Ghost Square Hammer // Pastor Rob Reaction // Lyrical Analysis

[@roberthoughton7127]

It's been a crazy couple of months. Just about every single day involved a Doctor's appointment for my wife. We sure missed you guys and are glad to be back! Make sure you are following us on social media for almost daily content. Facebook: fb.me/PastorRobertH IG: instagram.com/pastorroberth/ Twitter: twitter.com/RobertDHoughton

[@saltyschmo]

glad to have you guys back!

[@deminybs]

praying for her (: she'll pull through , you should check Epica-Serenade of self destruction sometime

[@brodywinebrewer998]

It looks like you did get your success in music after all..? Just not the way you asked for it, but the gift none the less. “You’re on fire” father to the Son... I would maybe rethink that whole “selling your soul” thing you did

[@DickChisqo420]

So glad to see you guys back! #PrayingforYourFamily!

[@justindrouillard7237]

Praying for your wife brother! Believing for healing, no doubt Jesus is with tour ministry- keep fighting the good fight guys!

[@Handleofatleast3characters]

..."right here right now, before the Devil" Immediately takes his first note of the reaction video. I died laughing

[@TheJackTheLion]

SAME lol

[@randybonner9870]

Definition of on the level, is to be straight with someone . " Level with dude " .

[@pinehawk9600]

Same lol

[@billysgeo]

#triggered!

[@chupitolepame5357]

The same moment that I disliked the video hehe

[@Geeko170]

I think Year Zero could be an interesting one.

[@TrueVanguardhasterribletakes]

Geeko170 REAL interesting lol

[@thegoul8052]

Indeed it would lol

[@AphroditesCrush]

Poor Rob would implode. LOL

[@ejobenza]

Cirice would be a good one too.

[@CosmicG777]

@@ejobenza Love that one.

[@amandayoder3207]

This kid is low-key a Ghost fan but trying to not let his dad know lmao

[@DjDhampyr]

Dude for real lol

[@stephroz]

🤣🤣that's what I was thinking!

[@NM4E]

haha I was thinking the same.

[@robinkhoury5579]

LOL 😂

[@Bennettthefunk]

I made the mistake letting my insanely Christian parents know I’m a ghost fan. Being a Christian and a ghost fan is hard, but I shalln’t let it test my faith

[@idoalittletrolling4867]

I'm not Christian, but I have the ut-most respect for any Christian who can actually look into things that completely rebel their own beliefs, and don't scream hellfire and damnation. It shows some serious strength and mental fortitude for someone to be strong enough in their faith to look at something like this and not flip out. Props to you both!

[@elijahmccormick3360]

There’s more Christians like that than you’d think since as myself. The fire and brimstone types are usually more vocal. Music is a very special thing to most Christians. (At least the Christians I know) however I listen to secular music for the sole reason that its “nice” to do. It’s fun. But worship music is completely different to me.

[@idoalittletrolling4867]

@@elijahmccormick3360 Yeah, I know most Christians are just like everyone is else, it's the hellfire ones that give you guys a bad look sometimes. Music is super important to me, it's a good way to vent or just relax

[@maludaboin3491]

I'm Catholic and love Ghost. You're so right

[@christiandiehl6804]

I’m a Christian (both by name and religion) and this popped up on my dashboard because I love the band ghost 😂

[@Sarvlosify]

You share my viewpoint exactly! That's why I follow Rob's channel

[@grindstone4910]

1:38 "I'm actually familiar with them a little bit.." this dude is a closet Ghost fan for sure.

[@loganmcdowell1128]

Definitely

[@imbadatusernames9663]

For sure

[@jorgeabaezp9365]

Yah. He also made the blue oysrer cult comparison.

[@jorgeabaezp9365]

And he mentioned a cover they made... Non ghost listeners wouldn't even know this lol

[@nicktoth3994]

Lol what I love about Ghost is many of their haters think they're trendy and gimmicky with the theatrics and all and it's almost like it's "cool" to not like them because of that with no real merit. But that is the very thing that I think seemingly makes the haters tools as well because if we listen to something so brilliantly done like Meliora how can there be that much hate for the actual music??? Meliora is a masterpiece 😎🤘

[@wakeup1789]

“Not as heavy as I expected” sums up ghost in one sentance

[@rachelcatherine7363]

😂😂

[@jacksonlovett2]

I love the band. To best describe Ghost is to think that the Band kids and the Drama club merged. It's larping Rock style

[@meganhausman1443]

Up until Impera released, Mummy Dust was truly the only “heavy” song they had and even Papa acknowledged it. 😂

[@kevineldracher9422]

YEAR ZERO DOESN'T DO IT FOR YA?

[@bobstevenson8993]

Sir

[@AlfredSoul]

*the word "Devil" is used in the song *he takes out his pen and starts to write things down

[@therealgwade3032]

Alfred Soul that is exactly what I was thinking

[@ShyVioletIsShy]

Lmao, so predictable

[@jonathanrees325]

It was not the use of the word "devil". But the context of the lyrics.

[@AlfredSoul]

@@jonathanrees325 Well obviously. I just thought it was funny how he immediately picks up the pen after the word is spoken.

[@jonathanrees325]

@@AlfredSoul hes got to be on his toes! Lol

[@adamzappe199]

Tobias Forge says in an interview that he isn't going for satan in the biblical sense....but the pop culture reference of the devil

[@7pines77]

Adam Zappe I saw where he said that but he is a mason, and as a mason you do have to claim a god. It can be any god you chose, but you do have to claim and swear to god

[@ManaMastery]

Makes sense, because Satan doesn't actually show up very often in the bible. It's like 3 or 4 times total. Most of what people "know," about Satan is from extra-biblical sources. Even in this video, they claim Satan is the father of lies and said that, "you will become like god," to Adam and Eve. The serpent is not reffered to as Satan anywhere in the Bible. That misconception comes from John Milton's Paradise Lost.

[@flaffy6181]

@@7pines77 hes not a mason lol

[@70699]

@@7pines77 For the sake of argument, it depends on the chapters and obediences- the Grand Orient of France and Belgium (One of the biggest groups of lodges in continental Europe) requires religion to be banished from lodges and actually encourages atheism. However, if they do have a link to masonry it's probably the Scandinavian groups which are almost exclusively Christian and not even really open to other religions. Theology and religions' place in Masonry has always fascinated me and their relationship to religion really depends on the country they are in!

[@AronBuilds]

@@flaffy6181 freemasonsfordummies.blogspot.com/2018/12/death-metal-band-ghost-members-allege.html Here's an interesting article about it. It does not specify whether TF claims to be a Mason or not, regardless of that, it does specify that the Swedish Order of Masons is a Christian collective, for those curious about that. That article goes over quite a bit. There's disagreements everywhere about whether or not TF is a Mason, but if he is, and is within the Swedish Order, then he would have to be a Christian man, which may or may not have relevance to his music. His music has changed drastically so much over the years that it even contradicts itself, so I'd say we all just continue to go with what they've always said "It's just a good show with good music".

