Review by Lady Rose of Metal Fortress Radio
Photos by Jeff Palmucci
Ghosts photos HERE
Purson photos HERE
As you turned the corner by Fenway the line could have been roughly 3 blocks or more, not for Red Sox baseball but for a Swedish band called Ghost. As you walked into the House of Blues you immediately got bottlenecked as the crowd stopped at Ghost’s merch booth. The stage was set for the first act and the backdrop of cathedral windows had you wondering if church was in session. I have never witnessed this band prior to running my radio Station, and I was excited from all the hype on the internet and videos showing the performance. It is a must for you to experience this band in person to get the full effect. The first act, Purson, was ok. It made you think of Jefferson Starship or Momma’s and the Poppa’s. The music was similar to Ghost but the crowd was anxiously awaiting its clergy.
As the first band exited the stage you noticed more people coming in dressed similar to Ghost, or just plainly goth for most girls. Many asked us if it was our first time, but others excited to see their favorite band. The production to the show was something eerie, setting the mood with blue & green lighting with burning incense. I noticed the symbols on stage for different religions on the backdrops and drum kit.
Suddenly the stage blacks out, and a Gregorian chant begins. The crowd goes insane. Now I have seen fans go crazy for their favorite idol, but Ghost’s fanbase told you that you were in for something good! As the lights fade to different colors the “nameless ghouls” of the band enter the stage to an absolute chaos of shouts. The show begins with a ghoulish background sound, the guitarist does a few riffs on his guitar, and the lighting makes way for the entrance of Papa Emeritus III. The fans go even more insane. The tunes they played were addicting to the ear. While riffs and notes played out, changing colors set the mood as the band entertained the members of their church.
The production was something I never experienced. As the intro to Circie begins, fans holler “Hail Satan”. The beginning notes reminded me of Pink Floyd while the lighting during the song gave the show a very eerie presence. I stood in amazement as the band showed off some great musicianship. Now, I go to shows with great production all the time. Slipknot, Five Finger Death Punch, etc. This event was very different. It leaves you emotionally connected, from the vocals to the bass to the drums. It’s connection to a world one wishes to live in the whole time.
When the show kept going I watched the expressions on the fan’s faces, how they yelled and sang every song word for word. This crowd worshiped “Ghost”. I was immediately connected to the band, and for the past couple of days we raved to our stations collection of new and old listeners. From me to you: don’t question their “look” if you’re new to them, step into their world and experience it yourself!
Ghost and Purson at the House of Blues, Boston MA
