#anonymous ghuleh

[anamelessfool]

I’m not new the the fandom or tumblr, but I’m just now getting into ghumblr, how do I make friends?

Hi! I like Tumblr. Here are some things.

Respect MDNI requests. Respect that. Minors get blocked on sight if they don't follow MDNI. If you're over 18, then disregard this.

Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated. You want anonymous asks? Send some anon/public asks when others do ask games. You want people to comment on your art? Comment on others' artwork, in tags, asks, and on AO3. Try a writing challenge! Two folks who I know have ghost-specific writing challenges are @cirrus-ghoulette and @comp-lady (@promptshoard specifically!) but if someone's reading this and has writing challenges please post them in the comments here. Post your own Headcanons, writing, artwork, doodles whatever they may be. Reblog Reblog Reblog. Interact and you'll be interacted with.

Tag appropriately. Kinks, ships, all that. I am all about 100% Freedom of Expression provided everything is tagged appropriately. Curate your own experience. Block tags you don't like, hang out in ones you do. It's very simple 🙂

In magick and in Tumblr, like begets like. You send out positivity, you will see positivity. If you send out negativity, that's all you will see.

A great place to start looking for amazing art and fics has to be @ghuleh-recs . Liss does an exceptional job organizing tags and curating a variety of work. Best of luck and welcome!

[gravehags]

i must confess to you (i want to possess you)

Pairing: Cumulus x f!Reader

Rating: Explicit

18+ ONLY MINORS DO NOT INTERACT

Tags: sinister Cumulus, stalking, brief description of fingering, possessive ghoulettes

Words: 991

Summary: She knows immediately upon seeing you that you're meant to be hers.

a/n: Listen I can have a little sinister Cumulus action, as a treat. Prequel to my previous fic fever for the fire, so I def recommend giving that a read first.

divider by @ghuleh-recs

It starts in the garden.

Cumulus sees you on your knees, cheeks flushed and glistening in the sun as you dig your fingers in the damp soil and help Papa Primo plant his dahlias. She watches you from behind a pillar, eyes tracing over what is exposed of your form in your habit. The way your chest heaves with effort, the way you rest back on your haunches and wipe the sweat from your face with a smile.

She knows then she must have you.

Your main duties lie within the confines of the library, so she begins to hang around there more often, making sure to don her mask for relative anonymity. So diligent in your work, brows knitted as you help other siblings find the books they seek, the skirt of your habit hiking up your legs when you reach for a text. Cumulus adores the way you grin at yourself while reshelving books, so often flipping through pages to sate your own curiosity. I want to be the reason for that smile, she thinks hungrily, fingers flexing at her sides, ever-longing to touch you. She knows you’ve spotted her every once in a while, and she revels in the way your gaze lingers on the curve of her breasts and backside. You blush at the slightest provocation and late at night in her room, Cumulus thinks of that blush as she slips her fingers inside of herself. 

You prefer to take your lunch breaks in one specific courtyard, one that is quiet and more intimate than the others at the abbey. Often you can be found curled up on the grass under the willow tree, snacking happily on whatever you’ve brought for yourself that day. You are such a lonely thing - you don’t have admirers flocking to you nor do you really spend your time with anyone else. It simultaneously makes Cumulus ache for the need in your heart, while also feeling relieved that no one else but her shows an interest in you. You are, after all, hers.

Soon, though, the observations from afar are simply not enough. She needs to be closer, to watch you unencumbered by the threat of other eyes. The growing desire to have you all to herself spreads like wildfire in her heart. So, one night, she transforms herself into mist and floats through your open bedroom window. When she manifests in her body she gasps upon seeing you. You’re fast asleep on your back, arms lying outside the covers. In an instant she’s at your side, ghosting her hand along your form while never really touching you. She admires the way your hair spills on the pillow as your snore softly, illuminated by moonlight. You are the most beautiful creature she has ever seen and it takes all her willpower not to place her lips on you.

Soon enough.

She watches you for an hour, maybe two, delighting in the little noises you make in your sleep. How desperately she wishes to slip into bed beside you, pull you close until she can smell your shampoo, then slide her hand in between your legs to wake you with a delicious surprise. 

Soon enough.

The next day, when talk begins to spread of a little party for the library staff happening later in the week, Cumulus sees an opportunity. She has a plan. She confides in Dewdrop about her desire for you and, with a sharp grin, he agrees to assist her. Cumulus suggests to one of your coworkers that they should invite you and then, perhaps, at some point in the evening, abandon you. The sibling is perplexed but when Cumulus brings the threat of speaking to Papa about the matter, they are more than eager to comply. 

The plan is set, all she needs to do is wait.

Cumulus delights in the warm evening air from her spot on the lounge, patiently waiting for your arrival. When she hears heels on the stone floor coming her way, she is filled with excitement and arousal. This is it. You step into the courtyard and remove your shoes, sighing heavily but not noticing her. Not until she speaks up, causing you to jump in fright. You’re irritated but pliable as you join her on the lounge, and Cumulus has to restrain herself from laughing triumphantly when your gaze lingers on the exposed swell of her breasts. You’re so filled with emotion and barely contained lust, it’s all she can do not to grab you and have her way with you on the spot.

But it turns out, that’s not necessary.

You give yourself to her willingly.

The first time your lips touch hers she feels as if she’s hovering ten feet over her body. So long she’s wanted this, and now here you are, so desperate for her. When she slides her fingers inside of you she delights in the abundance of your slick and the way you clench around her. You’re glorious like this, fucking yourself on her hand, and she cannot wait to see you come completely undone. Your thighs shake with the effort of holding yourself up, so Cumulus decides to finish the job for you, desperate to see you come. When it happens, she feels such an exaltant rush watching you keen and arch on top of her that it’s almost as if she's climaxed herself. You collapse on her, panting and when Cumulus slips her fingers into her mouth to taste you her eyes roll back in her head. You’re everything she’s dreamed of and more. When you tell her that the two of you should take this somewhere else, somewhere more intimate, Cumulus’ heart is filled to bursting. 

“I know a place,” she says as the two of you stand, taking you by the hand and leading you towards the ghoul den.

Pretty, sweet, thing.

She has no intention of letting you go.

[catboy-joyfriend]

what's the deal with the weird little gas mask dudes from GHOST? the greachurs

THE GREACHURS!!! so they're only gas mask dudes as of this album cycle they've previously looked like this (v)

Basically Ghost itself is just Tobias Forge, and anyone else onstage are paid musicians exclusively for live performances. Originally they were supposed to be completely anonymous hence the masks, altho by now thats not as much of a thing anymore. They're called Nameless Ghouls because they were supposed to be nameless but they started getting little nicknames I BELIEVE around Papa III's era with Meliora (or maybe started with Infestussumam but then they would have just had the elemental names I think). For a while they had elemental associations (Lead guitar = Fire, Bass = Water, Keyboard = Air, Drums = Earth, Rhythm Guitar = Quintessence), also if a ghoul does multiple thats a "multighoul". the elemental thing isn't official anymore but still EXTREMELY common in fan works, in which they're usually portrayed as liekk. these weird grey lil elemental demon guys. Female ghouls r usually called ghoulettes but ghuleh also works

[copiousloverofcopia]

We are back again ghesties for the next installment of, The Hell Torn Heart featuring Secondo and @ashley-ghuleh OC Marcus!

