Why Do Some People Dislike the Swedish Band Ghost

As a metal enthusiast, I must admit that not everyone shares my passion for the genre. In the world of metal, there is often a significant divide between those who embrace the raw, aggressive, and complex sounds versus those who prefer more mainstream or crossover forms. One such band that often faces criticism within the metal community is Ghost. In this article, we will explore the reasons why some people do not appreciate Ghost and delve into the distinct characteristics that separate them from the traditional metal scene.

Why Some Metalheads Dislike Ghost

Metal fans, especially those who immerse themselves deeply in the genre, often feel a sense of exclusivity and purity. They believe that metal should be a means of artistic expression and freedom, not merely a commercial product. The sentiment is encapsulated in the phrase “metal was created as a conduit for freedom of expression.”

However, when a band like Ghost enters the scene, many feel it deviates from the pure essence of metal. They argue that Ghost takes elements of classic metal, such as heavy guitar riffs and dark lyrics, but dilutes them with pop-infused sounds and cleaner vocals. This blend of styles is often seen as a cop-out, a way to capitalize on the metal brand without fully embracing its complexity.

Contrasting Perceptions of Ghost

The question of whether Ghost is truly a metal band is a point of contention. Some argue that while the band incorporates classic metal elements, their overall presentation and musical style fall short of traditional metal standards.

According to one metalhead, there are specific criteria that define what constitutes “metal” to hardcore fans:

Heavy guitar riffs with ample distortion Lyrics that delve into dark, often Satanic themes Use of clean singing and occasional growls or screams for intensity

Ghost, however, challenges these criteria in several ways:

Excessive Use of Clean Vocals and Prog Rock Elements

The clean singing of Ghost's lead vocalist, Tobias Forge, is a major point of contention. Critics argue:

Forge rarely engages in screams or grunts, opting for melodic and calm delivery Ghost incorporates keyboards, which add a prog rock element to their sound Acoustic or cleaner songs are frequent in their repertoire, despite the upbeat rock style

These elements, to many hardcore metalheads, make Ghost unacceptable as a metal band and instead fall more into the categories of hard rock or prog rock.

A Personal Perspective

As a metal enthusiast, I recognize that not everyone appreciates the intricacies and raw power of metal. Some of us enjoy a wider range of music, including other genres that may share metal influences. However, even within the metal community, there can be stark differences in taste and appreciation.

Some may enjoy Ghost for its unique blend of dark themes and catchy melodies, while others, like me, find the sound to be lacking in the power and intensity expected of traditional metal.

Conclusion

The divide between those who love Ghost and those who do not highlights the complex nature of taste and genre boundaries. While Ghost may not meet the expectations of some hardcore metal fans, it remains an interesting and influential band in its own right. Whether one appreciates Ghost or not, it is clear that the band has left a significant mark on the rock music landscape, blurring the lines between traditional metal, gothic rock, and even elements of hard rock and prog rock.