Classical Composer Reaction/Analysis of GHOST: CIRICE | The Daily Doug (Episode 623)

[@jariel1031]

Finally!!!! Please, Doug, do more GHOST. Tobias is an amazing writer both lyrically and musically. He writes everything. He used to play everything and record it just him playing almost everything. He is very smart.

[@albomusicman85]

I was waiting for his reaction to ghost!!!

[@baguette6302]

would LOVE more ghost on the channel

[@alcarnor2506]

He is.

[@TheCyberMantis]

Not that smart. He follows the devil.

[@zorrgal]

On the last albums there are actually several songwriters involved. There were six outside songwriters on Impera. So thats not true that "He writes everything"

[@richpeltier9519]

If you get a chance to see Ghost perform live, DO IT. Absolutely incredible live band.

[@nymphrodellsalavin]

I saw them when they were the warm-up band for Iron Maiden. Incredible concert, it'll be in my memory forever 🤘

[@feral_orc]

got to see them with Metallica. Great first Ghost concert

[@KevinQ1989]

@@nymphrodellsalavin Saw them open for Maiden in 2017 Bristow, VA. I'm gonna see them again headlining in August in the same venue.

[@nymphrodellsalavin]

@KevinQ1989 Amazing! I'm happy they've grown so much in popularity 😁

[@migueldelaserena5868]

Lucky enough to have seen them twice now!

[@mikeeee4444]

"Square Hammer" has gotta be one of Ghost's greatest songs. The video is wildly entertaining as well!

[@paulmartin7241]

DOUG , do this song !

[@manuelper]

Absolutely. I also think Doug would really enjoy 'Year Zero'.

[@ridetoruin]

Square Hammer is my daughter’s favorite Ghost song. It’s adorable hearing her sing along lol.

[@Lurch685]

It was the first song I heard on the radio and I was not impressed at first. I never paid attention to the lyrics and I never saw a music video. But once I started my Ghost deep dive, I “got” it.

[@kevinfranks9968]

Call Me Sunshine is my favorite as well as my wife's, son and daughter!

[@cobrasys]

Halloween is not too far away... October could easily be Ghost Month. Just a thought, Doug. 😉

[@luise.perezv.8702]

I super agree with this comment!

[@briansrensen6093]

Halloween is for King Diamond, and not some Swedish pop band

[@cobrasys]

@@briansrensen6093 Hard disagree. Firstly, they're not pop and secondly, there's very few bands that represent the costume/fantasy nature of Halloween better than Ghost. The only thing that's more Halloween than Ghost is Michael Jackson's "Thriller".

[@1supermanprime]

@@cobrasys also ghost sounds great , unlike king diamond that to me always sounds like mickey mouse. ghost is definately the greater band.

[@TheCyberMantis]

@@briansrensen6093 I agree. King Diamond smokes Ghost.

[@danielleyton596]

It's cool how excited you are by the song. Your enthusiasm is infectious.

[@mattchambers9953]

It's so awesome

[@blueeyesblackheart]

Yes! I feel the same way!

[@TonyDelkFan]

This is a Grammy winning song, and this reaction deserves one also

[@Airlord3670]

I’ve seen Ghost described as ‘Goth ABBA’ before and I can never get that idea out of my head! Love the band and how creative and diverse they are, never seem to sound like how they look like they should and I love it.

[@lucretialee3691]

I've seen them described as "if Black Sabbath and ABBA had a baby", it's had me laughing but agreeing ever since.

[@fredriks5090]

ABBATON

[@Rickkelley365]

Tobias has said the main melody of Cirice came to him while pushing his daughter in a swing at the park. How awesome is that

[@han-dell]

Glad you liked it so much Doug! GHOST did a cover of Jesus He Knows Me by Genesis a few months ago; given how much you liked the message behind Cirice, I reckon you'll LOVE their cover of the Genesis song

[@monkeypuzzlefarm]

Another cool thing is that Tobias not only writes the songs, but plays the majority of instruments on the album. The Nameless Ghouls are generally only used in concerts. Tobias is extremely talented!

[@revylokesh1783]

afaik the last couple of albums he used talented studio musicians and co-writers. Though having seen their current tour, the Ghouls and Ghoulettes on stage do a fantastic job and are nothing to scoff at!