Thank you so much for allowing me to write for you! Hope you all enjoy!

Commissions are OPEN, please see pinned post for Carrd info!

The Hell Torn Heart

After a recurring dream leaves Marcus, a half-demon/half-hellhound, dealing with the ghosts of his troubled past and visions of a place he has never been. He is unexpectedly thrust into an unknown world. Guided by a mysterious couple to the Ministry, surrounded by ghouls and siblings of sin. The once outcast struggles with what haunts him and learning to find himself—until he meets Secondo.

Chapter 2: The Ritual and the Maestro

Also available HERE on AO3! Haven't started yet? Read from the beginning HERE!

Read more below the cut!

It was a dreary, overcast day. The sun, shunned by the blankets of clouds that hung above them. The crowd, gathering to enter the Olympiastadion in hordes of headbangers and moshers. The lot of them as far as the eye could see. Packed together like grains of sand in glass. All of them beaming for the night's concert. 

Metallica was the headliner, Ghost their opening band. Most of the crowd was adorned in the metal legend’s merch. Sporting “Ride the Lightning” shirts and long, thrasher style hair. Marcus could blend in easily. Wearing his “Crowned Crows” black crop top, his favorite black plugs in his ears, and the tuft of blue hair that graced his head—styled up into a mohawk. 

As he approached, the sheer size of the place intimidated him. While Marcus had dreamed of coming to shows in a place as grand as this—his meager income barely allowed him a drink at the Hundekeller, let alone top tier entertainment . When he finally reached the box office, he was delighted to see that Aether and Cumulus had kept their word. Waiting for him was an envelope with his name written plainly on the front, handed over by the sweet young woman helming the box office. 

When he opened it up he was delighted with what he found inside. A pit ticket with his name on it and a VIP access badge. Marcus couldn’t help but smile as he tucked the envelope into the pocket of his guitar case, still shocked security let it inside, and headed back in line. The energy of the crowd all around him, so palpable and exhilarating. 

“Ich kann nicht sagen, dass ich jemals zuvor von Ghost gehört habe. Kennst du sie?” a man dressed in a well-worn black band tee said to the blonde woman who accompanied him. Marcus couldn’t help but stare at it. The man’s shirt faded so much that the only thing recognizable was etchings of white from what at one point must have been a logo. The woman shook her head in response, seeming to be unaware of them as well. Marcus letting out a sigh of relief for having been embarrassed at not knowing who Ghost was before.  

When he, and the other pit ticket holders were escorted onto the Olympiastadion floor, Marcus was breathless. The towering building was crested by a large opening that revealed the sky. The stage, lined with metal and decorated in an array of stained-glass art that was flanked on each side by Ghost’s logo colored in marble white. It was the most breathtaking thing he had ever seen. 

Though he was towards the back of the pit, he could see the stage clearly. Past the raised lighting from phone screens and rows of hands held up in praise, he could make out all of the band members. Each of them dressed in black and their faces veiled by silver demon-like masks. Their anonymity, intriguing him along with their clear Satanic aesthetic. 

Their presence, a welcome celebration of things that Marcus held in secret. His own connection to the darkness—constantly cloaked from all those who surrounded him. Ghost had displayed these things openly as if it was something to take pride in—not keep hidden. Marcus could smell Aether and Cumulus were among those on stage. Unsure which of the masked musicians they were, Marcus kept careful watch. His attention, drawn to the two men at the front with their guitars—one in black and the other white. 

When the lights began to flicker—the stage ignited with the haunting sound of music, Marcus felt nothing short of awe. His heart pounding against his chest as the sounds flowed through him. The first chords played, resonating in a deep place within he could not quite explain. It was then as saw him, the man of the hour appearing from the back of the stage. Mustached, commanding, and surrounded in tight, crimson red fabric.

🎵 In times of turmoil, in times like these…🎵

As the man sang, Marcus felt the rush with each of his words. His voice, just as melodic and powerful as the music he sang to. It was only mere minutes into the show, and Marcus knew he had fallen in love. Watching, eyes wide open and heart soaring as the man he came to find was known as Cardinal Copia, continued on his way.

🎵 Them rats! 🎵

Song after song played, Marcus becoming more enticed as they passed. Feeling as if like magic, they cast a spell upon him just from watching and listening. The guitarists’ riffs, painting pictures in his head of the notes and chords as they played. Marcus, unable to control the urge to mime them. Feeling the phantom strings beneath his fingers as he mimicked their strokes. 

As fast as they came on, Ghost went. Leaving Marcus and the crowd—absolutely mesmerized. He was almost in tears, welling up with emotion from the experience. The music, somehow making him feel more at home and at peace than he had felt in a very long time. 

“This…this is incredible.” he uttered aloud. Wiping the stream of black eyeliner that had managed to trail down his cheek.  

“You got that right baby!” said the blonde from before, clapping and screaming as Ghost took their leave from the stage. The promise of Metallica, riling up the crowd. Marcus, however, was devastated. While he knew Metallica from before and was always a fan—Ghost had given him something entirely different. While the stadium geared up for the main event to take stage—He felt overcome with despair. Pained that he might never get to experience them like this again. 

His instant depression had clouded his memory. Forgetting all too quickly the VIP pass that lay within his guitar case, when Cumulus joined him within the crowd. No longer covered by her ghoulish mask but appearing as the same bubbly woman he had met the night before. She grabbed him by the shoulder to get his attention, her sweet smile extending from ear to ear.

“So what did you think sweet face…Helluva show huh?” she asked him. Sending him a wink as she stood beside him in the unsuspecting crowd.  

“I can’t even find the words—-that was…was…” Marcus stammered as he couldn’t explain just how he was feeling. 

“Unreal?” Aether said as he appeared behind Cumulus. “Come on kid, the boss man would like to meet you.” 

“The boss?” 

“The Cardinal.” Aether explained as he and Cumulus rushed Marcus through the crowd, intent on bringing him backstage. 

~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The walk backstage had Marcus’s blood pumping. Passing the packs of security, nervous despite his VIP pass on display that they'd find a reason to toss him. Each hall looked just the same as the last, giving him a sense of unease. And the quick, discreet glances between Aether and Cumulus, as if they knew something he didn’t, had sent him even more on edge. 

After yet another identical hall, they finally arrived at their destination. Given away by the taped-up, white 8 x 11 sheet with the Ghost logo printed on it. Marcus held his breath within his lungs as he stared at the double doors. So excited and scared at the same time to find out what awaited him behind them. 

"Ready?" Cumulus asked him. 

"As I'll ever be." Marcus replied as Aether opened the doors. Immediately Marcus was hit by the same smell carried by Aether and Cumulus, only this time it was unrelenting. Surely it wasn't a coincidence that he was engulfed in it now.

Marcus's eyes took a moment to adjust to the harsh fluorescents. His gaze, drawn to the man at the center of the room. It was the Cardinal, sitting in the middle of a long black couch, the rest of the room filled with the other band members. All of them, still in their black attire. 

The Cardinal seemed delighted with his appearance, quickly waving Aether and them forward with his leather gloved hand. “Ah yes, Aether, Cumulus…I see you have brought back the boy, eh?” Copia seemed to cheer. Scooting over to the side, allowing the three of them a place to sit beside him. Marcus could hardly believe he was standing there. 