[@kameronmartin1395]

I’m a Christian and LOVE Ghost. This is this first video I’ve seen of another Christian looking at this band with open eyes. These two are true Christian’s. Not being judgmental but trying to understand the band and the lyrics.

[@GodofPainBelial]

Same. Just getting into them now as their sound had that "vintage" sound (as he stated in video), and for some reason that always threw me and made me think I wouldn't like their sound. But guess I'm here now, lol.

[@kameronmartin1395]

@@GodofPainBelial their vintage sound is a bit different lol. they have such a unique but nostalgic sound it’s hard not to get addicted to their music. Plus the lore that goes into the band with the different Papas and the ghouls is fun to learn. This band isn’t just theatrical but also story tellers with kick ass music taste.

[@amawyn8932]

@@kameronmartin1395 Exactly, Ghost is absolutely hilarious and is not in any way meant to be taken seriously. It's satire on top of some killer music, I love them

[@snowyrain5730]

Is this a trick statement? Do you "love" Ghost because as a believer in Christ, that's part of who you are? Or do you "love" Ghost because you're into their music - which includes their message? ... one of these is a very slippery slope....

[@kameronmartin1395]

@@snowyrain5730 I love Ghost because they are a kick ass band. They talk about extremely serious topics while keeping it funny. I love Ghost because they’re not afraid to talk about religious trauma in their music and to be true to their fans. My faith has nothing to do with me liking a band.

[@dougtube9870]

Sorry to hear about your wife’s health. I wish her all the best.

[@slitherelaine9808]

Dougtube even as a Satanist, I wish your family the absolute best. I would consider myself a LaVeyan Satanist but that doesn’t make me evil. I love people, regardless of our differences of opinion. That’s what Lucifer taught me. We are all masters of our own destiny and it is not my job to judge. It is my job to embrace those who think for themselves and respect those beliefs. Sounds strange, but reading the Bible as a child led me down this path and I am a more open minded and empathetic person than I ever was when I believed in a God.

[@nicktoth3994]

@@slitherelaine9808 I don't consider myself a satanist and believe people should be good to each other but not at the expense of self love and respect thinking making ourselves martyrs and our level of suffering is a measure of our goodness when it isn't. Your comment is interesting and I agree with it. I might be a Satanist without knowing lol

[@Clairevoyante]

@@nicktoth3994 Are you on the square? Are you on the level? :P Joking aside, you can identify yourself to what ever you like. :D

[@Sugsaggu]

I think you'll find interesting the songs "He is" or "Year Zero" from Ghost

[@ArgelTal_]

​@@jdhh1801 "just"? :D Actually its a bit more to them.

[@Sugsaggu]

@@jdhh1801 Well, I think it's more about art and a way of communicating his feelings about church and religion. Tobias Forge was raised in a Christian area and was exposed to movies and stories of Jesus. His mother was an artist and was not very religious but she presented church to him as more of an archeological or more museum-like institution, more from a historic perspective. He became "rebellious" due to a strict Christian teacher and his stepmother, an alternative to the oppressive ideologies of "not so nice" Christians. Despite all that, he doesn't identify strictly as anti-religious or even as an atheist. He claims he supports the right to believe in whatever one chooses, and believes in the existence of Jesus as a person.

[@Esmeagolly]

Jonathan Hendricks yes but what people forget is Satanic, doesn’t mean believing in satan, at all actually. They don’t believe in deities at all.

[@gabrielchcosta]

ritual

[@jdharris1739]

Esmee J ok but that’s not the point, I’m saying that the songs previously referenced have specifically satanic lyrics, I’m not talking about what ever their motivations or actual beliefs are

[@collinzink6081]

The reason why they wrote this song, was because they needed a good opening song at their concerts. Tobias Forge (lead singer) also says that it's also a good closer as well.

[@wealreadywon4530]

That's not why they wrote this song lol

[@lab1042]

@@wealreadywon4530 He says just that in this interview: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jH_NnmSwpblkfaM Starting around 1:50

[@melissaagosto9132]

I can get that because in concerts there called rituals and there trying to get us to join so towards the end of the “ritual” he’s asking us will we follow ❤️

[@murder_kitten_8469]

Yeah they closed with this, this tour in Saginaw

[@Sknabc]

They played this as their encore on Huntsville last year. Square hammer was the first ghost song I heard and it's what made me a fan. I cried hearing it at the end. It was just a perfect ending.

[@Soundninja247]

As someone who was raised Christian, and is now Agnostic, and is a HUGE Ghost fan, I have to say this is probably the most respectful and openly thought out reaction i've seen a Pastor have about Ghost. It's really nice to see someone both like the music, and also be able to crack it open and read into it in a way thats not just "ITS ALL SATANIC ITS ALL ANTI-CHRISTIAN" You're the first one i've seen figure out "It's satirical - it's kind of poking fun at Christianity"

[@griffisjm]

Why would you consider yourself agnostic? Do you really not know if there is a God or not it just would prefer it not be the case. I don't say that in a negative way, I'm just curious.

[@Soundninja247]

@@griffisjm Oh no, I know theres a god, but I also know and respect that there are tons of other religions and tons of other gods. But also i just cant really see myself following the Christian god? But also dont know or consider myself religious enough to follow any other god. I consider myself in this very grey area of "The world is too crazy and magical, and clearly something beyond us is out there, but who? And what? I cant know for certain, and I cant claim what others claim is fact or fiction, I simply exist and that's all I can do"

[@elrockerchido]

Me raised catholic and now agnostic and also Ghost fan, i gotta say that i clicked in this video for laughs but i was completely amazed at this pastors opinion... completely agree

[@griffisjm]

@@Soundninja247 a person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God or of anything beyond material phenomena; a person who claims neither faith nor disbelief in God. That's the definition of Agnostic so it seems you are not really agnostic. Seems to me you are struggling with whether the Christian God is the true God of the universe. The way you say you can't see yourself following the Christian God almost seems as if there is a certain sticking point that is bothering you. I really am curious as to why. May I suggest checking out this guy, he has hundreds and hundreds of videos that are extremely good yet deep discussions on the topic. Here is a video, check it out please for me. After all you should want to know truth and if Jesus is the Truth then is seems obvious that we should follow him even though its tough and not exactly what we want. If I can help in any way man let me know, we are talking about how we live our life and what we believe which is a very important topic. Check out cliffe though, give him a chance, if you like pastor rob you'll like him!! kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5zHe5qPj758rLM

[@griffisjm]

@@elrockerchido please check out what I just responded to the OP, I do believe your situation is similar.

[@GoogleVideoMan]

Ghost “He Is”

[@pennyrogers5251]

I had my mom listen to it..and she gets back to me..son that song is about god right? And she loved it...until I told her 🤣🤣

[@sickmary]

I think they should really go over this one. I've met a lot of people who don't understand the references which is unfortunate.

[@traveandre8877]

year zero?

[@attila769]

You told her it was about his brother that passed away and was a huge influence on his life?

[@John_Souls]

WITH a music video, so many peoples react to this without it, and miss a lot.

[@ravenfool13]

Pastor Rob I am not a Christian, but I'd come to your sermons.

[@renaissancebatman]

My man.

[@hughjanus1426]

Wisdom can come from anywhere.

