The Controversial Rise of GHOST (what were they hiding?)

[@ThePunkRockMBA]

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[@noisepollution6761]

What about tom McDonald and the industry plants? I guess if there's anything in it it's up to me. Also big bands nirvana megadeth getting sued even though unsuccessful the damage is already done. Just doing my best 🎭🌻🎯

[@bobmathews3349]

An ad for skincare on a video about Ghost ??? Truly the End Times are here ..

[@skc1003]

Is 70 your birth year?

[@happrah]

Like calling Kiss metal. I consider them the modern day Kiss

[@DasGigPig]

Agreed. Unless metal is digressing which we all know it isn't, when I hear Ghost, metal is simply not what comes to mind.

[@Rene9adeSU]

My Favorite thing about Ghost is that they pretend to have been around since forever with some of their EPs being "re-releases" from their "old vinyl records". They don't take themselves too seriously and just have fun rocking their concept. makes the live shows an absolute blast too!

[@RonniieSlays]

When they do re-releases it means they now own the rights to their music. Just letting you know that.

[@s_u_l_f_u_r]

@@RonniieSlaysIn their case they announced the “re-release” of 7 Inches of Satanic Panic… The first time they dropped it. Because it’s supposedly an EP that came out in the 60s.

[@the.autumnal_reaper]

all the "rereleases" are only called that for lore. 7 inches was Nihils album from the 60s that he rereleased for it's anniversary, but to people who haven't went into the lore it's still just a new album.

[@juanitahile837]

That's so true . I feel like some people take them too seriously

[@user-11Il10I1]

I only come across to this band now and I saw comments saying "... 55 years ago" 😂 I was bamboozled thinking they are form in the 80s or 70s

[@neonspec]

Another thing that has made them so successful? They’re absolutely killer live. The ghouls (no matter who happens to be playing) are always incredibly tight, Tobias is incredibly charismatic as a performer and the theatrics and presentation make their eerie yet catchy songwriting even more captivating. Without a doubt one of, if not THE most enjoyable shows I’ve been to.

[@Scriptadiaboly]

Actually not every time, saw them before Metallica and that was kinda pathetic. They weren't ready for stadium

[@dopefiendlarz133]

Love the loyalty of fans

[@mattmiller4516]

They were killer in Indianapolis last year!

[@romulowz5]

100% this, they were fantastic in Sao Paulo last year, so freaking awesome.

[@cyrollan]

i can't disagree that they're good live. BUT (yeah i'm a metal elitist who cares) you see them once, you've seen them a hundred times. IMHO it's too well-oiled of a machine. i need a little messiness in a live show.

[@dalenewberry4610]

One thing I have loved at least about their live shows is Tobias/Papa’s sense of humor as illustrated by the between song banter.

[@SpicyMctyson]

That makes me think of cradle of filth. Front man stayed in death metal character through extensive monologs. Really loved it

[@elizabethdihel2631]

@@SpicyMctyson yes, Danny Filth is an awesome person.

[@elizabethdihel2631]

He's a great showman, and sexy as hell! The whole band oozes sex appeal!

[@inxj5915]

It’s so good I love it.

[@AliasEville]

In my opinion what makes any great band special, including Ghost, is that there's no way of mistaking who you're listening to. You will know it's them.

[@inxj5915]

Yeah, there is often a very easy trademark of a group. I see it most commonly in the world of cinema. Directors almost always have a signature in a film that makes it know that the work is theirs. Think of Wes Anderson or someone like that… Music has it too, sometimes a riff can be super easy to tell who wrote it. That’s one thing I love too.

[@nervousbunnygaming]

That’s a great way to put it.

[@mattsilfen227]

It’s worth noting that Mary On a Cross didn’t blow up on TikTok until 3 years AFTER it had been released. and wasn’t even a single off that EP.

[@dappunk1]

It was a single, not an EP. Mary On A Cross was the b-side

[@paulyjones3966]

Tiktok is shit

[@ghostf1903]

@@dappunk1 ??? Seven Inches of Satanic Panic is the EP. Mary On A Cross is one of the two songs on the Ep. I am confused what you and the other person are saying. 😭

[@Uff-dada]

7” implies the relative size of a record single (among other things) and a record single would have a side A and a side B. EP’s are typically shorter length albums that a usually longer than 2 songs. It’s definitely made to look like the rerelease of an old single, but if the band themselves (or himself) chooses to label it an EP that would be their (his) prerogative. I would definitely consider it a single unless Ghost specified differently.

[@ghostf1903]

@@Uff-dada I know what SIOSP is? It depends on what numbers you use, but ive seen track 1-3, and 2-6 as EP, so It doesn't really matter. 🤷‍♂ At the end of the day, you can really call it either

[@LukeWatts85]

One of the greatest tragedies of the internet age is that MySpace didn't backup their database and we've lost all the amazing cult bands that had stuff on there. I get sad/mad everytime I hear the name MySpace because it really was something special before that database wipe happended

[@timhorton8085]

Myspace was a social media platform, not a data backup service. Those bands should have handled their own data properly.

[@LukeWatts85]

@@timhorton8085 Sure, people should keep copies of important stuff and not just put it on social media. But also large companies who's entire business is online should backup their database. That's standard practice.

[@LAkadian]

​​@@timhorton8085Duh. But the point was, they didn't, and that sucks. A lot of randos make some great music then quit and get day jobs bc things never take off, and some great music is lost forever.