The man who had captivated him on stage, welcoming him into the inner sanctum as if he had known him forever. To Marcus, it almost felt like he had even though he had yet to learn his name. The Cardinal, so familiar and kind. Notes of Marcus's own mother woven into their interaction. 

Copia was making polite conversation. Explaining how honored he felt to be welcomed to the area and about how much they enjoyed the energy of the crowd. Marcus tried hard to focus on the words spoken between them. Keeping his composure, if only just enough to prevent from dropping his glamour. The scent, growing harder and harder to ignore. 

“Something wrong?” Cardinal Copia asked, just as Marcus caught sight of the ornate details of the patch, embroidered on his jacket. That same shape, an inverted cross with a “G”, he had seen in his dreams. 

"I–think I've seen that before. Somewhere."

"A Grucifix? Well, it is a sacred symbol of our faith." Copia explained. Watching as Marcus looked more and more confused. 

"We are actual devil worshipers, you know?" Winked a black-haired woman. Leaning over the coach to whisper something into Copia's ear. Her high cheekbones and the most piercing eyes Marcus had ever seen, making her look almost ethereal. 

"I—oh is that so?" He asked, unsure of what else to say. He was unfazed, wondering if he should have acted more surprised. His true nature, making him acutely aware of the truth of the Devil and the existence of Hell.  

"You sure you're ok?" Cumulus asked, watching his nostrils flaring. The scent, becoming even stronger the more the band crowded around them.

“Yeah…it's just the smell—” Marcus began before realizing the words had escaped his lips. Scared he might have said too much.

"Ah well…about that…" Cumulus began when two other men approached them. One very tall, almost giant-like in his appearance. Broad-shouldered and very impressive to look at. The other, his opposite. Quite small—scrawny even with long blonde hair and his top lip covered in a 70s porn-stache. 

“Heh…that's alright, it's probably just Dew.” jabbed Mountain. Tilting his head to signal over to the smaller man at his side. Calling him out as the culprit of the offending scent. 

“Pff…ass.” Dew uttered under his breath, rolling his eyes as Aether and Cumulus took their respective spots beside the Cardinal on the couch.  

“Don’t mind him too much Marcus, was it?” Copia asked him, drawing back his attention. Marcus smiled and nodded, still standing before them and feeling almost even more ill at ease.

“Yeah it's Marcus. Marcus Kohle. You know, I just have to say before I lose my nerve, Cardinal, well you…you…" he began. Marcus, overcome with the feeling—the need to confess. Wanting to tell all of them about his dreams, about everything. Though he wanted, desperately, to ease the mounting tension. All he could say to finish was. "Ghost puts on a hell of a show.” 

“We sure do.” Cumulus said, giving the Cardinal a kiss on the cheek before getting up from the couch. She walked gingerly up to Marcus. Giving him a big hug before whispering in his ear, “Good luck.”

“Ah, well thank you. That was the intention.” Copia laughed. Marcus couldn’t help it. Compelled to explain further. To let them know that he wasn't just a fan…there was more to it than that.

“No…you don't understand. The music, the lyrics…they just…just... I am pretty sure I could even play the riffs already. I loved them so much.” he explained.

“Oh?” Copia said, surprised and flattered by Marcus's candor. 

“Well then, go ahead and show us. Dew, give him your guitar.” Aether teased. Dew immediately scowled and hissed back at him. Such an odd behavior for a mortal, that it immediately made Marcus suspicious. 

“That's ok, I have my own.” he explained, confused when the smaller man looked even more irritated. As if his refusal to play with his guitar, somehow disrespected his instrument. 

“Well go on then…play.” Dew snipped, waiting to smirk at what he assumed would be a feeble attempt, only to be floored when Marcus was able to play multiple sections of both Rats and the solo from Dance Macabre . The rest of the room too was speechless. The young man from Germany, able to play songs that took some of them months to perfect—and after only one listen. When Marcus was finished the room erupted with applause, with the exception of Dew who sat in a stupor. 

Cardinal Copia began smiling wide at him. Letting out a pleasant sigh before crossing one leg over the other as he relaxed back into the chair. The sound of the leather as it shifted, filling Marcus's ears. Marcus almost panting from the rush of adrenaline as he lowered his hand down the neck of his guitar. 

“Aether, I believe you are right…we can’t leave without him now.” he explained, as all the color drained from Marcus’s face. What did he mean by that, what have I gotten myself into? he asked himself as Aether stood up before him. 

“Marcus, we owe you an apology.” he began, the rest of the room falling silent as they waited for either Marcus’s response or for Aether to continue—only for Cardinal Copia to cut in. 

“You see, we are no typical metal band…things in Ghost work a little differently. We know what you are.” he explained. Marcus could hear ringing in his ears. His ears aching, reminiscent of his damn alarm. Scared that they did indeed know the truth. 

“You see friend, we are not what we seem.” Aether said, as the image of his masculine appearance peeled away.  Like paper burning and curling within a fire. Revealing the Hell spawn ghoul that lied underneath. His tail twitching back and forth behind him, and the horns standing proudly atop his head. 

“Oh fuck.” was all Marcus could get out. Watching as the rest of the band member’s own glamours faded away. Their gray-skinned, white glowing-eyed truth, all that remained. 

“No one here will judge you Marcus. We are all born of Hell fire here…well except for the Cardinal.” Aeth said, smiling as Copia shrugged in response. “Come back to Italy with us. Come meet the rest of the Abbey. Come home.” 

“Yes piccolo, come back with us and we will be your family. You will no longer need to hide what…who you really are.” reasoned the Cardinal. Marcus stood in complete silence, confused and flooded with the emotion of everything he had just seen and heard. Feeling his glamour slip for a brief second as the words of the Cardinal and Aether resonated inside him. All of them were like—him.

“Home.” Marcus asked, his eyes glazed over, still swimming in his own thoughts. The Cardinal stood up and placed a gloved hand on each of Marcus’s shoulders. Pulling him close enough to see the unholy glow of his left eye as he spoke

“That's right piccolo—home.”

Notes:

Olympiastadion- Concert venue in Munich, Germany The Hundekeller- Hound Cellar (The bar in our little story) Ich kann nicht sagen, dass ich jemals zuvor von Ghost gehört habe. Kennst du sie?- I can't say I have ever heard of Ghost before. Do you know them?

[ghulehvu]

Glad to be back off hiatus! To celebrate, I drew this Meliora-era Nameless Ghoul. Took me about 4 or 5 hours give or take but I hope you guys like it! New audios coming out soon! :)

[ghulehdoctor]

‘ I hit my head ’ - @zenith-ghuleh

Injuries Starter - @zenith-ghuleh

“Come here and take a seat,” she says with worry in her eyes. “That looks like it hurts, and you could have a concussion.” Patting the cot with an encouraging smile, the doctor urges them over.

“What happened?”