[@GeekFurious]

Tobias only did that on the first couple of albums. He now has a core group of musicians he hires to record the instruments, though he does play bass on the latest covers EP, Phantomime.

[@interstellarwarpdrive9600]

@@revylokesh1783Fredrik Åkesson Opeth on guitar 🎵🎸

[@m-h1269]

Not even remotely true. Other people have written and recorded since the early days.

[@estefaniasucre6966]

This is the song that got me into Ghost more than seven years ago. They are never boring, always imaginative, fun, melodic, and original. I'm so pleased you reacted to them, dear Doug! Please react to more!!! I suggest: Ghuleh (Zombie Queen), Zenith, Deus in Absentia, Spillways, Kaisarion, Square Hammer, Miasma (indtrumental), Dance Macabre...

[@rog2224]

Spillways with Joe Elliott was pleasant surprise in February

[@manmoth_1990]

Deus In Absentia really is a masterpiece. One of my favorites, along with Respite on the Spitalfields (maaan the production on that one!).

[@horseheadkid]

i've had spillways stuck in my head for a solid week right now

[@jeffridgeway7474]

Entire first and second albums are masterpieces

[@hdervish2497]

You really nailed the meaning of this song. It's the love bomb: "I can see to the stars inside you" etc and then the hook: "can't you see that you're lost without me?"

[@NotVeryUwU]

The lyric is I can see through the scars inside you ;)

[@mediadv8]

What a beautiful commentary at the end! You’re 100% right. So glad you loved this song . Now to listen to “Mary on a Cross” live in Tampa

[@skinnybricks]

I'm absolutely obsessed with this band and I grew up listening to Prog (Pink Floyd/Genesis) and Metal (Stuff like Black Sabbath). I've never been so excited about a band in a long time. Check out "He Is" from the same album - incredible songwriting.

[@manmoth_1990]

Man you must have been thrilled with the "Jesus He Knows Me" cover! Also, their take on "Phantom Of The Opera" by Iron Maiden is stunning. Never thought that song could be successfully covered.

[@Ethic007]

One of my favorite songs, "He Is". :)

[@blueeyesblackheart]

I am so happy you did this song! Cirice was one of the first songs I heard, along with Pinnacle to the Pit and Square Hammer. Your review was so refreshing. You don't hide your facial expressions. I love that the music inspired you and you immediately wanted to try it out on the keyboard. I love your commentary throughout this video, especially after the song. Thank you for translating what I feel into words. Ghost has been such a big part of my life.

[@Time-and-Tide]

Tobias Forge is a genius musician and songwriter. I really hope you review the Ghost song "Spillways" next. It is so incredibly catchy and has so many classic 80's arena rock elements. From a composition standpoint, it is a clever piece with several key changes, which I think you would really appreciate as a composer and music theorist.

[@AboutGhost]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/nqXKo2amq6elY6s same thing . not Ghost's most original and unique (non-stolen) song.

[@FlashheadX]

Ooooh finally! I've been wondering for MONTHS how there hasn't been a Ghost reaction yet. Cirice is a good start, but their range is amazing and you could dig into the band's lore (they have a whole web series on KZbin) for hours.

[@MrMvidz]

This song is fire, y'all! The song "He is" is worth a listening to. Yet another great reaction and analysis.

[@KaneJustus]

I'm not a huge Ghost fan..... BUT...There's no denying how amazing this song is. So many good hooks and riffs. I can't get over that descending intro riff. It's so damn good.

[@aspalestro]

For years I’ve made fun of Ghost for not being metal. I’ve tried listening to them multiple times and I just couldn’t get into it. But today, watching you break it down, I think I get it. I think you’ve made a fan out of me.

[@Trosgustav]

Same here. I've tried so many times to "get" Ghost. Still can't, but I have started appreciating how great of a band they must be, considering their following. I'm so done being a gatekeeper :).

[@phillytheflyerable]

if they are not metal neither is sabbath

[@flatfleetpaul]

I just saw them live a few days ago. I was already a fan going in, but my biggest takeaway was they sound waaay more metal live. Take away the studio production, and everything is more raw. They are an incredible live band.