[@mr1134]

@@timhorton8085 completely misses the point. i bet 95+% of the bands have a backup, but if your band disbanded you are not gonna create a new social media appearance unless you got some kind of fame that would justify such a move.

[@worldcomicsreview354]

​​@@timhorton8085A load of those songs probably are on CD-R's, minidiscs, casettes or Zip Discs somewhere. I never did rip a hilarious song my brother made in a two-piece band at uni, but they had a bitter break up and it's a touchy subject, so I don't know if he still has the songs saved... (I wonder if I still have the Saint Zoe tracks I ripped? Ought to chuck them up on KZbin with period photos, so people can relive Cambridge in 2005

[@trollerbladdering]

My Uncle was a huge influence on me for music when I was younger. He introduced me to Maiden, Crue, Metallica, etc. When I introduced him to Ghost his immediate response was that it gave him that same feeling he used to get in the 80's and 90's when a new metal album would drop. It was like it brought back a wave of nostalgia for him, even though he had never heard Ghost before that. I think this is what makes Ghost so special. They give you something that sounds and feels familiar but it's something new, and slightly different. I think this is what will make them last for generations to come.

[@neuralmute]

I'm probably around your uncle's age, and that's exactly how I feel about Ghost too. I thought really good music died sometime in the late 90's, and then Ghost came along and proved me wrong. Tobias has an incredibly deep and wide love and knowledge of rock music, and he pours all the best of it into every song he writes. And I see nothing wrong with that.

[@werewolflover8636]

I’m generation x myself so I’m chore than likely around the age of your uncle if not older. None of this sounds anywhere close to 70’s / 80’s / 90’s metal! It sounds like generic pop rock with “creepy” face paint!

[@neuralmute]

@@werewolflover8636 Ghost never claimed to be metal. Sounds like you're just another boring metal "purist" who doesn't know how to have fun, or enjoy good rock when you hear it. Get over yourself.

[@ionneifion2012]

sounds like Blue Oyster Cult to me.

[@TheRealSlickRick63]

I'm 60 years old. I feel the same way as you describe of your uncle.

[@trevorsflatroundspun-vinyl9803]

Got into Ghost in 2011. Got to see them in early 2012 at the El Corazon in Seattle. Then the following year on the Infestissumam tour at the Showbox Market. Made sense. Getting more popular, bigger venue. Two years later, when Meliora came out, they were back at the El Corazon! My friend and I didn’t understand this, but we immediately got tickets to see them in a smaller venue. I honestly would’ve thought they’d play at the Moore Theater as they were getting bigger. I kinda got tired of Ghost after that. Fast forward to 2022 and my 10 year old daughter is asking me about (as she put it) Ghost Band. I asked where she knew them from. As you probably guessed, Tik Tok. Now SHE has an interest in the band! Well, later this summer, I’ll be taking her to her first hard rock/ metal concert at the White River Amphitheater. I’m not telling her. I’m just going to take her and wait for her to put two and two together and watch her excitement! Looking forward to it! Sorry, enough of my babbling. Excellent video Finn!

[@J86_918]

Man I miss el corazon so bad I loved tht lil venue so fkn much and it was probably the only reason I’ve met so many of the bands I love I think that’s why it’s so successful a small Beni with huge bands in a personalized setting it’s imo the best venue I’ve ever been to🤘

[@trevorsflatroundspun-vinyl9803]

@@J86_918 Great venue… aside from that damn pole in the middle of the stage🤣

[@J86_918]

@@trevorsflatroundspun-vinyl9803 😂😂 true true

[@janmauk4937]

I'm also going to that show! My 1st time seeing them and beyond excited😁

[@nathanbutler3387]

I'm not sure why this comment made me cry, but this is so wholesome ❤

[@gryph3911]

Finn, you’re latest videos on this channel have been superb quality. Just wanted to let you know, since you said it was a big goal for your channel. You’re really killing it. Appreciate the content, man.

[@hypeman133]

From Spain, land of bad metal as you know, I agree with this gentleman :) thanks for being with me in the car and while I wash the dishes

[@Nickysticksofficial]

I also agree with this fine person. Well said, and I always appreciate all your videos Finn! Keep it up!:)

[@anjy2l332]

So true!!! Finn has been doing great!

[@markhunt7682]

@@floydsemlow8253 why not? As relevant as any band in music today

[@Zarakikenpachi69420]

Finn been great for YEARS 💯

[@brorjordas1979]

Never much cared nor been into Ghost - but that Squarehammer song truly is a masterpiece which to I always turn the volume up to LOUD!

[@theodorebear6714]

It's super fun and has a great tempo. 👍 🎶

[@darrendaj]

check out Cirice its way better

[@apimb1396]

Any Ghost song I hear gets stuck in my head for days....it's a testament to how catchy their music is.....and man their production is God tier.... ..great band all around

[@dekapitatorr]

swedish language is catchiest language in a world. that is the reason why Abba and Ghost are so , well, catchy and most mainstream hits are written by swedish songwriters and producers.

[@TECfan1]

Yes. Being from Sweden, they truly are the modern ABBA. And that's a good thing. I love ABBA, who also produced catchy hit after catchy hit.