[shig-a-shig-ah]

Secrets: oh boy so I remember trying a weed brownie for the first time with a friend and it didn't seen to do much more than relax me: but then coming down off it made me spend SEVERAL HOURS pacing frantically in a circle feeling like my heart was going to beat out of my chest and I have never tried it since. My friend was fine: I couldn't have THC overdosed because it was such a small brownie but I think my brain just rlly doesn't react well to weed LOL which how fucken lame is THAT?

oh man, i love edibles but they can fuck you up if you’re not careful. the one time i made weed brownies i didn’t realize how strong they would be and ended up trapped at my friend’s house like twice as long as I thought I’d be because I was in no shape to drive home even after ages but then thankfully my husband got sick of waiting for me to come home and randomly showed up to rescue me and I was so relieved.

but yeah, some people’s brains just don’t like it! mr. ghuleh just gets anxious, and now my friends with adhd are kind of split on whether it hurts or helps.

anonymously tell me your secrets

[tisthenightofthewitch]

THE 20 GREATEST GHOST SONGS – RANKED - KERRANG!

From Opus Eponymous to Prequelle, we rank the greatest compositions from Ghost

Words: Sam Law

Photo: Tom Barnes 

Undoubtedly the breakout band in heavy music over the past decade, it’s been a wild ride for Swedish creeps Ghost. Melding elements of hard rock, doom, classic metal, psychedelia and outright guitar-pop – then daubing on the corpsepaint – their combination of deceptively digestible sound, occultist ethos and anti-ecumenical aesthetic has captured the imagination of music fans and sling-shotted their live ‘rituals’ into arenas on both sides of the Atlantic.

Of course, mysterious mainman Tobias Forge (aka Papa Emeritus I-IV, aka Cardinal Copia) has had his struggles. In 2013, the band was forced to temporarily rebrand as Ghost B.C. for legal reasons in the U.S. The initially intriguing, fluid anonymity of his bandmates’ Nameless Ghoul personas (even Dave Grohl apparently once donned the cowl) became a sticking point, too, as the collective sued Tobias in 2017, failing in their suit but also dispelling some of the precious mystique.

That Tobias has endured – not just surviving, but flamboyantly thriving in the heightened spotlight – feels like proof his band are here to stay. New music is eagerly anticipated in the not-so-distant future but, for now, we rank the 20 tracks on which Ghost have built their unholy empire thus far…

20. MUMMY DUST (MELIORA, 2015)

‘I was carried on a wolf’s back, to corrupt humanity / I will pummel it with opulence, with corpulence and greed!’ Arriving on a wave of staccato percussion, spiked with gnarls of riffage and flashes of synth, this pounding cut from 2015’s Meliora – named after the insubstantial detritus of years past – plays out as one of Ghost’s most compelling indictments of the avarice of mankind. Although its creeping instrumentation, growled baritone and choral climax don’t exactly show the Swedes at their most inventive, Mummy Dust has been elevated massively in the live arena, with Papa leaning into the lurching malevolence before showering the audience with ‘money’. In Ghost we trust.

19. WITCH IMAGE (PREQUELLE, 2018)

Ghost might have traversed a full spectrum from gouging metal via classic rock to shimmering guitar-pop thus far, but the further their sound has strayed into the light, the harder the lyrics have drilled down into darkness. It’s never been truer than on this underrated ditty from Prequelle. A textbook three-and-a-half-minutes built of sweet acoustic and rich electric guitars surging towards its massive chorus, you can practically taste the relish as Tobias ladles the syrup onto some of his darkest words. ‘While you sleep in earthly delight, someone’s flesh is rotting tonight / Like no other to you, what you’ve done you can not undo…’

18. CON CLAVI CON DIO (OPUS EPONYMOUS, 2010)

After the baroque organ intro of Deus Culpa, it’s the throbbing bassline of Con Clavi Con Dio that truly pulls back the sacristy drapes on Ghost’s compelling debut. Translating crudely as ‘With Nails, With God’, the title Con Clavi Con Dio is actually an attempt at clever wordplay, drawing comparisons with the nails of crucifixion and the conclave of bishops at the head of the church as Tobias sings, ‘Our conjuration sings infernal psalms and smear the smudge in bleeding palms.’ Theological musing aside, it’s the dark swirl of sound here that truly draws the listener in, with gauzy layers of guitar, synth and vocals – not to mention the devilish tritone interval – building into a towering cathedral of subversion.

17. FAITH (PREQUELLE, 2018)

No relation to the oft-covered George Michael classic, the fourth single from 2018’s Prequelle feels like a defiant statement of the band’s arena-straddling prowess twelve years in. Powered by snarling six-strings and pounding drums – custom engineered to get tens of thousands of fists pumping – it’s seething proof that this band’s heaviest sounds are still among their best. At the same time, we get a furious flash of the man behind the mask as Tobias takes aim at his ex-Nameless Ghouls with some serious lyrical barbs: ‘The Luddites shun the diabolical, a fecal trail across the land / Although it stinks, feels and looks identical / And a pack of fools can take the stand.’ Oooft.

16. PER ASPERA AD INFERNI (INFESTISSUMAM, 2013)

Riffing on the popular Latin phrase ‘Per aspera ad astra’ (‘Through hardship to the stars’), Per Aspera Ad Infini literally translates as ‘Through Hardships To Hell.’ Its churning sound diabolically matches up. Layering on riffage that calls to mind the epic doom of heroes like Candlemass, marching-beat percussion and a lyrical treatment revolving around that title chanted as a mantra, there is sinisterness throughout. Its defining quality, however, is the fragility and despair Tobias manages to summon as he begs with ecstatic fervour, ‘Oh Satan, devour us all / Hear our desperate call.’

15. SECULAR HAZE (INFESTISSUMAM, 2013)

The lead single from 2013’s sophomore LP Infestissumam immediately built on the spooky foundations laid by Opus Eponymous with broader pantomime atmospherics and – on its live premiere in Linköping, Sweden, where Papa Emeritus II was unveiled – the first branches of their expanded mythos. A carnivalesque organ sets the tone of mischievous eeriness before the pendulous musicality hits full swing with Papa inviting us in: ‘You know that the fog is here omnipresent when the disease sees no cure / You know that the fog is here omnipresent when the intents remain obscure – forevermore!’ As if their mainstream-invading intent wasn’t clear enough, its single release even came with a B-side cover of ABBA’s I’m A Marionette featuring Dave Grohl on drums!

14. SEE THE LIGHT (PREQUELLE, 2018)

Another barely-veiled reference to Tobias’ struggles with ex-bandmates, See The Light is also one of his band’s most shamelessly uplifting compositions. Feeling like a positivist ’80s anthem – shot through with a little venom – its tinkling keys, soaring synths and understated, rumbling riffage propel an effortlessly memorable message about transcending the ill-will of one’s antagonists. Sing it together: ‘Every day that you feed me with hate, I grow stronger!’

13. DEUS IN ABSENTIA (MELIORA, 2015)

Riding on the metronomic beat of their Monstrance Clock, the closer on Ghost’s third album (translated from Latin as ‘In The Absence Of God’) is an extravagant exercise in arch theatrics. Benefiting from Klas Åhlund’s grandiose production, Tobias comes across as both demon and angel, extending his dark invitation: ‘The world is on fire, and you are here to stay and burn with me / A funeral pyre, and we are here to revel forever.’ Concluding with a hymn-like Latin chorus, it feels like the ultimate corruptive culmination: a musical sacrament truly touching only to those in the know.

