
3. From the Pinnacle to the Pit
4. Mary on a Cross
5. Devil Church
6. Cirice
7. Hunter’s Moon
8. Faith
9. Helvetesfoenster
10. Year Zero
11. Ritual
12. Mummy Dust
13. Enter Sandman (Metallica Cover)
14. Dance Macabre
15. Square Hammer
* The song “Ritual” was chosen by Kerrang! as one of “The 50 Most Evil Songs Ever.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.