[@bldfalcon]

Sweden are definitely just great when it comes to music. Blindside, Scar Symmetry with Christian, In Flames, Arch Enemy, Dark Tranquility. It's just impressive how many bands I like are from Sweden. Also, Agent Side Grinder are good too.

[@mattgames9500]

"god tier" while talking about a satanic band

[@TECfan1]

@@mattgames9500 Satan tier.

[@robinmaner3455]

It’s crazy to see how consistent their sound has stayed through their albums with so many shifting members. Just goes to show how much this truly is Forge’s brain-child.

[@evapunk522]

It's because tour musicians are not session musicians (apart from a couple very minor bits where they don't really have creative input.) So yeah...this is Tobias' baby..

[@JackShen]

Ghost also puts on great live shows. Looking back at the most successful live performers, they all were great story tellers. They engage the audience between songs, with funny anecdotes or jokes. It's not just swap costumes / sets, and jump right into the next song. They make you feel like you're not just some numbered seat that contributed to their paycheck.

[@_Mike.85]

I feel like Ghost have only just gone from strength to strength as time has gone on. They just know how to write fantastic catchy and fun songs. Never understood the hate.

[@matthewroberts3125]

I would say "Mary On a Cross" by Ghost is what "I Was Made for Loving You" is to Kiss. Maybe not their best or most critically acclaimed song, but one of their more accessible songs and easily thier most listened to song on streaming services.

[@kriskeen6739]

I would agree with this sentiment. Ghost fans themselves would probably usually pick something like "Square Hammer", "Ritual" or "Cirice" as a favorite, even among their singles.

[@darksu6947]

​@@kriskeen6739 Little Sunshine is my favorite.

[@ohdeararat7947]

Yep, I can see that

[@Werdisbond]

Kiss wrote that song because people were talking shit and kiss was like, “fuck you, we can make a candy ass song too and it’ll be a banger.”

[@Fiveash-Art]

@@Werdisbond Kiss never made anything that I liked until that one ... The rest just sound like run of the mill classic 'hard' rock static.

[@chrisdonis821]

Its been a long time since I've been obsessed with a band. That said, listening to ghost just makes me happy.

[@WastedTalent-]

I'm 47 and I haven't been this obsessed with a band since I was 16.

[@ZackSeifMusic]

It took me 3 separate tries in 3 separate years to "get it". Then one day I decided to sit and listen to their discography top to bottom (at the time Prequelle JUST dropped) and I was impressed. They have some great tunes, and their live show is unique and captivating. Tobias is a genius, wether you love them or hate them.

[@brandonhayes670]

I was same way first few time I was like they r cool but not a huge fan then out of no where I'm a huge fan and u have to love what they r doing

[@Lint6]

Kinda the exact opposite for me. I heard Rats on the radio after Prequelle dropped and thought "Wow...this is great!" Then I listened to their stuff on Spotify, heard Cirice and realized I had heard them before, just didn't know the name of the band

[@floydsemlow8253]

​@@Lint6 Fucking hate them!!

[@autoflowerhour5494]

They’re not unique. Their act has been done countless times before them.

[@pyromaniac3315]

@@autoflowerhour5494 Finn, mentioned that it has been done before. I assume you didn't watch the whole video.

[@MofosOfMetal]

I love Ghost and one thing that's totally underemphasized on this video is how RETRO their sound is - and how remarkable it is that they are popular despite being basically a Traditional Heavy Metal band. I find it all the more ironic that a lot of people Gatekeep them and hate them - these are the very same people who worship Old-School sounding Metal and hate more Modern Metal styles. It proves you can't win with Gatekeepers!

[@slipspectrum9253]

The reason I don’t like newer metal bands, or newer music in general is that there are very few innovators. Why listen to some shitty band like Volbeat when Metallica created that sound 40 years ago and took it so far they had to do an album with freaking Lou Reed just to feel like they weren’t losing their minds playing the same tired songs for 40 years straight? In any “wave” of music, there are a few originators, then countless imitators. We had peak metal 2 decades ago, it’s time the new bands come up with their own sound. But honestly, I don’t care what other people listen to, I’m happy listening to Florida death metal from 1990 and haven’t found the bottom of that barrel yet.

[@tjanderson6561]

I dunno... in my experience people who like Ghost tend to be those who appreciate a wide variety of music, and a whole lot of us are gen-x OG metal heads before there were 1000 different subgenres. People like slip up there are dinosaurs who can't appreciate anything new or different. Funny enough he seems to dislike my 3 favorite bands: Metallica, Volbeat, and Ghost. 😂

[@americanagothic7851]

I’m no gatekeeper I just don’t like revival bands. Some people like something sooo much they can’t stand if someone else isn’t into it, like I’m not allowed to have an opinion or I have to like what you like. It’s narcissistic

[@BaneBurden]

Tobias said that Ghost's profit margin was in the red for several years. Can you imagine throwing all your money and time into something for years and years without seeing positive results? Absolutely insane dedication.

[@poindextertunes]

thats basically every band ever and why record companies exist 🤨

[@parksoo-kim6908]

It's the same with most startups. The difference is startups usually have multiple investors while bands would only have their label.

[@AlexH8280]

But with successful bands, they know through fan turnout at shows, sales, streams, etc as a good indicator if they should keep doing what they’re doing and stick with it.

[@marklechman2225]

Every successful business owner I know has gone through the same thing. Most people never succeed because they can’t imagine doing exactly what you just described.