12. STAND BY HIM (OPUS EPONYMOUS, 2010)

The track that started it all. Inspired by that irresistible lead riff – stumbled upon while practising for another band – Tobias foresaw a deep, dark well of potential waiting to be tapped and threw himself in headlong. Although Stand By Him’s schlocky lyrics feel gleefully on-the-chin nowadays (‘The Devil’s power is the greatest one / When His’ and Hers’ holiest shuns the sun / A temptress smitten by the blackest force / A vicar bitten blind in intercourse’), they paved the way for everything that followed. On top of that, its soaring ‘It is the night of the witch…’ chorus line even rivals that of Donovan’s Season Of The Witch (an obvious influence) for sheer spellbinding catchiness.

11. GHULEH/ZOMBIE QUEEN (INFESTISSUMAM, 2013)

One of the less immediate tracks on Ghost’s second album was also its most important. A staggering, seven-and-a-half minute opus that unfolds from its sorrowing piano line and Papa’s desiccated hiss through a swaggering midsection to a conclusion full of proggy bombast; this was proof of the untold breadth and depth of their vision and sound. Pushing from their basis in ’80s classic rock through the looser sounds of the ’70s and right into ’60s psychedelia, this ode to the titular zombie queen (‘Up from the stinking dirt she rises, ghastly pale / Shape-shifting soon but now she’s rigid, stiff and stale’) feels like Tobias’ first real attempt to stretch his (cursed black) wings and remains amongst their most rewarding compositions.

10. RITUAL (OPUS EPONYMOUS, 2010)

Anyone who remembers Ghost’s ethereal emergence from the shadows likely does so with this earworm writhing in the back of their mind. Combining the slick melodies and wry fatalism of prime Blue Öyster Cult with the crunchiness of Pentagram and Saint Vitus – soothing organs and a driving bassline pulling away – they had the musical formula nailed. It was the imagery contained therein, however (all ‘bedouins and nomads’, fallen angels and ‘smells of dead human sacrifices from the altar bed’) that captured the imaginations of a congregation ravenous for a fresh take on ancient evil. Here, the doors to the sanctum were truly open.

9. YEAR ZERO (INFESTISSUMAM, 2013)

Tying into the Ghost B.C. renaming necessitated by their Stateside legal wranglings (the year zero being the pivotal point between the B.C. and A.D. timelines), Infestissumam’s sixth track developed into one of the greatest showcases of their dark majesty. Opening with a powerful Gregorian chant (‘Belial, Behemoth, Beelzebub, Asmodeus, Satanas, Lucifer’) calling to mind Jerry Goldsmith’s legendary soundtrack to The Omen, Ave Satana, the direct riffage and bludgeoning choruses that follow hammer home a sense of sheer monstrosity. Typically, the Year Zero concept is subverted, with Forge (and, reportedly, guitarist Martin Persner) picturing an ancient antagonist far predating biblical times: ‘Since dawn of time the fate of man is that of lice, equal as parasites and moving without eyes / A day of reckoning when penance is to burn, count down together now and say the words that you will learn.’

8. MIASMA (PREQUELLE, 2018)

Just when you think you’ve got Ghost figured out, they pull something like this. The first of Prequelle’s two extended instrumentals feels like showboating from an outfit whose legitimacy some fans had dared question following the acrimonious departure of so many players. Rearing into view as an expansively primitive space-rock soundscape, layering up into an ’80s prog epic, then exploding in a kaleidoscopic whirlwind of synths, Michael Jackson riffs and the best metal saxophone this side of Norway’s Shining, it was proof that Tobias’ vision would not be dictated solely by his own crooning King Diamond fixation and that it, frankly, knew no bounds.

7. ELIZABETH (OPUS EPONYMOUS, 2010)

Four years since their formation, Elizabeth felt like the break Ghost had been waiting for. Released on 7” vinyl (with the less-ear-catching Death Knell on B-side), the Mercyful Fate comparisons were immediate, with many seeing the sense of eerie grandeur and kitsch luridity at play as directly descended from the great Danes’ 1987 classic Devil Eyes. An ode to infamous Hungarian Countess Elizabeth Bathory – alleged serial killer and bloodbather – sees Papa getting his teeth sunk in lyrically: ‘Her pact with Satan, her disposal of mankind / Her acts of cruelty and her lust for blood makes her one of us!’ The fine balance between sensuality and sin has yet to be bettered.

6. RATS (PREQUELLE, 2018)

The lead single from 2018’s Prequelle feels like a bridge between the (relative) heaviness of the band’s past and the unfettered theatricality of the album that was about to follow. Powered by a straightforward riff and piercing organs, dazzling solos and a rogue harpsichord, its introduction of the Black Death concept in which the album would wallow (refracting contemporary grievances through the filthy lens of the 14th century bubonic plague) felt both atmospherically appropriate and deliciously alive. The Scandi-pop ‘oooh-aahs’ in the chorus remain one of the band’s most gleefully irreverent touches, too. And the question of whether ‘them filthy rodents still coming for your souls’ is reference to Tobias’ old bandmates has provided rich fuel to keep the metal gossip mill turning.

5. MONSTRANCE CLOCK (INFESTISSUMAM, 2013)

In the Roman Catholic church, the monstrance is an (often ornate) receptacle in which the consecrated communion host is displayed for veneration. A monstrance clock was an aesthetically-similar Renaissance-era timekeeping device capable of displaying date, time and a wealth of other celestial information, often used in church rituals. We suspect that Ghost just liked the faintly cheeky sound of the phrase when quickly spoken. Still, the song they wrought from that initial giggle is utterly unforgettable. Deliberately paced and overflowing with evangelical zeal, a slow build flourishes into a splendiferous closing chorus that’s turned many an arena into a church of the Dark Lord: ‘Come together, together as one / Come together for Lucifer’s son!’

4. DANCE MACABRE (PREQUELLE, 2018)

If Rats was pandering somewhat to the existing fanbase, Dance Macabre was the other side of the coin. A shamelessly retro ’80s-style power ballad that’s as light on overt Satanic references as it is heavy on the cheese, some fans saw it as a form of selling-out: a dilution of devilish imagery in service of greater American radio-rock appeal. Perhaps they had a point. From its fist-pumping percussion and effervescent guitar solo to that ‘wanna, be wit chu’ chorus hook, however, it’s executed with enough committed precision and knowing panache to stand on its own terms, and a whole legion of new fans couldn’t help be swept along through the gateway and on to far darker delights. Tobias’ explanation that this is a soundtrack for people living like there’s no tomorrow – as many literally did during the plague – adds an extra dimension. Best experienced with the gleefuly vampiric music video.

3. CIRICE (MELIORA, 2015)

It’s strange how things work out sometimes. Originally conceived with producer Klas Åhlund as a nine-minute instrumental deep cut, Cirice was chopped down and reworked into Meliora’s irresistible lead single – becoming the song that really kickstarted Ghost’s stratospheric ascent. An insidious opening combusts into an infernal crescendo before lurching into the band’s most bludgeoning riff to date. All the while, Papa’s beguiling vocals reach out, full of dark romance, for new converts to their corrupted congregation. 2016’s GRAMMY for Best Metal Performance felt like just reward for such inspired work. The Roboshobo-directed music video – featuring a school talent show that’s almost as horrific as the ones we remember – is another stone cold standout.

