Ghost’s Impera: A Theatrical and Ambitious Rock Spectacle

On March 11, 2022, Ghost released their fifth studio album, Impera.

Led by the enigmatic Tobias Forge, the band continued its evolution, blending heavy metal, hard rock, and arena-ready melodies into a grandiose, theatrical experience.

Following the critically acclaimed Prequelle (2018), Impera took a bold step forward, delivering anthemic choruses, sharp songwriting, and a concept centered around the rise and inevitable fall of empires. While Ghost has always incorporated historical and religious themes into their music, this album expanded on the idea of power and corruption, drawing clear parallels between past civilizations and today’s modern world.

At this point in their career, Ghost had firmly established themselves as one of the most unique and polarizing acts in modern rock and metal. Their ability to merge occult themes with infectious melodies has earned them both praise and criticism, but Impera solidified their place as masterful songwriters.

Musically, Impera leans heavily into arena rock, drawing inspiration from classic bands like Queen, Def Leppard, and Blue Öyster Cult while still maintaining Ghost’s signature dark aesthetic. The production is pristine, allowing each instrument to shine—from the soaring guitar solos to the layered vocal harmonies. Forge continued to push his vocal range, delivering some of his most dynamic and emotionally charged performances to date.

The album immediately bursts to life with "Kaisarion," a high-energy opener featuring galloping riffs, soaring vocals, and an electrifying chorus. The song’s powerful delivery is reminiscent of Iron Maiden, setting the stage for the grandiose themes of the record.

The momentum continues with "Spillways," one of the catchiest tracks on the album. The piano-driven intro feels like a nod to classic ABBA or Bon Jovi, but the song quickly evolves into a full-throttle rock anthem, complete with massive hooks and infectious harmonies. Joe Elliot of Def Leppard, a devout Ghost follower, provided background vocals

On the darker end of the spectrum, "Call Me Little Sunshine" offers a brooding, hypnotic atmosphere driven by haunting melodies and slow-burning guitar work. The song channels a doomy vibe reminiscent of Alice Cooper, while Forge’s seductive yet eerie vocal delivery adds to its ominous allure.

One of the heaviest moments on the album comes with "Watcher in the Sky," a thunderous track filled with pounding drums, galloping riffs, and soaring vocal lines. The song’s epic, larger-than-life energy makes it a perfect fit for Ghost’s theatrical stage presence.

Another standout track is "Hunter’s Moon," originally featured in the Halloween Kills (2021) soundtrack. The song perfectly captured Ghost’s signature blend of eerie atmosphere and infectious hooks, with haunting guitar melodies and a driving rhythm that give it a cinematic, almost supernatural feel. The chorus is massive and anthemic, making it one of the most memorable tracks on Impera.

Then there’s "Twenties, (my favorite Ghost Cut), one of the album’s most controversial and over-the-top tracks. It blends bombastic brass instrumentation with a marching rhythm, giving it a theatrical, almost cabaret-like quality. Forge described the track as “a war anthem of sorts, reflecting on political and social upheaval.” While its chaotic energy may be divisive among fans, it undeniably adds a layer of unpredictability to the album.

Closing the album is "Respite on the Spitalfields," a slow-building, emotionally charged finale inspired by the Jack the Ripper murders. The song carries a melancholic beauty, with atmospheric guitar work and haunting vocal harmonies that bring Impera to an epic conclusion.

Lyrically, Impera continued Ghost’s tradition of using historical and religious imagery as metaphors for modern society. The album explored themes of power, corruption, and decay—drawing clear parallels between past civilizations and today’s political climate. Forge elaborated on this theme, stating, “History repeats itself, and we’re seeing that unfold in real-time.”

Produced by Klas Åhlund, who also worked on Meliora (2015), the album’s sound is lush and cinematic. Every instrument is meticulously layered, creating a polished yet powerful sonic experience. While some longtime fans may long for the rawer, heavier days of Opus Eponymous (2010), Impera showcased Ghost at their most confident and ambitious.

While some may critique the album for leaning more into rock than metal, there’s no denying its infectious energy and masterful songwriting. Forge summed it up best: “I wanted to create an album that felt like an empire at its peak—big, powerful, but with an underlying sense of doom.” Impera achieved exactly that, balancing spectacle with substance.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the band, this album is essential listening.