Review GHOST ‘Phantomime’ – EP – Markus' Heavy Music Blog

Pop metal has a name since several years – Ghost. Tobias Forge has managed with impressive belief and willpower to establish a band that in a short time has climbed to the Olympus of contemporary rock. Number one albums and concerts in the biggest arenas demonstrate that Forge has managed to inspire the masses.

Just in time for the upcoming European tour, which will find its continuation in North America, Ghost have finished a new EP. The name of the EP – ‘Phantomime’. This time, however, it is not about own songs. Instead there are five cover versions which are interpreted by Ghost. It should be noted that the band does not deviate too far from the originals, but has woven in the very own Ghost sound.

The start is made by a tune that is maybe not known by so many people. ‘See No Evil’ is originally from Television, who released two albums in the 70s. ‘See No Evil’ is from the debut and is the light-hearted opener on this EP.

More familiar should be the following songs. ‘Jesus He Knows Me’ by Genesis is tailor-made for a cover version by Forge and his Ghouls. It gets more interesting, but on the same good level, with ‘Hanging Around’ by The Stranglers. Also this song is not too far away from the original but gets an extra tightness by the dominant keyboards.

That also the NWoBHM has an influence on Ghost is shown with Iron Maiden’s ‘Phantom of the Opera’ which gets almost a musical-like character by Ghost. Towards the end the 80’s are revived again. ‘We Don’t Need a Hero’ by Tina Turner marks the end of the EP. Unfortunately, Ghost’s version can’t match the brilliance of the original and rather comes around the corner with the handbrake on. There is unfortunately little of Mad Max and Thunderdome to be felt here. The hand-tamed version sounds more like townhouse and John Doe.

Forge has created a music mega-seller with Ghost, where the appealing melodies act like a magnet for the fans. This is also reflected in the five cover versions on ‘Phantomime’. The EP contains five ear candy songs and since they are mostly hits of the respective bands, nothing can go wrong. Respect, however, for the version of the Television song, which allows a look beyond the mainstream.