[@MrZaney01]

I second that

[@stykze8620]

FR!! I have religious trauma from people forcing me to go and still forcing me to go to church, but this is one that i would be willing to go to or at least some of their bible studies if they host them.

[@Ebutuoymaii]

If you pay him money, you can come

[@agentwrench]

Papa: right here right now, *before the devil?* Pastor: *takes note of that*

[@Esmeagolly]

It is satire, it’s also kind of holding a mirror to religious constructs. Ps. Most satanists don’t “follow” Satan, they don’t believe in deities.

[@reid2402]

Both the church of Satan and the satanic temple don't

[@ericvalverderosado2046]

Satanic Temple actually goes for good stuff such as religious freedom

[@wolfthornnholtzklau4913]

Yeah they are Atheists. In my experience, very few theistic Satanists really exists.

[@ir1sh545]

Modern Satanism ye

[@wolfthornnholtzklau4913]

@bob dobs oh nice. Desparige someone else's beliefs for literally no reason. I'm a Norse Pagan myself but I respect Christianity, Judaism, Satanism, Islam, various Pagan Faith's. Don't be a prick my man. You're better than that.

[@synsam12345]

Fun fact: Tobias Forge (frontman of Ghost) is a freemason. He actually was in court at one point, and they almost had to redo the whole trial because one of the judges turned out to be in the same secret society as Tobias lol. It was The Swedish Order of Freemasons, which was founded in 1735 and is the oldest still active Swedish fraternal order.

[@lisasmith1458]

I read the same about the lead singer.

[@synsam12345]

@@lisasmith1458 The front man Tobias Forge is the lead singer.

[@BladeValant546]

Ehh just a weird thing

[@shawandrew]

It doesn't sound like this secret society is very good at being secret if its public knowledge who it's members are.

[@verynormalhumans4420]

From what I understand, Tobias' ex-bandmates claimed he was a mason. It's never been fully confirmed.

[@GenetMJF]

"Swear before the devil" *WRITES NOTES* UH OH x,D

[@jallen5263]

😆

[@danandersson7768]

The song HE IS definitely has shock value both lyrically and musically.

[@70699]

Saw them in concert, the crowd's response is just fantastic!

[@wolfhawk1999]

Yas! Definitely the video :)

[@kaaskop01]

HE IS might be more brutal to a priest tbh..

[@sirherothebrave]

More like sad, because it is about his dead brother who was his best friend. And as Cath said a big influence.

[@jacobhumphrey3535]

I've shown this song to a couple of religious friends that I have, and as soon as they heard "are you ready to swear right here, right now, before the devil?" they hated it and tuned it out. They didn't get that its a performance, that its theatrics. They immediately turned off instead of actually thinking about it and taking the song for what it is. Kudos to you two for using your brain and realizing that there's more to it than face value.

[@firefly44220]

Well dummy, of course they did. It’s asking to swear allegiance to the devil. That’s not performance art. It’s a great song but it’s dangerous and people like you make excuses for it. It is what it is

[@jacobhumphrey3535]

@@firefly44220 k

[@etiblmca9267]

@@jacobhumphrey3535 The song is literally talking about selling your soul to the devil... Think for a minute if the devil wanted as many souls in Hell as possible, telling people its "just an edgy ironic joke bro" is going to be much easier for him than saying out in the open it's literally eternal damnation.

[@mrn32ayw]

@@firefly44220 BAHAHAHAHAHAHA Dangerous???? If you think a song or lyrics can make you do dumb and dangerous things you're not able to reason. Religious people are whacko.

[@davediesel90]

The satanic panic is alive and well in the USA 😂

[@zeykriid]

With all the talk about it having a “60s surfer vibe,” you really need to hear “Ghuleh / Zombie Queen” by Ghost.

[@hennessymarlyn]

Ghule is one of my favorite songs, he should really review it!

[@realhippie5368]

certainly now the Seven Inches of Satanic Panic EP

[@christinedorbert4615]

Reminds me of a soundtrack to a Quinton Tarantino movie! Love it! ❤

[@rgweaver74]

Have to watch the live acoustic version, just so you can see Papa play the kazoo

[@MyNameIsBucket]

"My Girlfriend's Girlfriend" by Type O Negative.

[@jacobkeltz3584]

Someone called this Scooby-Doo metal and thats all I can think of when I hear Ghost's music

[@nitro_001newman2]

Jacob Keltz I can definitely see Ghost as special guests on Scooby Doo, playing their song, and the gang running from ghouls, phantoms, ghosts, and or vampires.

[@godlessfornicater]

Scooby-Doom (as I saw someone refer to them before.)

[@lennyryan5703]

Scooby-Doom

[@TheKoyotetracker]

Sound like BOC to me.

[@lancemannly]

I've heard them described as Sabbath meets Abba

[@stuartbixby]

I’ve been a Christian my whole like and I love this stuff! To me it’s just entertainment. I don’t care what they are saying as long as the music is good. Been a metal head since birth.

[@rotten_pupper]

it's incredible how the headbanging comes naturally to anyone listening to it lol

[@marcrussell54]

I think that this is fun and interesting. As fans, non-religious or religious, we put Ghost’s schtick down to satire and theatrics, while at the same time religious scholars, preachers etc, see satire and theatrics that use satanic imagery as a Trojan horse, a clandestine assault on a human psyche. I’m An atheist but I find that debate fascinating.

[@elijahmccormick3360]

Marc I don’t know how much you know about Christianity but the thing with us Christians is that it all comes down to spiritual maturity. There’s nothing literally wrong with drinking, Heavy Metal, or spending the night with a girlfriend. But are you spiritually mature enough to take part in these things and hold yourself accountable and not sin. If your mature enough to not put yourself in a situation where you will be tempted easily then sometimes you can enjoy some stuff like this.

[@dansweet2499]

I have a atheist friend from a Christian family he got me into SLAYER went to their concert in 2018 and we had a great time he told me I am probably the only Christian he would consider a friend, I am telling you music unites people of all different backgrounds

[@davidjenkins6634]

@@elijahmccormick3360 VERY well said!!! Props to you!!

[@etiblmca9267]

@@davidjenkins6634 "So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will." - 2 Timothy 2:22-2:26

[@KursedxMoon]

I am an atheist as well, BUt I do find the debate interesting as well!

[@Kiwi_DeFruit]

Ghost is the love child of Black Sabbath and ABBA and we are here for it😂💕... I think what people (like me, I'm agnostic) mean by "I don't want to be in heaven cause I don't want to be near God" is... If you never enjoyed being with God, then it would be terrible to stick to him for eternity. If I enjoyed sin all my life, that's what I want to do until I die... an eternity with someone who wanted me to suffer for his name (I didn't ask him to die for me) wouldn't be my thing... Referencimg Revelations 22:11.

[@stephentremblay1465]

One thing I like about your reactions is you dont pause the video every 5 seconds to disect those 5 seconds for 5 minutes and turn it into storytime.

[@spazemunky]

The singer/originator of this band said he read about these traveling troupes that used to put on these scary shows depicting the devil and evil as a way to deter those actions. Like in medieval times. He said they were like the first heavy metal bands. And he wanted to make a band that he thought would look and act the way those performers would today.