[@thatdamnsamsquanch]

Ths is the case for most businesses. It costs a lot of money to get them off the ground and really start seeing any return.

[@GeekFurious]

1. The lawsuit ended up being about unpaid proceeds (from touring, merchandizing), not royalties considering they couldn't collect those without writing or playing on the albums. 2. The people who sued WERE NOT part of the original group that started Ghost. In fact, the only member of Ghost not named Tobias who actually contributed writing to the songs DID NOT sue him... because he was paid royalties for what he did in the band.

[@holidayonion]

Impera was instantly nostalgic. Even though it's been out for less than a year, every time I listen to it, I get this feeling of nostalgia for a better time.

[@charlotteice5704]

They're the first band I ever saw live and I cannot overstate how amazing of an experience it was. I had a really great time and the neck pain I had the days after was well worth it.

[@travisatwell2855]

I give them a lot of credit for the time they’re doing it. To break out as a metal band in todays world is rather impressive. They’re a total package. They remind me of like a modern day KISS with the way they promote and how it’s sorta run by like 1 guy where KISS was 2 basically. Catchy songs and a great look works wonders. Who woulda thought.

[@WastedTalent-]

I see them as the modern day Alice Cooper, if Alice had a mythology. If youtube was around in the 70's, I'd guarantee Alice would have been making shorts like The Chapters.

[@dragoon1090]

I love ghost. They came out of nowhere and I'm down for everything they release. The first albums are really weird.

[@ThePirateCasey]

Hey Finn, thanks for doing a great video on Ghost! I work in a very quiet law office, I had to turn on captions so I could watch this asap lol

[@adiymusician]

I discovered Ghost in 2012 and I'm a big fan of everything they've done. 100% ready for a Ghost yacht rock record.

[@Nacnud92]

Ghost is helping to popularize the idea of genre-bending in the rock and metal community and I’m 100% here for it.

[@markhunt7682]

Couldn’t agree with you more.

[@Skull-Beneath-The-Skin]

Ghost- rock yes, metal f****** NO!!!!!!!!

[@markhunt7682]

@@Skull-Beneath-The-Skin pretty much a genre all their own. Not really important anyways

[@markhunt7682]

@@Skull-Beneath-The-Skin lo

[@Skull-Beneath-The-Skin]

@@markhunt7682 I hate modern music fans referring to bands as metal when they are not. I am a Defender of the Faith. By the way, do you have a brother named Mike?

[@thedayidied]

When you said that you can have the best band in the world but if you can't get anyone to pay attention, it doesn't matter, it reminded me of something my dad (who is in advertising) once said to me: "You can have the best looking, most creative billboard in the entire world, but if you keep it in your living room, no one's gonna see it." It's so true man.

[@Celeste-in-Oz]

Love how Tobias uses older ladies for that genuinely creepy “death is lurking” vibe. As I get older I notice that shit. Well my teenage daughter says my face would make a good Slipknot mask, so maybe he’s onto something.

[@Ronindennis]

Old metalhead here and decided to give the band a pop a month ago. It's been a fun trip, really appreciate their style and attitude.

[@everthealtruist]

I'm starting to think people who arbitrarily hate on Ghost are just allergic to whimsy.

[@johannjohann6523]

One of the most intelligent things I have ever read on the internet! Hats off, sir!

[@johannjohann6523]

Or Ma'm!

[@futureshockxl]

More likely they were allergic to the singer of a band they'd loved firing all the musicians in it.

[@tuomasrantalainen]

Bro if you wrote a book and hired a bunch of people to read out some lines during a reading and those guys would yell "HEY WE ALSO WROTE THIS BOOK PAY US FOR WHATEVER WHOEVER IS PAYING YOU"

[@MrJemoederopeenstokj]

@@futureshockxl Hired goons don't make a band

[@marcussabom2696]

I have a fan theory that I know is wrong, but it still amuses me. I can imagine young Tobias Forge sitting in his room listening to Kiss and digging all of it. Including the rumor that Kiss was an acronym for Knights In Satan's Service. Then one soul crushing day, our young Tobias found out that rumor was just that, just a rumor, and was massively disappointed by that. Then he decided to rectify that injustice and form his own Kiss style band but have it be so explicitly pro-Satan that there couldn't be any mistake. Anyways, I know that was all a lot of nonsense, but it amuses me.

[@accelerativthrust4327]

I love Ghost. Besides, as you stated Finn, the fact they created an actual story around the band, I just think the songs are amazing. I truly think they are levels above almost anyone in metal today in terms of being able to incorporate killer melodies and hooks in their songwriting. Great video!

[@derekanthony5512]

You should check out a band called Gloryhammer. They got a lore for their band and members as well

[@frankreads8618]

I'm still surprised at how light their sound is. They really aren't all that heavy or metal. They'd be considered heavy in, like, 1969.

[@SpaghettiWithMeatSauce]

I highly recommend seeing them live if you haven't. They put on such a good show that I truly believe even people not fans of their music would enjoy. At least they did when I saw them somewhere around 2016-2017

[@adamt9579]

agreed. I've seen them on every tour cycle since Papa 1. every time the exceed the last show by miles.

