For a bunch of scary Swedes, Ghost’s debut album is quite catchy and melodic. The Stockholm sextet keep their identities shrouded in mystery — their lead singer praises Satan while dressed up like a satanic pope (replete with tall hat and skull make-up) as his band plays in brown hooded robes. “Deus Culpa” opens with church- organ drones before thunderous rhythms hail down over proto-metal riffs – but then this is all contrasted with some of the sunniest vocal harmonies since Blue Öyster Cult. The following “Ritual” contains a catchy melody that borders on guitar-pop akin to the Posies’ “I Can Dream All Day.” Although the slightly tougher sounding “Elizabeth” harkens to lighter moments of early Mercyful Fate, disciples of black metal may have a hard time digesting “Satan Prayer” which plays with such uplifting musicality that you can almost envision them singing, “Unholy ghost overlord and taker of life/ Hear our Satan prayer” with a smile on their faces.
Tracklisting
| Position | Title |
|---|---|
| A1 | Deus Culpa |
| A2 | Con Clavi Con Dio |
| A3 | Ritual |
| A4 | Elizabeth |
| A5 | Stand By Him |
| B1 | Satan Prayer |
| B2 | Death Knell |
| B3 | Prime Mover |
| B4 | Genesis |
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Release Images
Release Information
| Key | Value |
|---|---|
| Format | 1× Vinyl (Green Splatter) LP, Album, Limited Edition |
| Label | Rise Above Records |
| Catalog Number | RISELP124 |
| Notes | Album is also known as “Opus Eponymous”. Recorded at Manfire Recordings. Additional recordings done at White Light Studio. Mixed and mastered at Orgone Mastering. ℗ 2010 Rise Above. © 2010 Rise Above. Limited to 300 on green with black splatter . |
| Discogs URL | Ghost (32) - Opvs Eponymovs |