[@Trosgustav]

@@flatfleetpaul I can imagine. I will definitely consider going if they play somewhere close sometime.

[@m-h1269]

@@phillytheflyerable No comparison, have you even listened to sabbath?

[@brifrazier5459]

Ghost is not only one of the best current bands... but one of the best bands ever. They combine so many genres that no one had ever thought would mesh so well together... but amazingly, Ghost showed that it is possible!!!

[@TaylorCohron]

Meliora probably is my favorite of Ghost's albums, I absolutely love the band, and as others here have said, I STRONGLY recommend seeing Ghost live. I saw them live with a friend last year, made a concert friend, and now all 3 of us (and our partners) are going to see them again in August! They put on an amazing show, and honestly, can hook an audience as well as any pop band.

[@feral_orc]

Yeah definitely their most consistent album start to finish. They have a few great songs on every album though.

[@thirstfast1025]

I've watched a couple of your reactions, and I've been impressed at your ability to "go along" with what I've seen. This one earned you my subscription. You rock my guy!

[@synikalhuman2875]

I’m 63 and love this band

[@4nthr4x]

I heard Ghost songs before on mainstream radio, like "Dance Macabre" and "Rats", thought it was pretty good and catchy, but never really looked into the band. I only researched Ghost beginning this year, after a very shortlived meme of all things, with audio of the song "Year Zero". When I delved into the Ghost albums, hearing the crisp and clear voice of Tobias Forge, seeing his persona on stage, the heartfelt lyrics,... for me it felt like... ascension.

[@revylokesh1783]

Yesss! Finally some Ghost!

[@photobyhe]

Yes!~ love you and I love Ghost! glad you are going down the rabbit hole ! They are amazing!

[@mplslawnguy3389]

Such a cool band. I absolutely love bands that do their own thing. You can't say there is anything like Ghost out there. I don't even know how to classify them. I'm into some heavier music, and these guys are really not that heavy, almost pop-like, yet they are heavy at the same time. The characters, the theme albums, it's all so fricking cool.

[@gwenverde7970]

Okay, this is great. Subscribed. ✅ Edit: “There’s everything in this!” I love it.❤

[@billh4802]

YES!!! Please do more Ghost!

[@richpeltier9519]

Fucking love Ghost. Amazing songwriting and the incredible musicians. Love how this video feels like an 80's religious horror movie. Didn't realize it was kids playing the part of the band until the second time I watched it. This song was my introduction to the band. I Saw then perform it on Colbert for a very special Halloween edition. 🤘🧙‍♂️🤘

[@matthewpound8379]

Been listening to GHOST for a handful of years now and I just discovered this channel. I can never hear the song for the 1st time again but your authentic reaction and breakdown of the song is damn near close! Very good video and compositional breakdown 👌

[@onepiccolo06]

Tobias Forge is a genius. I am always completely blown away by his melodic lines, harmonies, and orchestrations. If you haven't already, check out "Twenties" from their latest album, or the harmonies on "Year Zero." So unexpected and absolute genius.

[@Discostick55]

I'm a staunch atheist, but Ghost moves me, makes me feel things, makes me want to worship. Hail Tobias, Hail Satan. I am so happy I learned of them just after the release of their 2nd album, and was able to catch a few smaller club shows live, they're stadium material now and that's just not my vibe anymore. But their success is well deserved, Ghost is amazing.

[@philly90125]

I first heard Ghost doing Call Me on Jimmy Kimmel. I found them to be intriguing after doing some research into Tobias Forge and his dark lyrics. I just took my granddaughter to see Ghost in concert in Phoenix on 8/8/2023. I was pleasantly surprised. It was a great rock n roll show. Thanks for checking them out.

[@Alphablight]

I’m proud of you for not judging. Thank you

[@stevedimmer9795]

Respite on the Spitalfields from the latest album is amazing! Do that one, Doug!

[@heldervr]

As a non-native English speaker, it's so good to hear your video, you speak so clearly, so easy to understand. I liked it, thanks for the analysis, Ghost is one of my favorite bands. Hope you hear other songs from them, their latest album Impera is amazing.