[@drdave300]

I'm a long-time fan who has seen them multiple times. In the Meliora era, they played in 1000-3000 seat smaller auditoriums. Tobias had a lot of between-song banter and stories. They had no warm-up band, and played for almost 3 hours (with a 15 minute intermission). Then, Tobias came back on stage and talked for another 40 minutes about how much he appreciated having the privilege of doing what he loves and being able make a living out it, and how much he appreciates the fanbase, etc. It was my favorite show ever, and I've been going to concerts since the 70's. In last year's Impera tour, they were in a 15,000+ seat arena, the sound was crap (probably the phonics in the arena) had two warm-up bands (who did absolutely zero for me), played for 90 minutes with zero encores, had very little banter, and were gone. Even though I enjoyed their time on stage, I felt slightly cheated, as I enjoyed their older shows so much more. Not sure I'll be seeing them again, even though I'm still a big fan of their studio material.

[@werewolf1986]

Going to their live concert in Auburn WA this year really excelled my love for the band. I went from being just a casual listener of their songs, to being an outright super fan. No matter the controversies, there is practically nothing that will stop me from adoring and supporting.

[@21palica]

Hearing Ghost for the first time, I was immediately like: What is this, 'cause I need MORE!

[@Mae_Dastardly]

Satanic pop metal

[@irish3183]

When I first heard Square Hammer I was like yup, I need more of this band in my life.

[@liammews2375]

I saw Ghost open for Iron Maiden in 2017. I hadn't listened to them before and the only thing I had heard about them was "ThEy'Re NoT rEaL mEtAl ThEy SuCk." I ended up really enjoying their set regardless, only kinda recognizing the song "Square Hammer." It wasn't until 2021 that I actually delved into their stuff, and man I got hooked. Now they're one of my favourite bands!

[@ccomega929]

as easy as it is to hate Ghost, it's also hard to hate them too. i get it if you dont like their music, but they really are one of the best hard rock/metal bands around. there is a reason why they are so successful, Tobias has put a lot of hard work in to this project, and it shows.

[@ghostdream]

I listened to their whole discography after watching this video & I’m now a fan!!

[@LasTortugasAzules]

I remember the first time I ever heard Ghost. Because of the lore and the singer's character, I was expecting something really heavy and dark. When I realized they sound like 70s rock I was stunned. I can't get into the music but I still think it's a cool project

[@lw3764]

I posted a Ghost video online about a year ago with a comment like, "Why have I not heard of this band before?? They're awesome!!" aaaaaand it was then that I found out that one of my friends is a Ghost love-turned-hate "I knew them before they were cool" hipster and he HATED my post 😂. The reason I hadn't heard of them before is because I'm over 40 and I'm a mom, come on, I don't have that much time to discover new music! I'm obsessed with Ghost now, I would have loved their music sooner had I known.

[@RafitoOoO]

I watched them live in Rock in Rio in 2013 in the same day as Sepultura, Alice in Chains and Metallica. Now that I know James Hetfield is a fan it makes sense how they were on the main stage that same day so early in their career, James probably gave them a helping hand. I didn't know shit about them and didn't think much of it, used their show to rest a little but it caught my attention, later I started listening to them and became a fan. I love going to festivals and listening to bands I don't know to see if I find something I like.

[@wesleysalazar2608]

Saw these guys yesterday. There were TONS of young kids (guys and girls) wearing other metal bandshirts. However you feel about ghost, they are great for the metal scene. They are bringing lots of new, younger fans. If you like metal as much as I do, root for ghost and bands like them.

[@SerErryk]

I saw them last week. I saw T shirts of Volbeat, Deftones, Ice Nine Kills and tons of other metal bands.

[@TheWRCS]

Tobias is such a creative powerhouse, it’s ridiculous (in a good way) how he can do all of these things

[@nemezeena]

Boy they are pop alright! Pop metal, mom metal, some fun hybrid like that. And I was honestly surprised when I found out they are not from late 80s, big love for getting that sound.

[@eliza.rose.morrison]

glam / hair metal at most. not much going on with those songs.

[@MykaTheDevil]

Ghost is one of those bands that really define what music really is. Entertainment. Great video as always, Finn!

[@bradwhitfield3592]

Hm if you would like to hear something that "defines what music really is" I urge you to listen to jazz...

[@MykaTheDevil]

@@bradwhitfield3592 I have and I would say that defined that era. However, I’m not talking about then, am I? I’m talking about today.

[@DeadlyDie]

Man, I was one of those early super fans when they were still pretty small. They used to hang out with the fans after the show, out of costume, and you got to know them. They definitely had several drummers and bassists over the years, but I promise you, the two guitarists were not just hired studio musicians. They were his friends. They had been there since the beginning. Omega (the rhythm guitarist's stage name) in particular was very involved in song writing and a lot of the aesthetics of the band. He and Tobias had been friends for years. The courts ruled in Tobias' favor because he was definitely the one who took over the business aspect of the band from the beginning. But it's still pretty shitty how everything went down. It was a bummer to be a super fan who got to know all of them because it was obvious people's feelings got hurt. It's never really felt the same again (even though the new musicians are great guys and gals too.)

[@SamuelBlackMetalRider]

How could you not mention that Tobias was the leader of legendary underground DEATH METAL band REPUGNANT?! An absolute Classic for fans of Old School Swedish Death Metal. We all (UG Metalheads) knew who he was when Ghost started.

[@GurglingPitsOfMetal]

Eating From the Coffin! Eating from the Dead!