[@HoonAgain]

Well said. I haven’t heard that but it definitely sounds right. Tobias the lead singer and originator has awesome interviews on KZbin. He often tells of the performance being the act of music, including the total visual experience, being important. He references Alice Cooper, Kiss etc. Stage presence, stage persona’s that are completely separate from the people in the band off stage. Your point @spazemunky totally supports and reinforces that well. Thanks for mentioning.

[@DarthPoyner]

Except that those groups were telling of the folly and evil of the darkness and warned you away from them. Whereas Ghost's songs are glorifying the devil and darkness. Tobias also stated that their concerts are like the praise service of a church for the devil. Whether the man is truly wanting to spread satanism or just having fun, it is still dangerous glorifying the acts and life of Satan.

[@DarthPoyner]

@@HoonAgain You know how they say that a Joke is 50% truth? It's similar with storytelling and character creation. A large part of it comes from deep within you. So while I don't think that KISS are space demons or even take that seriously, there is something of that inside them that came out like that.

[@TheMenasaur]

WAIT GHOST IS A MODERN MYSTERY CULT???? LMAO????

[@Talon18136]

To be honest that sounds like something Tobias forge would do he is very much into the theatrics that’s why their identities were kept hidden as long as they could

[@MattKrogmeier]

I’m a born & raised Catholic...and I adore this band. It is absolutely theatrical and satirical band...they use the Christian and Catholic imagery because of the tradition and pageantry. This song, and the video in particular, are heavily influenced by Masonry...but that’s not the focus of the band or their style.

[@mrkillthecreeper7219]

Matt Krogmeier have we been watching the same ghost?

[@ratedredneck96]

Thats what the lead guy said but the have a song called ritual which has chants right smack in the middle of it that sound pretty legit evil sooooo imma go with what i heard and not what he says because like rob said they make it seem funny and light but God is not a joking matter. Its literally your eternity, either in heaven with Him or an eternity in hell with torment and eternal pain. Not something to take lightly at all

[@MattKrogmeier]

Mr Killthecreeper lol...yes. What I mean is, the “satanic” thing with Ghost isn’t to be taken seriously...at least, not to me. Ghost is about lampooning religion, and Tobias is hardly a practicing, theistic satanist. He uses religious imagery because he finds it both effective and beautiful. Again, that’s just my impression based on the interviews I’ve seen and read.

[@timdarnell7819]

They're a satanic cult so...

[@MattKrogmeier]

@@timdarnell7819 The Masons? Or Ghost?

[@Lybhrios]

"Year Zero" or "He is" could be a perfect song for analysis. Great video tho

[@BrennahAdrianna]

Voidstrugh he is !!!!! Pls

[@willhersey3884]

ARCHANGELOOOOOOOOOO

[@JamesIanni]

Agreed on Year Zero

[@snowdjagha]

"He is" would be absolutely perfect if they didn't know this band already.

[@Dioramarama_Collectibles]

If you ever have a chance to see Ghost in concert, do so... You will not be disappointed

[@omarpadilla4739]

Join the cult of exhaulting medicore pop rock.

[@ratstoes5053]

I did! good concert

[@Britton_Thompson]

Ghost is essentially one man-- Tobias Forge. Tobias writes the music, plays each individual instrument during the recording process, and sings the lyrics. The guys around him are called 'Nameless Ghouls'; which are all hired road musicians who make live performances possible since one man can't play every instrument and sing every lyric at the same time on stage. The thing to keep in mind with Tobias is that he's never gonna have a strict religion or anti-religion either way, despite some of the themes & ideas in his music. He's always open to having his mind changed no matter what, and has stated that despite the subject matter of his music, he's not an atheist, occultist or genuine Satanist by any means. He's never donned a cloak and sacrificed an animal to a pentagram for occult purposes or anything absurd like that. More than anything, he's just a damn good artist and businessman. He wants his band to be as big as it possibly can, and is kinda trapped in an awkward spot these days. He knows his band can only become so popular with the faux-Satanic imagery Ghost indulges in, but at the same time he also knows a large portion of his base are actual Satanists and will be outraged if he ever abandons the Satanic nonsense altogether. So he's kinda always having to thread a very precise needle with everything he does nowadays and the results can sometimes be a little unclear at times as to what his songs are really talking about and referring to.

[@willinillio3034]

J Bird cowbell and triangle ghoul > everything

[@thomasbaron5367]

I actually did not know that he played all the instruments himself Thats impressive af!

[@alexblake5730]

@@jbird7251 Yeah he's been the singer since the band's conception, he only changes masks/characters every album. As in Papa Emeritus I, II, III and now he's the Cardinal for their newer album Prequelle

[@porcelainchae]

He didn't play all the instruments and he said he didn't write any of the songs on the first 2 albums....

[@celoteck]

Wouldn't call him "trapped" lol. He tried differet things and still has side-projects. Also he's telling a bit of a "story". Every Album is a new style and a new "episode".

[@VME-Brad]

"On the level" is also an older way of saying someone is honest and forthwright. Also, WAY back in the day, swearing before the Devil was used in the same way the swearing before God was/is. The basic idea being that either God and/or the Devil is watching you swear that you are honest and they will have the appropriate response if you're lying. There's a lot of turns of phrase that originate in Christianity that no longer make sense if you don't know the history behind it. "Get thee behind me Satan" being the most obvious. by today's context you might think that person is willing to put themself in front of Satan, to defend him, but the actual meaning was that the person was rejecting Satan's temptation, telling Satan to "get behind them" was a way of stating their desire to move past his temptation.

[@mawningstarr]

"On the level" is more about being equal to everyone else (and not seeing yourself as being above or below anyone). Being "on the square" relates more to being honest and forthright👍

[@adamzappe199]

I grew up in ohio in the 70's. When someone one wanted to know if someone was telling the truth they would say, "Aee you on the level"?

[@DeadJesterCinema]

@@adamzappe199 yep - the term "on the level" was another way of saying "i'm being honest" - thats how i've always heard it used.

[@rayjohnson6912]

The square and the level is also the Freemason symbol

[@diverdown81]

As a former freemason, the OP is correct.

[@mikel1804]

I have tried my whole life to get my father to say he's proud of me. He has only said it once. And here Rob says it twice in one short video... Not sure how I feel, but so strange to me

[@shawnhampshirehick101]

No worries mate. My father has NEVER said anything positive, nor really negative. I did not become the "sport's player" he wanted me to be. FUK it Mike & make yourself your own person to be proud of & be a great person that people respect & will be "proud" of your life & actions.

[@shalenawhite]

I'm proud of you

[@alejandralpz7684]

Year Zero, They'll have a heart attack just like almost everyone the first time we heard it But now I'm a huge Ghost Fan lol

[@stephenlong9806]

Saw Ghost Live in the Hershey center. Let me tell you, you haven't live until you have 50k people chanting 'Heil Satan'

[@Fartsmellahashsella]

@@stephenlong9806 this past October?

[@stephenlong9806]

@@Fartsmellahashsella hell yea.