[@brannonsmith2374]

This is an outstanding reaction Doug. You picked up what Ghost was laying down with clarity and precision, then explained it so well.

[@Yupppi]

Happy you finally got around to do this. The band is really fascinating in terms of how planned the act has become from originally just being a little anonymous joke between friends. Kinda like Porcupine Tree. It's also one of the few bands that I feel like has a continuum and message in the music videos connecting to the music. I rarely pay attention to music videos seriously, but with Ghost my eyes are often glued to the screen. And they're a really fascinating band for a modern social media time where artists are expected to be posting and releasing things regularly for the audience to not forget them. What Forge did was so natural, he didn't force himself to put out stuff on social media, but instead he made a whole show about the masquerade and releases a story of the characters on their youtube channel in small comedic episodes. He made social media activity just another outlet for his creativity. On the newest album they had Fredrik Åkesson of Opeth play all the guitars. I really hope you get around to reacting to the 7 Inches of Satanic Panic EP, it's a really cool and somewhat different style without sounding like a different band. And also the classic Dance Macabre song is something I'd love to see by you. This band really clicked my buttons as well, the flirting, controversy, humor, amazing ear to composition, the darkness and melancholy. Like Tobias said in an interview he wanted to bring stadium rock back in his own style. And that his inspirations come from things like ABBA and you can tell by how catchy choruses and melodies he writes. I love how he brought back interesting chords. Many "serious metalheads" criticize Ghost for being so catchy, which is ironic. As if Van Halen or Queen wasn't great because they were so catchy that you wanted to nod your head or tap your foot or whatever. This song is always a bit emotional for me, a girl introduced the band to me and I got really into this song and then we broke up.

[@jasonstewart3996]

Yes! I love ghost. I'm stoked you're doing this

[@Untrainedpilot1]

Spillways is just a fun song by them. It’ll be stuck in your head for a while lol It’s also the best one off of one of the new albums in my opinion.

[@bartvools2314]

Spot on. The music , the lyrics, the concept… so well crafted. It really challenges you, yet it is so accessible. There is a connection to ABBA. Next to being Swedish, they both tend to create mesmerising music that seems simple at first glance, but is so rich and layered. Almost magical, or devilish… looking forward to more ghost(‘s) reactions!

[@Deuce_Dufresne]

Yeah they’re pretty incredible

[@Framed_Frags]

My favourite thing beside listening to Ghost is seeing people discovering them for the first time and being almost awestruck by the imagery and sound. Awesome video, you've earned yourself a sub.

[@edwardcalvet]

So glad you enjoyed it. The live show/Rituals are Epic!

[@kellyhopkins5576]

Welcome to the world of Ghost, Doug...once you've come here there's no turning back.

[@Jenny-mv4rp]

I really enjoyed your reaction to my favourite band. You are really into music, i loved that.

[@denmalski]

I love the fact the analysis was on the song structure rather than the visuals of the video, I feel when there is not much happening in a song Doug has to stretch to find something to talk about but this one kept him interested in the song it self

[@captainred7844]

I get giddy seeing people react to Ghost for the first time, absolutely love 'em. And I can't think of a more fitting song of theirs for Doug to sink his teeth into, 10/10

[@Ravenprincess]

Do "Rats" next! That is the song that made me fall in love with GHOST...and the music video is hilarious and has the Cardinal dancing his black little heart out 😂😂

[@TheWildernessEnthusiast]

I absolutely love this reaction. Must have seen it 10 times!

[@tk72231968]

Very good sounding band, Tobias is extremely talented. A lot of people get caught up in the optics, but that's just a part of the overall experience for Ghost. Great to see a group that also goes back to the theatrical roots of heavy metal too.

[@marybrant9586]

Yes, do more Ghost!!!

[@jimbose]

This is such a great video, with an excellent commentary at the end!

[@lotusrising2630]

1st time viewer. 3:34 in and I wanted to stop to compliment your presentation style. Keep up the good work. I look forward to watching more of you.

[@nikifaith]

It brings me joy to see your reaction to Ghost. You clearly enjoy what you do!!