[@Traumglanz]

The most special thing about Ghost? When you play them, you know instantly that's them and have smile on your face. Tobias must have an easy time to find session musicians willing to go on tour with him, because the songs are just so damn fun. No wonder Hetfield loved them because those riffs are just crazy fun, not hard to play, but damn they are fun. Tobias might be that one musicians in the world that has the most fun even while writing and playing his own songs. And you almost instantaneously regnonize his style, despite Ghost taking inspiration from so many different sources and makes it their own. The only big downer must have been all those legal issues.

[@Fixxxer07082]

Ghost rules! Been a fan since seeing Hetfield champion them in 2011. Met them all after shows on the second and third album cycles. Gotta admit, as much as I loved the original Nameless Ghouls, I was pissed that they did what they did and ruined the mystique of the band. I was a little burned out by the Prequelle record and skipped that tour cycle (as well as the Popestar one with the hired gun Ghouls)….the latest record is fantastic though! And their live show is wild…in August, I’ll have caught all 3 US legs of the tour!

[@carolinaamnell5577]

I love Ghost. It has an 80s vibe that brings a lot of memories for those of us who grew up back then and for the younger generation, it gives a taste of what it was like.

[@andrewvanhalen1984]

Ghost is one of the best and most unique bands to come out in the past decade. I've seen them four times and they get better every time. Also, to the geniuses below who screech "THEY'RE NOT METAL", well no shit Sherlock, they never claimed to be a metal band.

[@AgilDogsVideo]

Well said !!!

[@KonradBeezo]

I discovered Ghost because Phi Anselmo was wearing a Ghost shirt, so I decided to check them out, been a fan ever since

[@carlzombie6722]

I've heard a few GHOST songs & I couldn't get into them, but very successful/talented band. I appreciate ya Finn for teaching me so much about different types of heavy music. One Love y'all ❤️🎵💜♾️🖤💯💯💯♠️

[@brandonhayes670]

I've heard alot of ppl say the first few times it's not their thing but then all the sudden u can't stop listening that kind of happened with me

[@carlzombie6722]

@@brandonhayes670 right on homie. Definitely an awesome band , I just personally never got into them big time I mean I like Ghost, it's just there's soooo much music I listen to I don't have enough time to get into every band/artist I only 'like' but I'll give any a chance. N when it comes to metal I mostly listen to Metalcore DeathCore and Nu metal. 🤘🖤💯💯💯♠️

[@kevinfraser5179]

Ah, my old friends Ghost. Everyones favorite Swedish satanic blackened death pop band. Great video Finn.

[@Phono_Wizard]

This was a great video. I used to be a massive Ghost fan. I appreciate that you empathized with how the nameless Ghouls felt during that whole lawsuit. Fans have speculated for years that the Ghouls brought a little more to Ghost than Tobias has said. While I don't doubt Tobias is the lead man with most of the big ideas I think the Ghouls added a lot, after Meliora the music took a turn. I feel like the pop sensibilities that creeped up over the years became too much on their 4th album. I haven't been too big of a fan of anything in the Copia era, though Rats is a banger. I really wish they would release a throwback EP and create some stuff closer to their first two albums for the old school ghost fans but we'll always have their early music which still kicks ass.

[@abcdefghijkl5408]

What a great summary - my thoughts exactly!

[@alexv1331]

I feel the same. I caught on to them during Opus and saw them twice right before Infest and right before Meliora came out in a small club called The Launchpad in ABQ, NM. I loved this band and had a T-shirt for every day of the week+ (No Joke). But once he fired the original Nameless Ghouls, something happened. Even if it was just 5% of their influence/writing, something changed, and Tobias took them in a different direction. Think I had 12 T-shirts and sold them all on eBay, except for one that sits in the bottom of my drawers. It's a shame, I just can't get into them anymore 😢

[@diabolikalm]

I haven’t been this obsessed with a band since i was a teenager. Ghost is truly something special and unique.

[@eliel14ful]

Ghost rocks, diehard metalheads hate the more pop elements, but this band continues to prove them wrong commercially and musically

[@paulh7589]

I like them because their chord progressions are unique and unexpected.

[@deabreu.tattoo]

I find it so bizarre that people call Ghost a metal band. Their sound is pure pop rock, with some horror film overtones, far far away from anything metal

[@rebekahcarter8120]

This is a great summary & analysis of their career. Tobias reminds me a bit of Ronnie Radke, their bands being in some ways more like solo project rather than traditional bands. And both of their bands have been quite divisive- you either love them or hate them. Interestingly, I know Ronnie is a fan of Ghost, but I'm not sure if the love goes both ways since Tobias has spoken of his hatred for nu metal. FIR & Ghost are also both bands that I only fell in love with over the past year or so but whose old work I now appreciate also.

[@jcav9410]

Ghost is the band that makes me truly lament the downfall of the Guitar Hero series. Their songs wouldn’t be the most challenging 100% FC note salads but they’d be those extremely fun to play songs with the right amount of difficulty. Hell, Papa Emeritus is a Guitar Hero vocalist character brought to life!

[@irish3183]

All the Papas seem like an updated Lars Ümlaut and some of their songs would be perfect for Guitar Hero like Square Hammer, Depth of Satan's Eyes, Ritual, and Call Me Little Sunshine.