2. SQUARE HAMMER (POPESTAR, 2016)

Following the unprecedented success of Meliora, Ghost found themselves suddenly commanding crowds far larger – and more diverse – than they’d seen before. Most of the ingredients for these grander live rituals were already in place, but they lacked the barn-burner early in their set to get these massive rooms onside. Dropped as the standalone original track on the Popestar covers EP, Square Hammer gave them just that. Abstractly melding the cultist themes of Satanism and Freemasonry, the concept of selling one’s soul – ‘ready to swear right here, right now, before the devil’ – was hardly new, but the outright pop energy of those surging synths and that exuberant chorus clearly signalled that the game had changed.

1. HE IS (MELIORA, 2015)

If Ghost’s diabolical mission statement is to make the Luciferian ideals more palatable to the masses, then He Is must be their masterpiece. So perfectly camouflaged – with twanging acoustic guitars and reverberating vocals that could’ve been nicked from the golden age of AOR – is their message, that they could drop this at any Christian rock festival and only the most switched-on devotees would know the difference. Openly indebted to giants like Kansas and Journey (and less openly to more recent occult acoustic acts like Ancient VVisdom), there’s a burning light to the sound. The use of divine-sounding Latin (‘Nostro Dispater, nostr’alma mater’) to identify the titular ‘He’ as the dark lord of the underworld is just another characteristically twisted masterstroke. Kneel at their altar.

All rights owned by Kerrang!

What do you guys think? 

Personally there’s a few I’d replace and Ritual is always my NO.1. 

[monolithgf]

3 facts

If you get this, answer with three random facts about yourself if you feel comfortable! Then send this to the last seven blogs that are in your notifications. Can be anonymous or not! Let’s get to know the person behind the blog!

@mrs-ghuleh 💗

1. I love rats more than life

2. I have really freaky anatomy/body facts to throw at people when they ask

3. I once saw a demon

Last 7 in my notifs: @peakersblindy @mymummydust @rockdownu @lilith-r @trashconnoisseur@aorticarchnemesis @grandmoments

[peakersblindy]

If you get this, answer with three random facts about yourself if you feel comfortable! Then send this to the last seven blogs that are in your notifications. Can be anonymous or not! Let’s get to know the person behind the blog! (Kinda late but this was in my drafts so the show goes on)

Tagged by @mrs-ghuleh & @pumpkincraving 🖤

1. I'm obsessed with bacteria like pls don't get me started because I probably can't/WON'T stop

2. I was born on Thanksgiving day, they even gave my mom a turkey dinner (Thursday Jupiter baby woot woot ♃💫)

3. I pierced my own bellybutton in 10th grade lmao. Strict parenting only creates the most secretive children - CHANGE MY MIND

[a-wandering-ghoulette]

MyRock ; issue n°44 (Jan/Feb 2017) A Nameless Ghoul from Ghost interview.

Photos: Manon Violence Interview: Mark Renton

2017 has been the year of all records for Ghost! After an exceptional concert at Hellfest, a nicely lead Download Festival (despite voice problems) and a France tour still in minds, the band then launched a triumphal American tour. Meanwhile, the satanic clergy also draw its awesome “Popestar”, EP lead with drums beating by the heady single “Square Hammer”. Telephonical talk with one Nameless Ghoul to take stock on the past, the present and future of this definitely fascinating band.

//Before continuing, note this issue is still available for international orders on their online shop. Direct link to this issue’s page in source! Don’t be surprised by the first cover shown there, it’s litteraly a two covered mag… The mag is meant to be read in 2 time: you start by one side, no matter which one, and when you reach the middle, you have to close it and flip it then tadaaa you have more to read on the 2nd side!//

(Read the full interview under the cut and feel free to point out mistakes!)

Hello, who’s calling? Nameless Ghoul: Hello! I’m one of the Nameless Ghouls.

Which one? Which instrument do you play in the band? N.G. : I’m our clergy’s official spokesperson. I’m also Ghost’s founder, main composer and, most of the time, I play guitar.

How do you feel at the approach of Papa Emeritus III’s end of reign? Because there’ll certainly be a new Papa Emeritus soon… N.G. : You’re right, we’re close to the end of a cycle. Personally, I always saw change as a good thing. It’s stimulating. We still have a lot of concerts to give in 2017, but I think I can safely say that at the end of the next year, all Nameless Ghouls will be tired of Papa Emeritus III! It’ll be nice to see a new leader coming to guide us.

How would you describe the personality of Papa Emeritus III compared to his predecessors? N. G. : First of all, Papa Emeritus III is an entertainer! He loves projectors, he loves the public, and he loves success. The first Papa Emeritus was someone very rigid, very strict, and very solemn. A real son of a bitch! (laughs) To be honest, we don’t miss him at all! Papa Emeritus II was a pervert a little bit sadistic, and, in hindsight, I think he wasn’t very at ease on stage. He wasn’t a showman, unlike Papa Emeritus III! Him, he’s the guide we missed to rise up the quality of our shows, to reach the step above and communicate with our fans. We will be eternally thankful for his work. I believe he have paved the way for his successor…

Precisely, what are you waiting from the future Papa Emeritus IV? N.G. : Well, I want him to be scary. That he bring back something more tenebrous, while remaining spectacular. Broadly speaking, I want the next album to come back to a gloomier atmosphere.

Fueled by ego

On a more personal viewpoint, what is your relationship with your character? N.G. : What’s exciting me the most with Ghost, it’s that the project is a real challenge for the individuals involved. Everybody is on an equal footing. Furthermore, there’s something really thrilling to embody a character which is a part of yourself, but never totally you. Traditionally, rock stars always reach the point where they fuse with their creature. In the end, rock’s always been fueled by ego. Even if you’re part of a fully honest and underground band, you’ll always have this desire to be under the spotlights, to be recognize, famous and loved. Those pretending the contrary are liars. Roughly, no matter the music you make, you all secretly dream to be a kind of Justin Bieber. (laughs) To be masked is something very different. It’s a kind of anomaly in the entertainment system. Because every day, you never receive the admiration you deserve. When I’m not on stage with Ghost, I’m going back in anonymity. It’s very positive for me. I would say, my character brings me some stability in my daily life. But I’m aware my case is a bit special since I’m Ghost’s main composer and thus I’ll always be linked in a way or another to this project. But being in the obscurity is sometime more complicated to manage for the other Nameless Ghouls…

This mystery surrounding Ghost inevitably attracts the fans curiosity. This year, some of them started a vast quest to discover your identities. We imagine it’s part of the game, but what are you feeling regarding it? N.G. : From the beginning, we knew it’ll be impossible to keep the secret until the end. It’s already a miracle we held this long. (laughs) Personally, it doesn’t matter. I think the work accomplished pays its own way. I mean, our albums, our concerts and our universes are that strong they succeed to supplant the reality. Today, people don’t care to know who’s under Papa Emeritus’ hat. When they come to see us play, they want the real Papa. It’s a bit like if our creature ended up escaping us to live its own life.

2017 has been a successful year for Ghost, with appearances in huge festivals, a colossal American tour and the worldwide success of the EP “Popestar”. How did you live that? N.G. : This year has been amazing on every points, really! We’ve been able to see how much the band has grown by federating more fans. However, I’m not someone who contemplate our success and congratulate myself. The past doesn’t interest me. But the future does. When we take a step forward I always try to have in mind the next one. 5 years ago, we played at the Olympia supporting In Flames and Trivium. It happens that on 11 April next we’ll come back, this time as the headliner. But instead of rejoicing, I like to tell myself: “OK, it’s cool, but what I really want to do is Bercy!”. And if one day we make it to Bercy as the headliner, I know in a corner of my head there’ll be the Stade de France. I’m ambitious. (laughs)

I come from extreme metal.