[@juhgata1000]

Your reacrion is one of the most completes that i have seen

[@jidypowell8783]

Tobias does all the writing and arrangement. The "nameless ghouls" are hired players and not bandmates. It is an amazing live show. Saw them a few years ago opening for Maiden. Supershow❤❤

[@ccvvzz1289]

Yeahhh Ghost❤ my favorite band EVER!

[@markgolland5717]

Cirice, like all Ghost songs, is meticulously constructed. The way it subtly modulates as it progresses moving into a more optimistic sound is a very characteristic of them. And when they reprise sections they always vary and adjust the arrangement, always keeping it moving and maintaining the listener's interest. Just a fantastic band.

[@99proff]

Like everybody else, I'm thrilled to see someone enjoy and understand Ghost's music so well. This was the song that pull me in in such an addictive way like I had never felt before. Spillways is also a great song to analyse, it sounds deceptively straightforward but actually has some pretty interesting twists. A whole different style to this one, as Ghost is all over the place, but everything's top notch anyway.

[@BestBackingTracks]

Thank you Doug. This is a great song, and you bring up a tonne of great points towards the end. I'm not out to convert anyone, but there is light out there - it's just waiting for the realisation. Hail Lucifer.

[@brunowilliam7529]

That was a fantastic analysis at the end about religion and spirituality!

[@BK_ZERO]

LOVE Ghost and really enjoyed your reaction to this. Tobias IS the band, he writes all the lyrics and music. The nameless Ghouls are more just touring musicians afaik and have changed a lot over the years. Definitely check out more!

[@bindli]

Yessss! Not my first choice from ghost for this reaction but hey, ghost has so many great songs! Hopefully not the last ghost Reaktion. Greetings from Switzerland!

[@BayushiTawa]

I´ve been following your metal journey for long long time Doug... Thank you very much for your contributions and open mind because you do add value to this community. Carry on with the good work!. If you ever come to Madrid you are invited to sharing some Belgian ales!!

[@matthewcarpenter8071]

Love this song. My favorite Ghost song. 🤘

[@Dudeamis17]

I'm becoming obsessed with this song and video, its like the best 70s horror movie I've ever seen.

[@randycatalanotte4479]

Ritual was my first love. The imagery, the riff, the melodic outro, chefs kiss man. Can’t go wrong with ghost.

[@CelticDreamer]

LOVE Ghost!! They have so many great songs you need to react to as well. Square Hammer, Faith, Year Zero, Mummy Dust, Rats, and Hunters Moon to name a few. Enjoy!!

[@elrose171]

I didn't realize this was uploaded recently but I loved the video! Especially with the great explanation at the ending! I loved the way you touched on morality and spirituality. Especially the way manipulation can play a part in a lot of religions/spirituality and real life consequences like with politicians! The message on having that grounding within yourself was super important and I think this song is the perfect reminder of how easy it is for some people to be tricked into doing the bidding of others, the video itself shows that too! 😱

[@eriklauritzen6898]

Love seeing you dive into Ghost. Hope you do many, many, many more.

[@ViviFuchs]

Oh man, I love how you picked apart the song and all throughout I could see the joy you found in discovering something a little different from the rest. I also love how you picked apart lyrics and, with little background of the band, came to a really accurate interpretation of the lyrics and intention behind the band.

[@Ethic007]

I love, love watching people enjoy what Ghost is giving us.

[@quoting101]

I thoroughly enjoyed your breakdown of this song, and was so impressed how you were able to identify the key right off the bat! I loved your appreciation of all the intricate pieces that belong to this song. Can't wait to watch more of your videos!

[@Valasty]

Welcome to the world of Ghost :D

[@sreneethomas]

Yes! Hop down the GHOST rabbit hole! You will love all of it!

[@MattKrogmeier]

First time my wife and I saw Ghost live was at Liberty Hall in Lawrence, Doug! It was for this tour…and each time we’ve seen them, it’s been in bigger and bigger venues! Glad to see you diving in, because not a lot of reactors delve into the music theory part of what Tobias writes. Looking forward to this journey, and I hope you continue with it.