[@JamesIanni]

Agreed.

[@AceJams]

Their whole thing is satire, Tobias Forge laughs when people suggest they are devil worshippers.

[@callmeNoro]

@Crystal Kanashii yes but not the Satan worshiper

[@callmeNoro]

@Crystal Kanashii not all Satanists worship Satan. They're called the LaVey Satanism, look it up.

[@gabewilliams7462]

@Crystal Kanashii do you?

[@kyrisgaming]

@Crystal Kanashii Satanist here; the vast majority of us are actually atheists. Myself included. We don't worship satan as a diety, we don't believe in gods or devils in a literal sense. Rather, it's more of a code of conduct and way of living. Satanism teaches, using the least amount of words possible. "be kind, but take no shit".

[@PsycHoOone]

@@kyrisgaming Yeah, the nice mix of humanism and eye for an eye :D do no shit, take no shit and reversed!

[@timothyweesner6286]

The Ghost appearance, is all about shock rock. Just like KISS, Alice Cooper, W.A.S.P. Etc! Same thing with the lyrics. It’s just a form of entertainment. Glad you saw it for what it is. Tobias, the skeleton pope, writes everything, plays almost every instrument in the studio himself, and sings all the parts himself. Genius!! He’s just expressing his opinion of organized religion, as he sees it. He just does it on albums, as opposed to from a pulpit!

[@alexanderson7101]

Definitely doesn't play everything lmao. Tobias was the vocalist and guitarist for death metal band Repugnant, guitarist for Crashdïet, and also Onkel Kånkel. The genius of his current band is the anonymity of the ghouls and ghoulettes. Many, many big names from other groups have collaborated with Tobias and contributed to the studio albums. The live shows then can be performed by essentially any trained musician capable of playing the part. Tobias' role now is as a writer, singer, and actor. He does not play any instruments in any Ghost songs.

[@dsmembereddreams]

Side note: I HIGHLY suggest reading into the backstory of the band. It will help answer a lot of the questions you have about the band and their lyrics.

[@ArgelTal_]

But maybe AFTER hearing some more songs ... just to get mind blown a bit more. :D

[@famineinfernal1]

this will probably show how new I am to them but... THEY HAVE A STORY?! :o fuck yeah reading time >:3

[@famineinfernal1]

@stardust MOCs still interesting I mean I like them might as well know where they coming from

[@2yoyoyo1Unplugged]

famineinfernal1 he meant the actual behind the scenes stuff, but the band itself has lore and a storyline

[@marchmont5918]

Gotta agree with everyone else here: anything by Ghost is great, but “Year Zero” really encapsulates a lot of their brand.

[@hownd2597]

Are we listening to same band? Year Zero does not encapsulate their theme at all anymore. Their first two albums were have a much different tone then the two, both being a bit more direct in its lyrics and harping much more on actually worship satan. Their 3rd and especially 4th moves away from this, the former still holds some of the darker themes in one or two songs. But in the most recent album it really shows that Tobias is trying to move a bit away from the whole worshipping satan tone. Why I don’t know, possibly because they will be easier to market while still holding that almost evil villain look or something other.

[@nicksweden709]

@@hownd2597 wooosh

[@kredonystus7768]

@@hownd2597 I don't think they are moving away from "hail satan" and are just getting way more subtle. Going down a heavy metal hail satan route is preaching to the choir (pun intended). They are now trying to draw in a crowd that isn't already balls deep in satanic vibes.

[@Mandoland73]

The way the chorus opens up is huge. Especially live. Holy f#+k the video I have of people singing along is so intense & full of positive energy & everyone at the show was super kind. As far as lyrical content, nicely written. The Devil isn’t necessarily the Devil but symbolic of one’s own conscience. Ultimately, we all choose our own morals be it deemed immoral to those harmed as a result. Whatever. Great song, great band, & spectacular show!

[@ArgelTal_]

Next on the List of Ghost should either be "He Is" or "Cirice" imho.

[@brandenschaefer4674]

Cirice is great! I'm a newer fan of Ghost tbh but so far I haven't heard a bad song from them!

[@KyleS.1987]

I honestly think they'd be totally on board with the message of the "He Is" video.

[@ManaMastery]

Cirice is a weird one, there's not really anything inherently Satanic about it, maybe the line, "I know your soul is not tainted, even though you been told so." That's really about it. Cirice could just as easily masquerade as a love song.

[@jackcoleman8173]

Hey Robert im not religious but i respect what your doing and love the content and love how you keep an open mind to music that talks about the opposite of what you believe! keep up the good work!

[@fatalrob0t]

This song tickles me because my grandparents were masons and they got really annoyed with any of the conspiracies that surrounded freemasonry. Needless to say, when I first heard it I started cracking up laughing. I wish I could show it to my grandma and see if she'd get the joke too.

[@areydas5112]

Tobias is a Freemason

[@demerytaylor]

Two points: 1.) This song really makes me think about "Vengeance (The Pact)" by Blue Oyster Cult. Great call-out. 2.) While I appreciate and respect the Pastor's thoughtfulness and his Biblical message, I think he was looking too deeply into the lyrics. Based on what I have heard and seen from Tobias Forge (Ghost's lead singer and writer) I think the answer could be as simple as "it's about a vampire." The video is pretty reminiscent of the classic silent film Nosferatu. The lyrics could very well be "a vampire hunter seeks magic power to defeat a vampire."

[@buddamassa]

Agreed...when I first heard this song that's what popped in my head...video pretty much confirmed it..Bob follows rabbit trail..

[@callmeNoro]

Ghost are not really satanists, they're performers like in a theater. They're latest gigs kinda confirms it, he dresses as Edgar Allan Poe and they always do the theatrical reverence at the end. But you came to a Pastor's analysis, obviously he's gonna criticize it from his religious perspective, which is really interesting, as an atheist myself, this was very refreshing to hear honestly.

[@wolfhawk1999]

I dunno, dude. It seems like everything in that song has a double meaning

[@princeofrain1428]

@@callmeNoro Tobias Forge is and has been a Satanist since he was young. Much of their music is genuine worship of the devil.

[@RikFTK]

If you ask Tobias Forge why he wrote a certain lyric, his reply will most likely be "because it rhymed and it sounded cool". Looking any further into it is nuts.

[@samhouston1979]

Oh i cant wait for you to do “He is” or “Cirice” by Ghost! God Bless your wife in her fight

[@thedebatehitman]

I’d love to have a coffee with you two. You seem like really cool, loving, and open-minded Christians.

[@BedtimeStoriesTheBand]

Glad your back missed you so much im prayinh for your wife wish the best

[@roberthoughton7127]

Thank you for the prayers.

[@genxlibertarian9656]

As a Christian who really enjoys Ghost's music, and metal in general, it's pretty sobering to break down the lyrics and parse what is real and what is lie. Thank you.

[@dizziemisslizzie4040]

First of all this isn't metal! That is a joke. Ghost is about the most blasphemous shit band I have ever heard.

[@Stupendous_Stuff]

“It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools”.

