The night felt like stepping into a strange, ornate cathedral but for heavy metal. Fans arrived early, many in full regalia — papal mitres, Nameless Ghoul masks, face paint, elaborate costumes. It wasn’t just a crowd, it was a congregation.
There was also a strong sense of ritual before the first note — starting with the phone‑free policy. Cellphones and cameras were locked away in Yondr pouches; no screens lit during the show. It created a much more old school feel when people would just come and be engaged in the show instead of their phone
Dickies Arena was transformed with dramatic lighting, torn drapery, stained glass imagery, and a stage design that was reminiscent of a haunted cathedral. The backdrop elements shifted with each song, enhancing the mood rather than distracting.
Ghost came out strong with “Peacefield” (from Skeleta), opening behind a curtain until it dropped. From there, the energy was built steadily, balancing new material with older favorites.
Some of the new tracks — “Lachryma,” “Satanized,” “Umbra” — were played to enthusiastic response; in many cases, the crowd sang along, even for songs they might not have known well.
But it wasn’t all about novelty. Hits like “Rats,” “Cirice,” “Mummy Dust,” “Square Hammer,” among others, got huge reactions. In particular, “Square Hammer” closed the night with chants echoing louder than the instruments at times. The encore (with “Mary on a Cross,” “Dance Macabre,” “Square Hammer”) felt earned and climactic.
Tobias Forge (as Papa V Perpetua) commanded the stage. He moved between being theatrical and intimate: gesturing, interacting with fans, embracing the dramatic aspects of the performance, never losing the connection to the audience. The Nameless Ghouls also held their own — tight, stylistic, both part of the fabric of Ghost’s mystique.
The showmanship of every member on that stage is unmatched. From beginning to end, the interactions between everyone is funny and such an amazing sight to behold.
Overall Impression
A Ghost show was nothing short of ritualistic, both in concept and execution. There was spectacle, drama, and high production value, but also moments of emotional resonance and real connection. They showed why they are one of the more compelling theatrical rock/metal acts today. I personally recommend this show to anyone. Such a fantastic show from start to finish.
