Impera is the fifth studio album by the Swedish band Ghost, sometimes known as Ghost B.C. du to copyright claims. Well, never mind. Initially the music on Impera seems heavier than on the previous albums. I though that Prequelle, the prior album was a step in the Metal direction. I have since learned that it’s typically considered a “poppy” album though. So, even if I don’t like to go back on what I once have said I need to clarify that Impera is another step towards Metal. We’re talking musically of course, Tobias Forge lean voice will probably never sound “Metal” to me.
But there are more emphasis on the guitars and the arrangement of the songs seem more thought through than ever before. Several of the song a co-written with Salem Al Fakir which I think is primarily known for his pop music. He was a co-wrioter on the previous album Prequelle too. And I think that one song – Dance Macabre – became the biggest song of the album.
So it’s only natural to go with the flow, keep using what works. So, about half of the album is written by the same trio – Tobias Forge, Salem Al Fakir and Vincent Pontare. Oh… And Klas Åhlund is back producing again. It sounds good! I think Ghost have started to find it’s place in the soundscape. There’s more variation in the singing style. Not exactly growing but a bit harcher vocals at times. It makes the Metal aspect of thing more “believeble” if you understand what I mean?