[@Clairevoyante]

It sure takes some courage to listen to music and lyrics that might confront some deeply held beliefs. I personally identify profoundly with this song as it's a symbolic way to explain my desire to finally stand up for myself as an atheist. Some people use the symbolism of Satan (or the devil or lucifer or you name it) to represent their own standoff against Christianity. I think it's pretty effective. Why not. I also believe most satanists do not believe in a literal Satan. On another note, I hope your wife is recovering well.

[@robin_________]

you're correct, a lot of satanists like me do not believe satan is an actual being, there are thiestic satanists who actually do believe satan is an actual being but most satanists ive seen are athiestic :)

[@streetmagik3105]

It's not the end of someone's life, it's the end of the main character Papa Emiritus, the guy with the skull face paint. You'll notice a red cardinal at the end of the video, on a cross. This is referencing the new main character coming in, Cardinal Copia. Tobias Forge, the lead and Ghost Mastermind, is totally in on all the scoby Doo jokes, and other inside goofiness. It's just a gimmick and excuse to make the style of music he wants. He's not a satanist--hes said before he is agnostic.

[@verkpunk]

"Not as heavy as I expected" -everybody who listens to Ghost.

[@hellscrtions]

As a ghost fan. I'm actually very happy to see people with different religion react to ghost and not be judgment towards the song and what Tobias put in and what the band stands and the background story is,

[@cryogenocide]

Ghost - Bible is a must now!

[@kimeklund8880]

Grant Evans : Yea they need to do that One 🤘

[@Pappakropp]

It's a cover though.

[@cryogenocide]

@@Pappakropp So? Coming from a band of their aesthetic I feel they would find it interesting.

[@WhileAKyle85]

I love how the video for Square Hammer is like an homage to Metropolis the 1927 sci-fi classic! And I love both Ghost and Metropolis! 🖤

[@mitchconner2021]

Can't deny these guys are very talented musicians. I love Tobias and Ghost. Awesome band.

[@dakrisis]

You're right, but Ghost is not a band, really. Tobias Forge is the only musician (except drums) and singer on the records and he writes all the parts (including drums). All the musicians that do work with him (for live performances, music video's etc.) perform anonymously in masked outfits.

[@ShadowReaver573]

Ghost--From the Pinnacle to the Pit

[@jerm154]

Sarnaut Explorer love that song!

[@andyj6384]

This is definitely a lot less ambiguous of a song. It’d make a great reaction.

[@MrGarccia]

Yeah! It's basically making the history of lucifer more... How can I say... Heroic, or epic in a classic Greek culture way

[@MrGarccia]

I mean, mythical

[@EvlixManiac]

and any thing from tool's new album

[@chrisdunlap5482]

Theatrical is the best way to describe it! They are definitely a strange combination of great songs and an almost reverent satire of the overly Satanic music of the 70's and 80's. Their albums are really like loose stories about the end of the world. Regardless, great to have you back and I would also love to hear you listen to Cirice. Best wishes to you and yours.

[@Dutcharmytent]

You actually nailed it 100%. Very few people know the meaning of the words used in the way they are laid out but you are correct that masonry was used as the basis of the song .

[@ryanjones6127]

Wow, I never thought I'd see a parallel between Square Hammer and the gospel! I'm a Christian and I love metal music. I really appreciate your balanced take and discernment on these songs. It's refreshing to see how you appreciate that the songs are great and enjoyable, even if you don't agree with their message and don't think it's wise to emulate the bad life decisions of the musicians. Keep it up! 😁

[@sinisterthewretched2003]

I love how they were like " this could be it, but who knows"

[@Boaty]

The members of Ghost aren't religious, the point of their music is to (sometimes playfully) explore the darker sides of Judeo-Christian mythology.

[@chembabe8264]

I feel, much like many other bands they play up heavily on religious references as a way to kind of make fun of it and trigger those who are religious. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@TECfan1]

Tobias is most likely agnostic. He mentioned that he'd like to believe in something, though his logic tells him not to. But that he kind of does think there has to be something out there. I'm paraphrasing, but he said something like that in an interview.

[@TECfan1]

@@chembabe8264 Nah. He doesn't try to make anyone angry intentionally. It's more about making people think and entertainment. There was an interview he gave where he said he doesn't enjoy making people angry. Look up the Tobias Forge interview on Ash channel. He explains a lot of his person beliefs and goals of the band.

[@DESTRUCTIONKATCHUP]

The devil's greatest trick was convincing the world he does not exist... And that those who are in his service are not really in his service. Some of them play that game wittingly, some have no idea.

[@zamaz1337]

Tobias talked about Being a satanist as a teenager much duo to his step Mother Being a priest, he talked about This on a swedish radio program

[@briangregory8223]

It's an incredibly complex song lyrically and the video simply adds more layers. If I had to boil it down, I'd say it comes down to "If you say something, you'd better make sure you mean it because there will be consequences, good or bad, your words count." The speaker in the song questions the allegiance of the one to whom he speaks and the implied answer to his questions, all boiling down to again, do you mean what you say, is no.

[@sergejmiladinovic1181]

Additional 5 must-listens for Ghost: -Year Zero -Ritual -Monstrance Clock -Faith -Rats

[@pengu41n]

i wanna hear what they have to say abt monstrance clock ...

[@CCSierra]

Cirice!!!

[@Eric_01]

@@CCSierra I was checking the list to see if that was on it. Well played.

[@Toyboxproductionsca]

Rats for sure 🫶🏽

[@controversyV4S]

Ghost is such an amazing band

[@smithintern-tainment7868]

A lot of their music aren’t meant to be taken seriously/literally. They’re not trying to convert you into satanism. If you watch some of their interviews they’re all about spreading joy. Plus their huge fans of horror movies. Now, with all that said, I’m coming from the perspective a big fan of them and I know you’re coming from a very different perspective. I can respect that. Referring it as poison did kinda rub me the wrong way.

[@eventhoresen9541]

Finally an upload, i have been dying without your videos. I would like to suggest a song by Maynard James Keenan, its from the band Puscifer and the song is called "The humbling river"

[@dawnofmars]

Even Thoresen x1000 this.

[@elsieoliver1671]

Heck yeh!!!

[@maianation]

This song is beautifull. Also Green Valley from them.

[@xKapnKrunch]

Just about anything by them... Telling Ghosts is one of my fav. And balls to the wall though that's a cover. Just love his voice in it.

[@lgduncan3341]

Theirs alot of great puscifer songs. Lol

[@keldrifdarkflame8364]

Ghost covered 'Here comes the Sun' by The Beatles

[@punkfairyjholmes5704]

Also "Its a sin" - Pet Shop Boys and "Crucified" - Army Of Lovers

[@sethfryslie2002]

And "machinery man"

[@dilligaf25015]

They also covered ABBA, “I’m a Marionette” and Roky Erikkson “If You Have Ghosts”.

[@scorpio1689l]

It just occurred to me that "square" and "level" could be references to Freemasonry

[@sirbader1]

The square hammer text in the beginning is shaped like a square and compass.

[@seasonalgent8479]

Ghost has its own lore, a very satire, dark view into religion. Definitely one of my favorite bands of all time, glad you took the time to listen and look into them.