Ghost is one of the rare bands to link metal to the general public. Do you think it explains this popularity? N.G. : I think, yes. We see more and more diversity in the public at our gigs. Of course, there are metalheads with long hair and battle jacket, but there are also hipsters, girls who usually listen to pop music, and alternative rock lovers. I find it fantastic. You know, musically, I come from extreme metal. It’s been in my genes since my teenage years. I listen to many other things, but it’s where I come from. It’s my identity and it’s what forged my mentality. At the point that, when Ghost began to be successful, I started to feel guilty. I had that feeling I transgressed underground metal’s tactical rules, which are systematic rejection of success and popularity. It took me a lot of abnegation to understand success isn’t nefarious, on the contrary, it’s the reward for an hard work. And deep down I think I was scared to be rejected by my own community, to be treated like a sellout.

Have you ever been confront to animosity from fundamentalists metalheads? N.G. : Oh yes, mostly now! On internet, some start to let their hate flow on Ghost. But it’s OK, I understand. Myself, if I wasn’t in the band, I think I would hate Ghost. (laughs) Because in metal, once a band makes money, they’re sellout. It’s like this and I accept it. It’s also an old metalhead’s thing. People who were here during the rise of the extreme genres grew up with a certain code of conduct, with a more rigid thinking. By the way, I’m going to tell you a secret: some of my best friends abhor Ghost. They hate the band. They don’t understand what we do, they think it’s crap. But it’s nothing. They can. They stay my friends after all. (laughs) It’s different with kids, they are more open minded. But in hindsight, I’m figuring out that me too, in my daily life, I’m an old fart. (laughs) I listen to a small amount of new things. Nothing give me more joy than a good old “Master of Puppets”, a “Seven Churches” by Possessed, or a King Diamond, my hero!

King Diamond & Merciful Fate.

Would you say King Diamond was the biggest inspiration for Ghost, in terms of theatricality? N.G. : Indeed! As far as I remember, I’ve always listened to King Diamond and Merciful Fate. At home, my mother listened to a lot of 60’s and 70’s classic rock, like Beatles, Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. My brother, him, listened to harder stuff like AC/DC, Sex Pistols, Rainbow… I liked all of this, but when my neighbor introduce me to King Diamond I had the feeling to be someone special. I was listening to this crazy stuff that no one else knew at home! I was 8 and, at this age, as you can imagine, I was very marked by his albums’ visuals. King Diamond is the one who open me the door to this gloomy universe which is now find in Ghost.

Kid from the 80’s.

We also guess an interest for the 80’s! If previously you made a cover of Depeche Mode, your EP “Popestar” offer us covers of Echo & The Bunnymen and Eurythmics. N.G. : I’m a kid from the 80’s, it’s the soundtrack of my life. I think it’s mostly thanks to the radio, which was always switch on at home. I like all classics: Mike Oldfield, Nik Kershaw, Eurythmics, Midnight Oil… When I was a teenage, I kind of liked to show of and act like a thoug one who only listen to extreme metal, but secretly, in my bedroom, I listened to Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet and Bronski Beat. (laughs) And, in the end, Ghost is exactly this: a mix of Kiss, Depeche Mode and Merciful Fate with a bit of Pink Floyd over it, especially “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn” and “A Saucerful of Secrets”.

On your last EP, there is the heady single “Square Hammer”. It’s the first time you embrace that clearly pop’s codes. Is this song representative of the sound you would like to have on the next album? N.G. : You know, album after album, each time we ask ourselves how far we can go. It was already the case with “Infestissumam”. At the time, we wondered if the song “Ghuleh/Zombie Queen” wasn’t too much. After a moment of hesitation we were like “Fuck! Black Sabbath made ballads so why not us?”. On “Meliora”, we wondered if there weren’t too many ballads. Then, when we composed “Square Hammer”, we found the title too direct, too effective. We were scared our fans wouldn’t understand. We’ve always had this metalhead consciousness tugging us. But in the end, we thought a good song is a good song, no matter the shape. So to answer your question, I think our next disc will wander further more into these melodies, indeed.

You have a break until the resumption of the tour, on March. Will you write the new album while you’re at it? N.G. : Of course! I’m already on it, I have some new songs…  And a good idea where I want to go with this album, but it’s too early to talk about it. The problem is the 2017 tour will extend and I’m not sure we’ll have the time to finish the recording before going back on the roads. I think we’ll finish it in late 2017, with a potential release in 2018. Earlier seems difficult to me! All I can tell you is that visually, the next album’s imagery will come back to something way darker than “Meliora”.

What can we expect for your next date at the Olympia, on 11 April next? N.G. : I saw today that our concert is sold out, it’s amazing! It’ll be very alike shows we gave in the USA this year. We have a stage structure more sizable compared to the last time we came in France. Visually, the show will be impressive, but we’ll also play some rare titles. The only deception is we won’t have the pyrotechnical effects, because they aren’t authorized at the Olympia. So it’ll has to work doubly hard! You know, we love to play in France. We are always very well hosted here. Moreover, what I most loved since the release of “Meliora” it’s to play again and again in France. I really saw our public grow out there when it comes to Hellfest or Rock en Seine. To feel appreciated like this is the greatest reward. Furthermore, the food is succulent in France, people are lovely and you have this attitude a bit impertinent which is rather close to that of Ghost. France, it’s our second home. We’re eager to be back at the Olympia and to party with you! (Translator note: Ooooh you and your sweet like honey words~ We love you too, dear.)

Bonus anecdote:

(Almost) naked with James Hetfield! Our new friend Nameless Ghoul is an ultimate fan of Metallica. Before becoming friend with James Hetfield, he met him in circumstances rather… embarrassing: “Metallica, it’s the greatest band in the world! I hadn’t have time to fully savor their last album but I’m so happy to know they’re alive and in great shape.  It also means they will tour, and thus we’ll get the occasion to meet on the road. James Hetfield has been one of Ghost’s first supports. I had the chance to meet him several times, and since we often message each other. The first time he’s been introduced to me, the situation was rather… surrealistic. We were in our lodge, changing ourselves, and here come James Hetfield suddenly appearing by the door to say hi. And you know what? I was in underwear! It was the most embarrassing situation of my life! I was there, in underwear, in front of my greatest idol! How embarrassing!”

[anamelessfool]

I was tagged by @ghuleh-recs and @can-of-pringles for the three facts thing.

1. Mid-Aughts, I worked in Television Production in NYC. At the MTV Times Square Building. Yes, where they filmed TRL. My main job consisted of collecting betamax tapes for producers and editors. Yes, deep underground Times Square there is a vault that houses everything ever aired on MTV and its networks since the mid80s. On hundreds of thousands of betamax tapes that some intern has to haul up. I wonder if it's still there.

2. I love fish and aquariums. It was my dream to have a koi pond since I was a child. I managed to get one now and it's a lovely wild pond that my partner and I have been working on for 5 years now. It was an ugly sludge hole when we bought the place and now it's a thriving ecosystem full of koi, frogs, snakes and even crawfish.

