It has been four long, excruciating years since the Unholy Clergy graced Anaheim with their presence. Of course, I am talking about Ghost. The heavy rock act, known for blending whimsical theater with rock ‘n’ roll darkness, has been in hibernation since His Unholiness Papa Emeritus IV retired as frontman to ascend to the position of Frater Imperator, the head of the Ministry. Then, his fraternal twin brother stepped out from the shadows to become Papa V Perpetua. From there, Ghost unleashed their most sinister album yet, Skeletá. Refocused and determined to continue their work of bringing fans to the dark side of life, Ghost embarked on the Skeletour.

Rabit and I were called upon once again by the Clergy to be part of their menacing congregation at the Honda Center, so we answered and attended. No opening group this time around—just 100% pure Ghost. What evil lies ahead, I wondered?

The show began at 9:15 as the reserved yet playful Papa V Perpetua waltzed on stage with the Nameless Ghouls to perform “Peacefield.” Sporting a silver half-mask and black dress suit, Perpetua enchanted the Anaheim unfaithful with his silver tongue, spilling out a majestic yet ominous tenor voice. As soon as the first lyrics poured out of his mouth like honey, nothing tasted sweeter. Perpetua was also a Pope of fashion, switching between outfits to fit the song’s mood—whether it was his traditional Pope wear or a shiny purple tuxedo. Either way, all eyes were fixated on him.

The Nameless Ghouls consisted of two guitarists trading off riffs and solos, a thunderous yet subtle bassist, two transcendent keyboardists, and two sultry backup singers who added additional wickedness to the songs. The guitar duo engaged the crowd, working them into a chaotic frenzy while blazing through the set with fiery solos that could set a church house on fire.

The set design was incredibly creative. Their big screen constantly changed images based on the song choice and its purpose. As usual, hanging above the set in lights was the iconic Ghost upside-down cross sigil. Add in flames and the occasional fireworks, and Anaheim was strapped in for a wild and dark journey.

Though the Skeletour celebrated Ghost's latest achievement (Skeletá being their first album to debut at #1 in the US), most of their setlist came from their classic Meliora album. Each song was carefully chosen by the Clergy to ensure it had the power to consume our minds and spirits. From “Lachryma” to “Spirit,” “From the Pinnacle to the Pit,” “Majesty,” “The Future Is a Foreign Land,” “Cirice,” “Darkness at the Heart of My Love,” “Satanized,” “Umbra,” “Year Zero,” “He Is,” “Rats,” “Mummy Dust,” and “Monstrance Clock,” the Anaheim congregation felt the warm embrace of the malevolent sound surrounding them.

The biggest pop of the night came when they performed “Kiss the Go-Goat.” Every time they play it, the flock is won over by its evil nature. After taking five minutes to reapply his makeup, His Unholiness returned for a three-song encore that blew the roof off the Honda Center: “Mary On a Cross,” “Dance Macabre,” and the ever-popular “Square Hammer.” After being on the square and on the level, the sermon of Ghost concluded.

Compared to their last Honda Center performance four years ago, this was the best I have ever seen from Ghost. They kept the crowd’s attention without skipping a beat. For this show, the Clergy sealed up our phones to ensure we gave them our undivided attention. Rightfully so, because at the conclusion of this tour, Ghost will go on an indefinite hiatus due to Papa V Perpetua feeling exhausted and needing time to devise new ways to snag more souls.

So, this is not goodbye, but see you later. If there was ever a show to go out on a high note, Anaheim was the right place to do it. Fret not, for the Clergy will return...with a vengeance. To Ghost, I salute you, and we are ready to stand before you right here, right now. Horns up!

Photos by:  Matt 'Rabit' Martinez