[@IsoscelesKramer1]

This is the best breakdown to the lyrics of this song that ive come across. nice job. thank you.

[@thomasswasey3023]

Pastor rob let me start by saying I love your insights on music and your open mindedness. I used to be Christian. I was raised that way. I went to seminary to become a Baptist preacher and what I learned put me back to my Norse roots. I have questions. But dont know how to reach you to ask. I have tremendous respect for you because of your open mind. You sir are a true Christian. Not many live the life... I'd live to see some reactions to bands like amon abarth from my religion many crack the sky or pursuit of vikings

[@joshflores3979]

SONG SUGGESTIONS: He Is, Life Eternal, Year Zero -Ghost As a satanist, we don’t worship nor do we submit to Satan; Lucifer, the devil, is used as a reference/model/guideline to living your life the way you chose to live it since he has rebelled against the lord/the law/the you HAVE to live this way according to this book or you will be punished for it. Satan is used as a symbol like Jesus and the crucifix. Satan represents opposition to all religions which serve to frustrate and condemn man for his natural instinct. He has been given an evil role simply because he represents the carnal, earthly, and mundane aspects of life. We are Satan only for being animals and having the instinct to sin and knowing right from wrong. You can not, nor are you required, to sell your soul to any entity or demon. One must show dedication to self, for we are satan ourselves; our own god. We do not pray and wait with patience for things to happen, we make them happen one way or another. No sacrifice of animals, including humans, are required to be a satanist either. You don’t have to summon the dark prince to do things, you do them yourself. The concept of selling your soul is a mockery to the church as one who follows Christ must mold themselves into the “perfect” image that is presented in the bible, or the consequences of not doing so are to suffer in a pit of fire and brimstone for all eternity. “Satan has certainly been the best friend the church has ever had, as he has kept it in business all these years. The false doctrine of Hell and the Devil has allowed the Protestant and the Catholic Church to flourish far too long. Without a devil to point their fingers at, religionists of the right hand path would have nothing with which to threaten their followers. “Satan leads you to temptation”; “Satan is the prince of evil”; “If you give into the temptation of the devil, you will surely suffer eternal damnation and roast in Hell.” The semantic meaning of Satan us the “adversary” or “opposition” or the “accuser.” The very word “Devil” comes from the Indian Devi which means god.” -The Satanic Bible

[@Zandman26]

Was also going to point this out. This is however the issue with many theists, they critique other religions than there own without really having a understanding of them.

[@NovusIgnis]

Just a few sentences in so that's all I'm commenting on: It doesn't really matter how you want to dress it. Muslims say that they're spreading the word of Allah, but they're called to do so through violence and subjugation and force in their own book. It doesn't matter how you want to dress it, facts are still facts: lucifer didn't rebel against God because he wanted to live life his way. He rebelled because he loathed the idea of God loving humans more than him. It was sheer pride and petty jealousy, nothing more. So no matter how you dress it and how you want to phrase it so you can feel better, that's what you're supporting. Pride and jealousy. Hatred and rage. If you believe anything else then you just drank the kool-aid.

[@joshflores3979]

NovusIgnis Thank you for your comment; Lucifer had the job to report any human delinquencies to God. I do agree that Lucifer was prideful, and I condone pride, it’s a sin that keeps your head up and you don’t allow yourself to settle down for less (ambition). He was jealous, but not of the love god had for the people, but vise versa. The angel of the Morningstar was gods favorite! Lucifer wanted the role of god for himself, to sit on the chair of the big chief. He wanted to have the power and the humans. That’s why he was fought and kicked out of heaven, thus being a fallen angel (along with the followers) Satanists don’t worship Satan; nothing like some Muslims, whom you’ve given as an example and which I agree with, so you can’t compare them to us. We don’t condone harming others just like that to get a point across. We show kindness to those who show kindness to us; if we show kindness and you don’t return nor respect our curtesy, you will be hurt!

[@joshflores3979]

Zandman26 Thank you for the comment; I agree with that and I respect others who have a better knowledge of the subject, or in this case religion, before spreading out their ignorant (not having enough or no knowledge/idea of the subject) opinion. One can not claim a satanist is such a way because the church has portrayed us to be, without getting to know a few satanists or have ever read the book.

[@NovusIgnis]

@@joshflores3979 Pride is a sin for a reason. It doesn't keep your head up, that's hope. It doesn't keep you aiming for loftier goals, that's simply using the gifts God gave you, as He Himself counseled us. Pride is nothing more than the belief that you're better than everyone else, above reproach or recrimination. Pride blinds people to their faults and leads them down worse paths because they can't bear the thought of asking for help from anyone since they're lesser. Pride is no good thing. Furthermore, no it's pretty much that lucifer was simply jealous of us because God loved us more than him. And as for Satanists, anyone that does not follow the Father follows Satan. It's really that simple. Because to not follow God is the path that Satan laid down, so for anyone to refuse to follow God, they will by default choose Satan instead. If you don't recognize that that's who you serve, then all that makes you is a really bad Satanist.

[@PatrickHolensaber]

We missed you! Welcome back, and a good choice on the video

[@roberthoughton7127]

We missed you also!

[@GeraldHauge]

I love the Blue Oyster Cult reference. Totally agree. This was the first Ghost song I heard, and became a huge fan.

[@gareththeblue9014]

I once heard someone describe ghost as blue oyster cult meets merciful fate....I would say with a lil Abba thrown in

[@readwellwritewell]

Its a commentary on pop culture and its ills. The entire thing they do about "the coming of satan/antichrist" is essentially them foreshadowing their own rise to fame - the entire second album is essentially a statement on how big they intend to become. This song is about whether or not you are completely prepared to swear allegiance to Ghost, who have cast themselves as the Devil or, the problem with pop culture personified. That people just see the whole "devil" thing and actually believe this is about religion in any way shape or form is incredibly funny to me. Its obviously not. Its about human willingness to submit to anything flashy, they knew they were going to be big after their first album so they began thinking of the band within a narrative structure rather than just "lets do this album." Its very obvious to anyone willing to take some time to understand the lyrics, analyze the music videos and I mean just go to a show and keep track of the evolution of the band - it becomes incredibly obvious that it has little to do with religion and more to do with pop culture. Its art in the same way that Rammstein is art, only Rammstein didn't engineer every aspect of their music and image until much later in their career when they knew they were a big thing. Ghost did it after the first album - which I do believe was only ever intended as a one off thing with some shows attached to it - but then it caught fire and they expanded the mythos and started telling a story that nobody is paying attention to. And that is the curse of great art. Few people ever pay close enough attention to notice the intention behind all the flashy stuff.

[@theoduch5051]

It is so true there's a Scooby-Doo thing going on, I can't unsee it now haha xD

[@LordDarque]

it was the electric organ that brings out the 60's vibe.