3. I started writing when I was 11. Of course it was HP fanfiction (starring basically a female version of HP surprise surprise). I won a newspaper contest for my writing and it was published which made 11 year old me very happy. My favorite fanfic I ever wrote until now was published anonymously to Fanfiction.net when I was 18. It was a retelling of Pride and Prejudice except with the plot of the Japanese survival horror film Battle Royale. I was proud of how I got Austen's writing voice down pretty well. Basically Mr. Collins turns out to be a psycho that entraps the girls and forces them to battle to the death for Mr. Darcy or their locking necklaces he gifted them explodes their heads. There was no tag system so I enjoyed how people were surprised when Mr. Bennet's head suddenly blew off his body and the game began. I need to find this fic now.

ETA WHAT THE FUQQQ I FOUND IT AND PEOPLE WERE COMMENTING ON IT AS LATE AS 2015 OMFG

Tagging @thew0man @fishwithtitz @prophetofthesufferpuppets @monkberryghouldelight @discountdemonwarehouse @visiosatanae

[toast-bc]

MUSIC MEME

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!MAN I FUKIN LOVE Y’ALL N I LOVE DOING THESE LIL THINGS AND READING Y’ALL SHIT ANYHOW  I WWAS TAGGED BY @goodboysatan @lilytook @lanottedellastrega SO I THINK UR SUPPOSED TO PUT YOUR MUSIC THINGS ON SHUFFLE AND LIST THE FIRST 10 SONGS

plS NO ROASTY I KNO MY TASTE IS QUESTIONABLe 1. “SOAPY WATER” - WOLF ALICE

2. “THE GUNSLINGER” DEMONS & WIZARDS

3. “THRONE OF ICE” - BEFORE THE DAWN

4. “DAWN OF VICTORY” - RHAPSODY OF FIRE

5. “SHAMPAIN” - MARINA AND THE DIAMONDS

6. “LUCRETIA” - MEGADETH

7. “THE CURSE OF FEANOR” - BLIND GUARDIAN

8. “NIGHTS ON BROADWAY” - THE BEEGEES

9. “FANTASTIC VOYAGE” - LAKESIDE

10. “JE TE VEUX” - ERIK SATIE, PERFORMED BY KLARA KORMENDI

NNNNNOOWWEEWE IMMA TAG @cravencorbs @kitschimage @spirit-absent @snarkysnit @anonymous-ghuleh @x-grungebitch-x (dude issat a transformers icon?????aYYE) @pie-bombs @bunbuncara @vampirefaun @reed91 @glitterygibbets

[a-ghouls-lasciviousness]

Take a moment sweet Ghouls and Ghulehs

I had a bit of an emotional spill to @hannibalssweaters early this morning in regards to recent controversies as well as official announcements. However, if you’re unaware of recent controversies, please save your time trying not to hunt this down. 

Just hear me out first.  Take an hour or more out of your time to put some headphones on, or turn your speaker up as high as you can.  Spend this time listening to Ghost and lay there, or dance around if you will. Do whatever you can to help you remember what you love about the band when you first started listening to them.  I personally —many others will agree too— came for the music, and stayed for the music. Later on, I came to appreciate their anonymity and their personas. Which then led me to appreciate the thought, effort and intelligence that went into the lyrics and titles of songs.  Sadly band members come and go, but that's probably the best part about being anonymous; half the time people don't realise. I understand that even though they're anonymous, you want to correctly send appreciation to the original member. Attending any event of their shows plenty of them.

What we should all be focusing on right now is continuing that support, wishing the past and new members the very best on their future journey. What’s important is that they’re happy.  

Continue this support and show Ghost that we love them no matter what. We are willing to support them no matter who's in the band, as long as they continue making the music we all fell in love with. 

Pursue the positive energy and spread it around like wildfire. Avoid any rumours and negative comments. We are still here and we still love you no matter what Ghost.

- Squid

[themovingturtle-blog]

11.10.18

I must begin by apologizing for missing last week's deadline. Several unforeseen circumstances, including a sinus infection, kept me from finishing this post in time.

When seeing the Swedish pop/rock band Ghost play live, one wonders how much of their supposed Satanic devotion is a schtick. It's hard to believe a band this weird can be so good and so popular without supernatural assistance.

On Monday October 29th, Ghost played at the Louisville Palace as the fourth stop in their “A Pale Tour Named Death” line of shows through 2018 and 2019.

Touring in support of their fourth album, “Prequelle”, Ghost are well on their way to cementing their reputation as one of the best live acts in modern rock. The band's lineup has expanded from five nameless ghouls to seven with the addition of a new keyboardist and acoustic guitarist,  both providing backing vocals.

The new frontman, Cardinal Copia, does a fantastic job filling the shoes of the recently departed Emeritus brothers who sang on the band's first three albums. His energetic showmanship and dancing rivals that of Papa III, but he also cuts a striking figure in unholy vestments a la Papas I and II. At least four costumes graced the stage, including a bone white suit, red robes, and a black bat-wing cape.

In many ways, Ghost is the most popular cult band in the world. Their devoted fan base brings an air of joy and exuberance seldom seen outside of the screening of a new Star Wars movie. There were plenty of bearded dudes in band shirts in attendance, but also families with small children and several older fans. Papal robes, face paint, and masks flooded the halls of the Palace. There was even a couple together in full 1940's style evening wear with the Ghost insignia embroidered on their lapels.

The entire performance clocked in at close to three hours, with a 15 minute intermission. This extended time slot allowed every album from Ghost's catalogue to be well represented. Hits like “Year Zero” and  “He Is” played alongside deep cuts like “Satan Prayer” and “Idolatrine”. Naturally, there were several songs from the new album too, as well as instrumental interludes (with a guest appearance by Papa Nihil on saxophone!).

Some songs were altered for the live setting. “Jigolo Har Megiddo” was played by three ghouls with acoustic guitars with the audience providing percussion via claps. “Cirice” was introduced with an homage to Pink Floyd's “Shine On You Crazy Diamond” and dueling guitar solos.

One of many showstopping moments came during the “Mummy Dust”. This is the one song from 2015's Meliora that I don't enjoy, but it has gradually won me over through repeated live experiences. Cardinal Copia guaranteed that the song would be heavy enough to tickle the taints of everyone in the theater. The band definitely delivered on that promise, complete with a shredding keytar solo by one of the ghoulettes. At the songs climax, confetti cannons showered the ground floor audience with scraps of paper. For a lesser band this would have been the finale, but Ghost were only starting to round the home stretch.

Towards the end of the evening, Copia introduced the members of the band to the strains of Roky Erickson's “If You Have Ghost”. The fact that everyone in the band was masked and anonymous seemed to have no effect as he exuberantly called out each “Ghoul!” and “Ghoulette!” to thunderous applause.

After keeping the theater on it's feet through back-to-back performances of “Danse Macabre” and “Square Hammer”, the band left the stage briefly before returning for an encore of “Monstrance Clock”. Like the Papas before him, Cardinal Copia concluded the show by encouraging everyone to spread happiness and fornicate with somebody, or at least themselves, that night. While they may strive to take over the world through secret cabals and media domination, Ghost's ultimate goal is to bring joy in any way they can.

Try These Songs

Square Hammer - Ghost

Elizabeth - Ghost

Ghuleh/Zombie Queen - Ghost

Here Comes the Sun - Ghost

Danse Macabre - Ghost

[ghulehvu]

♡ Papa Emeritus II ♡ Drawn by me using Firealpaca