[@austux731]

I can't hold my tears back whenever I see them getting more recognition like YES, PLEASE REVIEW MORE OMG, there are so many older fans who complain that ghost has gotten worse but they put out THE BEST show live and every song of theirs I've downloaded was from a live performance, Tobias voice and the instrumentals are SICK and their music never gets repetitive

[@maxcasey5655]

Congratulations Doug, this was a very excellent discussion concerning the band and the song. Perhaps the best part of all was watching your face as the song unfolded, because your reaction was a lot like mine. I find Ghost to be one of the most interesting bands composing rock music these days, there are a lot of other songs of theirs that I think you will find equally interesting and intelligently composed.

[@John-do9ei]

I was turned on to Ghost when a friend told me they were crap, lol. I got about 20 seconds into the song Secular Haze and saw how the 6 count and the influence of maritime music created this disorienting bed for the theme of pop-cultural junk narratives clouding people's minds for coming of Satan. My thought was, "These guys are brilliant. I'm in on the joke." Great social commentary. And this song, how it figures the church as taking advantage of people's pain and trauma like an abusive partner. It's a great insight into how these things can operate in culture. I cite this song fairly regularly in academic discussions.

[@cedricprice120]

Wow! Probably the best first listen analysis of a ghost song, I'm really impressed!

[@scottd6334]

Best thing I ever heard about Cirice was that the guitars sounded "crunchy". it such a well written, subversive song. Tobias knows his music so well...Square Hammer is pop metal, Danse Macabre is a throwback to 80's hair metal, Kiss the go-goat is 60's acid music....and the covers of Jesus he knows me, and Its a sin are on point.

[@psuengineer84]

Watching your enjoyment of this gem was very rewarding. Keep up the good work.

[@WhispersInChaos]

Gorgeous review. This is a random suggestion but it would be amazing if you checked out the song Untouchable by Anathema. Or any of their songs really. Love your channel 😁

[@Lurch685]

Ohhh hell yeah. Can’t co-sign this enough times.

[@Salmacis99]

More Ghost....PLEASE! Thank you 🙂

[@nelax44]

Would love to see more Ghost!

[@ericaclark9155]

Omg! Huge Ghost fan and have seen almost every Ghost reaction....and yours is the best!! I really enjoyed your reaction. As a pianist and guitarist, I love your knowledge of the music and breaking it down. Thank you!

[@tancred12]

You were an absolute joy to watch. You're so annimated when trying to really truly understand how the song is played and what it means, and you just genuinely seem like a sweet guy. It always amazes me when people can listen to a song and just play it; I can't wrap my mind around that pure talent. Definitely subscribing (and Ghost is also the best band ever, lol).

[@VicNicGuitar]

Been waiting on some Ghost for AGES!! Good man. The can’s cracked open. I’m ready ! 🍻

[@dougjano]

Imagine doug reacting to the song He Is. Cant wait to see :)

[@pilgrimspromise1132]

More ghost! I love technical breakdowns more than the 500 other videos of people just enjoying the music without disevting it

[@wlbeneathify]

Ghost is like Black Sabbath and ABBA had a baby. Got to see them 24 June in Oslo. 40000 people singing : Hail Satan, Arcángel Lord!!! Under the Scandinavian sunny midnight was just so funny!!!

[@christoph_becker]

As always this was very insightful and an absolute joy to watch. Ghost is my favorite band from the last 20 years and I'm on board since the first album. It's really wonderful to see the appreciation they finally get. Thanks Doug for your open mind to new Music and Artists and your delightful way of putting complicated things like musical structure and spiritual into words that I can understand.

[@Peoe500]

This is my new favourite reaction/analysis video to anything I’ve ever seen. Lots of hard work put in here my good man. We thank you!

[@danielgower5531]

At last some Ghost, thank you Doug. If at all possible some Triumph before the year’s out 🤞

[@simonditheridge708]

more Ghost...yes please....'Dance Macabre' 'Rats' 'He is' or anything live....cheers !!!!!!

[@wbegnel1]

Doug, thank you for the heartfelt reactions! You covered my favorite Ghost song on your first reaction! Be sure to check out Square Hammer, Kaisarion, Dance Macabre and Monstrance Clock, some of my other personal favorites.

[@frostyusername5011]

dive into more Ghost please this was great!!