Ghost @ Toyota Music Factory, Irving, TX

Words and photos by Scott Rowe

After seeing Ghost on their Pre-Imperatour USA 2022 Tour at the historic Fair Park Coliseum in Dallas, I waited impatiently see to see them again on their incredibly-creative named tour, the Re-Imperatour USA 2023 Tour. Their show back in February of 2022 was an introduction to the glory that is a Ghost show, a large-scaled production with all of the bells and whistles that surround the spectacle. Impera was released not long after the Fair Park show, but the show itself did not include many songs from Impera, so I was anxious to see what they would perform this time around. While the framework of the two shows were very similar, i.e. nearly identical stage and lighting, same show introduction and first three songs, the anticipation for this show was sky high for Ghost fans, as this was solely a Ghost gig; the Pre-Imperatour was co-headlined by Volbeat and their fans had a nice representation inside the Coliseum.

Much like the Fair Park show, the entire stage was blanketed by a large curtain while "Imperium" played in the background. The giant curtain fell during the opening notes of "Kaisarion", the second song from Impera and an awesome lead into the show. While the many Nameless Ghouls took the stage, the three with stringed-instruments walked down the catwalk and led the crowd in an introductory jam just as Tobias Forge, aka Papa Emeritus IV, walked onto the stage and belted out "Kaisarion!" The show was just as I remembered, full of spectacle with Papa Emeritus reaching every corner of the stage while the Ghouls are taking turns rotating from one spot to another.

The music is a melodic blend of guitar riffs and dancing rhythms, where you can't help but bob your head back and forth, or throwing your devil horns in the air. I do love stage theatrics, i.e. KISS,  and Ghost does not let down on the band dynamics, playing alongside another, spotlit guitar solos, and Emeritus crooning over the thousands in attendance. Unlike the Pre-Imperatour, Impera was showcased, having five of the night's 19 songs dedicated to their latest album. But while it was very reminiscent of their show at Fair Park, it stands alone in energy and effort, showcasing a band that continues to go above and beyond in musicianship and spectacle.

Photos of the show are below:

enjoy.