[@masterkeaton1000]

I got into Ghost with their Meliora album and got hooked from then and have seen them live twice, once during the Prequelle tour and again during the Imperatour. What I like about Ghost is that their sound is really accessible and (at least for me) always puts a smile on my face. They have a ton of really catchy songs, and that's just part of the allure along with the lore and the stage prescence, and as someone else in the comments said they are amazing live performers, every time I've seen them the ghouls have knocked it out of the park and Tobias has been great.

[@ericasebok7565]

I LOVE Ghost, Their music, imagery, lore, theatrics...ALL of it. I'm a forever fan and their music always lifts my spirit in good times and bad.

[@NicoleZXO]

They got really big after call me little sunshine and that album was great. And hunters moon was another good song on the album

[@heyitsmecarlosYT]

Ghost is one of my favorite bands ever, they’re the first band I ever saw live back in 2013 during the Infestissumam tour, but when you listen to that album and Meliora, followed by the new Magna Carta Cartel álbum, It’s obvious that the other band members had plenty of input into their sound (especially Martin) Prequelle was a dope album, but it’s certainly a departure from their original sound.

[@Jalex_Owns]

Another solid video, but I would've liked to see you give the ghoul's side of the story with regard to the falling out and breakup, so that a fuller picture of what happened would be presented here. Some of those members had been with Ghost from 2010 to 2017 and even have writing credits on several Ghost songs. Also, love or hate Prequel, the marked difference in how it sounds overall when compared to prior Ghost albums is clear, and I wish that would have been acknowledged here. Aside from these aspects, however, dig what you're doing here and look forward to seeing more. Cheers!

[@tannithstancombe8380]

Great band ! And great band live 😊 very unique,their stuff is so catchy,the people that hate them are normally "metal elitists" who always have to be negative about something that isn't their liking 🤣

[@garygreene03yrzero]

From a true Ghost fan, you did a fantastic job! Loved it. Ghost forever!!!

[@JK-ld8cd]

Ghost is the whole package- Great music, theater, story and great live band. Brought back 70/80s Rock! They touring this summer...GO see Them, u wont regret it!

[@Kriegter]

They're the KISS of the 21st century.

[@RetroPC]

I absolutely love Ghost. One of the best rock bands of all time. Image + Substance x 10000. 🤘🏻

[@werewolflover8636]

LOL no! There’s no comparison to whoever these Kiss wannabes are compared to bands like Gun N Roses who were the biggest band in world and everyone and their brother knows at least one of their songs! I’d never even heard of these posers before today!

[@dmaster5556]

I liked them up until Melioria. Never hated them, but the direction they went in after that album and beyond just didn't click with me the same way their first two or three albums did. Saw them live once and it was enjoyable, they delivered pretty much exactly what I was expecting.

[@abcdefghijkl5408]

Well said...same

[@Xarfax321]

I remember when Rats was released and every metalhead got pissed because of how poppy it sounded. But I gotta say: It's not that surprising that Ghost have pop-elements in their songs. They're SWEDISH! I mean if Finland has most metal bands per capita, Sweden has most pop artist per capita. Also, isn't that the most rock move ever? For the rocker to jump into bed with the poppy cheerleader and piss off the gatekeeping metalheads?

[@beforemanhattan]

Finn, we appreciate the time and effort you put into your channel and videos!

[@pagesofkenzie]

I heard Ghost for the first time when I saw them live in 2013 during Sonicsphere in Milan and fell in love with them. I’m still in love with their music. 😍

[@rumple7mintze]

The most accurate description I ever heard of ghost is "spooky Nickelback".

[@MikeA817]

Great explainer of Ghost. I still stand by the opinion of Ghost being a very mid band that just happens to put on a show and market very well. It's Alice Cooper for the new generation essentially. As you've said before the C-tier is the actual A-tier. Props to Tobias Forge and his vision.

[@ryleighrage]

“I like Ghost. They’re catchy” - Finn I’ve responded to salty metal fans with this when they say they hate Ghost, and they can never refute that.

[@Szczauqa]

They are like grateful dead in a way, spooky imagery but totally chill music

[@logangriffin2014]

Ghost does what gretta van fleek tries to do

[@BraveFencer]

Secular Haze is what got me into the band because of that black metal influence and 70’s vibe great song

[@juliegogola4647]

In the "Dance macabre" video, I've been told that it is Papa Nihil and the blonde nun, that is in the video where Cardinal Copia meets the 2 of them. She is called a name like "Imperador" or "Imperator". It's at the 11:40 mark here, the 2 of them. Those 2 people with the Cardinal at the 11:40 mark, are the same 2 people in that video for "Dance Macabre". That blonde woman who makes the guy dancing with hers eye all white, is that old blonde nun. And, the guy is Papa Nihil. When somebody told me this, I had been all intrigued, BUT, most people know this already. And, I kinda THINK that Cardinal Copia is the "love child" of Papa Nihil and that nun, Imperator. I THINK in a video for "Kiss the goat", it shows a pregnant "Imperator" aka "the blonde nun". BUT, I don't like the song "Kiss the goat", so, it's video isn't one I've seen beyond a short time. Maybe about 15 seconds. I thought I loved ALL Ghost songs, BUT, Kiss the GOAT is a song by Ghost that I kinda HATE. Papa 3 was my all time favorite Papa. But, all of the music and Papa's/cardinals of ghost are just great. And, as long as Ghost keep on making great music, I'll be a fan. BTW, I miss OMEGA, an original GHOUL. He is now in a band called MCC. But, he had been a GREAT GHOUL. Really, they are all great, BUT, Omega was just special. Moving on..... even though we have been told, or have seen ourselves that there have been many other bands that have done the whole satanic angle and the same metal music act, and all of that stuff, just like this video says. I think that Ghost has succeeded because of the CHARM of Tobias as either a Papa or the Cardinal. He's NOT just some odd creature or being in a mask. He talks to the audience as if he is really this "being" or "person". And, he is funny. And, the mention of SEX kinda may put most people at ease, and relates to us all. I mean UNLESS somebody at the show is kinda "churchy". Anyway, as long as the music is great, Ghost will be successful.

