Ghost
Hunter’s Moon
Loma Vista
Released : January 28, 2022
Sweden’s Ghost return with a new song, Hunter’s Moon, for the next instalment in the Halloween movie franchise, and do so well.
While the ever-expanding horde of global Ghost fanatics wait for the new next opus, the secretive band on Nameless Ghouls and Papa Emeritus bring fourth a quick 7″ hold-over that features two versions of a track that were part of the Halloween Kills movie soundtrack. Good news everybody! The return of Ghost was worth the wait, and despite this only being one new song, it certainly holds its place in the Ghost cannon.
Despite allegations that Ghost are growing more and more into a pop troupe, the truth is that Ghost are trending or reverting back to an 80s rock sound that does have its pop moments; because rock was pop in those times, and I personally don’t find any issue with that at all. Hard rock and metal often takes itself far too seriously, eliminating the feeling of fun that a band of Ghost’s size should be bringing around. Purists of the metal realm are quick to call out Ghost for their easy-listening tone, but credit needs to be paid to their ability to create immersive and magical ear-worms that will most certainly lead newcomers to the world of heavy music. Let your hair down, have some fun, and after all; it’s still Satanic at heart!
See Also: Rivers Of Nihil “The Work” Review
The regular version of Hunter’s Moon feels very much like a continuation of where the group left off on 2018’s Prequelle. Similar stylistically to their most recent works, and the writing follows the same formula as past hits; heavy on keyboards, vibrant sing-along choruses and driving guitar riff-work. This is very much a Ghost track, and could have been a bonus track on Prequelle. The strings are formidable, especially during a nice melodic break that allows Papa Emeritus, or Tobias Forge as the real world know his as, to sling some melodic vocals into the equation. Bending notes and heavy (for Ghost) riff works should appease aficionados of heavy music enough.
Meanwhile, the film version offers a more stripped down of the song. Missing some of the hooks and bridges that the regular version has. Most notably, the keys are completely different and there is a whole section that adds an atmosphere not found on the regular version. All in all, the film version feels like a much more spooky rendition of Hunter’s Moon, primed for use in a horror film such as Halloween Kills. Still, the regular version feels like something that would be more at home on a full-length Ghost record.
Multiple versions, all featuring the same two tracks, but in a veritable rainbow of colors are available from a variety of record peddlers worldwide. The band’s official website has up a transparent orange version though, and as that’s the band’s official version, we’ll link you to that version here. Beware though, this will sell out fast.
For Fans Of : Blue Oyster Cult, Opeth, Dokken
Track Listing :
01. Hunter’s Moon
02. Hunter’s Moon (Film Version)
Pros & Cons
- Fantastic song writing
- Ear-worm, very catchy
- Good old fashion fun
- Only one new song