[@sarahsullivan5270]

I really like seeing religious people react with such open mindedness to bands like Ghost because if you don’t understand that it’s mostly theatrics then it’s really easy to just judge it simply by their lyrics instead of looking deeper at it, also I appreciated the look at it with the Masonic aspect that helps me to understand the lyrics a bit better

[@intiminali3343]

I would love to hear your thoughts on more songs by Ghost

[@HensleyCaleb]

WOW!! Thank you for the preaching! You have renewed my desire to follow Christ for today! Tomorrow will have its own troubles and i will hope to hear your preaching again. Im glad i watched this video. Thank you. Prayers and Hugs for you and the wife

[@jacobjohnson1504]

Could we get a reaction to “God is Dead” by Black Sabbath?

[@Doomer610]

Jacob J that would be great

[@MIZORAM_mafaka_hnamte]

there is Question mark (?) at the end

[@connerwilson2357]

It is a question.

[@ArgelTal_]

Motörhead "he was never on your side" ... would be a really interesting reaction.

[@jacobjohnson1504]

MIZORAM - Mafaka Hnamte sorry, I forgot to add it. That’s why I would like to see a reaction. What seems like an anti-Christian song in the beginning is anything but

[@thunderheadjones9920]

Listening to Ghost is like watching an old Hammer horror film. Not to be taken so serious.

[@jeremys8772]

Being a Mason, the Square and Level are working tools. We are all equal. There is no hierarchy. I don’t understand the part about the devil. Masonry is not a religion. I’d be happy to talk more about the subject. Love your videos! God Bless.

[@zidanadjiprasasty4826]

✨️

[@zidanadjiprasasty4826]

✨️

[@rowanrobinson]

Yeah I was wondering why he was leaning so much on freemason imagery and 'religion'. It's clearly not

[@jordanbowman9003]

As a ghost fan, a Christian and a Freemason I must whole heartedly agree

[@Dylansallgood]

Welcome back!

[@roberthoughton7127]

Glad to be back! It is such a blast listening to these songs with you all in mind. It's an experience like no other.

[@MrMonkeyCommander]

I'm not a Christian at all, but you gave some very insightful takes on the lyrics. You were also extremely fair considering your perspective. Great video overall

[@GallowayJesse]

Ghost: Are you ready to swear right here right now before the devil Preacher: frowns & writes something on his notepad

[@killerchansey4938]

Also your son is correct Ghost covered "Here Comes The Sun" by The Beatles

[@roberthoughton7127]

Cool. We’ll have to check it out.

[@kristofferrosvall8709]

But Ghost styles it as Here Comes the Son. As in antichrist.

[@TheWolvesCurse]

they changed all the major chords to minor, so their cover sounds quite different from the original.

[@jesatanus]

They also covered "If You Have Ghosts," by Roky Erickson.

[@shellyporebski1136]

Yup. And Ghost also covered Pet Shop Boys "It's a Sin". Fair warning - that tune will get stuck in your head.

[@rokuthy]

Ghost - Zenith you’d be one of the few reactions to a niche song that’s possibly one of their best

[@ooo_Kim_Chi_ooo]

I grew up Catholic and Ghost speaks to me in so many ways. I have respect for people who have faith, but I had an extremely negative experience in the Church both as a Catholic and with my long term ex who was a Christian.

[@mrd4785]

The guy who started Ghost had a brother that took him to Scandinavian black metal concerts as a small child. To most it is just an aesthetic of rebellion and they don't literally mean what they're saying. Alice Cooper and lots of others admit this.

[@BreezyGamer92]

Ghost - Dance Macabre is my favorite ghost song. I have to hear it now, lol

[@RoshenCarman]

Gotta say, I like your comments sections. Lots of different opinions and ideas. 🎉 nice work keeping it curious and open enough for everyone.

[@amcclenny6]

I love that, in keeping with the 1970's sort of overall sound of the band, their primary medium for physical albums is classic vinyl, as opposed to CD's. That was an absolutely genius move.

[@anac704]

For the first time, I saw someone like you describing the concept exactly how it is. Also, the exploration of the masonry symbolism is very accurate and I thought the same. Everything is theatrical, they work around with satire and they do that job damn well. Great video. Thumbs up from a non-Christian woman and super fan of ghost. Keep going. Cheers! Ps: please consider on reacting to other Ghost's song called Mary on a cross!!!

[@SabracadabrO]

“Are ready to be honest with yourself”is the message here folks…

[@j.r.242]

Love these honest reviews from a different point of view than my own. Discussions like these are what we all need.

[@void_hunter94]

"Are you on the square? Are you on the level? Are you ready to swear right here, right now Before the Devil?" Basically, are you willing to swear before the Devil that your honest & level? Because if you swear & you're found not honest, the Devil will deal a harsher punishment then your God. Your God will forgive if you repent for being dishonest, but the Devil never forgives

[@skeetzo]

This actually kinda makes sense haha

[@halesentertainment2334]

The devil has no power over that. All judgement is to God.

[@cameronneely640]

Or it's all bullshit and you've all been duped.

[@matthewharrison679]

From my understanding, the only real requirement to become a Freemason is that you have faith. You cannot be an Atheist. The point of "are you willing to swear before the Devil" here is the idea that someone joining a Lodge has to swear by what they hold as their highest spiritual authority.

[@lynnpayne9519]

In Freemason lore, as in early Mormon Temple rites thier is a man who is called " the devil". He is sort of a master of ceremony. He has perspective members make oaths. He reads passages.

[@chadbennett7873]

Having been raised Christian, I find it interesting to watch Christians react to anything that doesn't agree with their dogma. As Friedrich Nietzsche said: "There are two different types of people in the world, those who want to know, and those who want to believe." I'm in the first group. From the lyrics, as a Freemason, I can affirm that Tobias Forge has some knowledge of Freemasonry, whether it be from within or from without, I am not sure. One thing that is completely obvious to me is that they are satirically addressing the structure of the business of religion over the faith. The business of faith is absolutely frightening to me, and the control that religion has over the thoughts and actions of people, especially in America, is of great concern. Most people don't remember that the United States was founded by people essentially chased out of their European homelands for radical religious beliefs. They brought those beliefs to their new homeland, and I feel they have continued to this day, and have only become more radical. I appreciate your approach to your analysis and you are mostly accurate in your Masonic comments, and the conspiracy theories are what they are, made up by people who choose to believe rather than know. One of the three major requirements to be a Mason is a belief in a higher power, or God, and hence your religion is your choice. The other two are adherence to the law (no felonies) and age. In listening to Tobias in interviews, I see him as an educated man who is, indeed, using satire to make his point and the references are very much as you stated. They are anything but actual Satanists, and are not the first successful band to be attacked by religious organizations. It doesn't help them in the collection plate.

[@MrCopenhagen113]

It's all satire with this group.

[@jasengroves5981]

100% Satire. Unfortunately a lot of the kids listening to it don’t realize that. It’s like Alice Cooper in the 70s. Just doing things to sell albums. When the band takes off the make up, the satire ends.

[@JonesCrimson]

Really unfortunate Rob doesn't even realize what is being satirized in this video. He thinks they're calling upon the devil on their deathbed in the lyrics, but they're actually calling upon god and being made to swear before the devil (who would be their punisher if they lied.) So it's actually satirizing the church of Freemasons and not satanism.

[@EngelinZivilBO]

If you can justify listening to them with this exploration, I don't mind