[@lobstermooch5365]

One thing that stuck out with me when they released they first album over a decade ago, is how different it was compared to a lot of other bands coming out. I feel like metal in general has been stuck on this path of being as angry or brutal as possible. Ghost is just a breath of fresh air, even all these years later. Don't get me wrong, I love death metal, black metal, doom metal, etc. But it seems like every new big band that comes out is the same death metal band over and over.

[@phrike7588]

I honestly don't understand how anybody can HATE Ghost. If you don't like their music, sure. But hate? They're so tongue in cheek and don't take themselves serious enough for any kind of hate to be granted. It's understandable when bands like Creed and Nickelback became hated because they did take themself way too serious and acted douchy in general.

[@zakkmiller8242]

I found myself loving tf out of so many Ghost songs but never really knew shit about the lore because i just never paid attention lmao. I think Tobias really is one of the best song writers today. I predict they got plenty more hits to come.

[@lucaslogg1024]

4rth Swedish band that got a whole episode by Finn. Meshuggah, Refused, In Flames and now Ghost. For being such a small nation, Sweden continues to leave a legacy in metal.

[@ThePunkRockMBA]

And pop!

[@kallehagglund82]

And one big reason for this is that we, Swedes, have state funded music schools...after class. For free.

[@markjames8664]

Next thing, Finn will be moving to Europe.

[@amaramurray682]

ghost is my favorite band!! i discovered them a couple years ago and ive been obsessed since

[@AduderReviews]

I love this band. I've got a mate who thinks they're shit. But he's a big elitist metal head. I love blue oyster cult, and their music has always reminded me of that style. And the image definitely helps.

[@markjames8664]

In another comment I mentioned Queen, but Blue Oyster Cult is probably the best prototype for Ghost

[@Skull-Beneath-The-Skin]

Your mate is correct...

[@Skull-Beneath-The-Skin]

​@@davej.meister5421 70s and 80s Metalhead in fact and very glad I am. Modern bands who think they're metal (like Ghost) can only dream they had the talent the "pioneering" Heavy Metal/Hard Rock bands have. They can only try to copy them... poorly. Remember- KISS were the first band to wear make-up and stopped in the late 80s, but what does Ghost do? They copy them. Ghost have their sound, but it IS NOT METAL.

[@Skull-Beneath-The-Skin]

@@davej.meister5421 I class Kiss as Hard Rock if you read my comment again so stick your "news flash". I don't ever think of them as any kind of "metal". Your right about one thing I do dislike Rush (I hope you dont class them as metal because they are definitely not) and just because they have a drummer YOU think is great, doesn't make them a good band. Also the vocalist has a terrible voice when you compare it to other Hard Rock/Heavy Metal vocalists of the era.

[@Skull-Beneath-The-Skin]

@@davej.meister5421Never said you said they were metal, I just pondered the notion. I didn't like them because they didn't have a sound I like and they were overrated.. Perhaps if they did drugs and had a lineup change they might have become a good band. I don't deny many bands had lineup changes but that usually made them better. Call ME a fanboy.. you're the biggest Rush fanboy I ever communicated with...

[@TVsCHACHI]

Great content. Been a subscriber for a year or so, I look forward the mindful, critical takes on music history. A lot of music I have been invested in since youth, and others I've never messed with. Regardless, everything is detailed and airtight. Well done!

[@z0h33y]

Note: Ghost sounds NOTHING like Black Metal whatsoever.

[@trinket5969]

Seeing them also do a song for the conjuring was cool. They keep going on, and they keep getting better. Love em

[@bobotmeister]

Ghost is like kiss... They look more metal than they sounded 😅

[@mariki3]

Hey discovered them last year and have been to 3 concerts and at least 3 more this year. I consider myself a rock connaisseur, they have my soul. Forget the tags. This is pure rock. Heavy rock, metal, progressive metal, whatever. I am a huge fan. My kids introduced me to them and now that I adore the band they look down on them, so I guess it is fashionable to hate something that you loved once.

[@msroxannablack]

I’m surprised that so many big names in metal are huge fans of Ghost. I’m not a fan of their sound but they must be doing something right…

[@werewolflover8636]

Anyone will say anything if you pay them enough.

[@dominikhaderer4109]

16:12 funny you mention queen. as early as i first listened to meliora i thought: "there is a lot of queen in this."

[@lostnumber08]

These guys are unquestionably the best touring metal band right now.

[@williammorrison6228]

It's definitely questionable

[@bradwhitfield3592]

Um this is highly subjective

[@k00patr00pa1]

Not even metal

[@Chrisjbennett89]

I love ghost regardless of they are popular or not or regardless of what peolle classify them as. I love alot of diffrent types of music.