The union of Ghost and Amon Amarth deliver as one of the most epic live events of the year.
Among the most brave and brilliant pairings of the 2023 touring calendar, the second domestic run of the Imperatour touts the kind of one-two in Ghost and Amon Amarth that transcends the spectacle of an amphitheater-sized rock show. Showcasing the kind of mammoth production that intends to awe, the next level enormity of bands’ live sets, in tandem with the consuming stage performance, makes for an experience that actually executes the epic.
From Ghost’s ceremonial revelry to Amon Amarth’s celebration of Viking lore, the union manages to cover a broad stylistic spectrum of heavy music while underscoring the diversity and the dynamism of the culture. As a result, the 2023 edition of the Re-Imperatour has resonated in a succession of capacity shows across the country, further solidifying both bands are some of the culture’s most beloved and respected contributors.
For Ghost, Papa Emeritus IV and the Nameless Ghouls continue to trek in support of their widely-acclaimed 2022 release, Impera. Sourcing selections from the fifth and most recent studio album, cuts like “Kaisarion”, “Spillways”, “Call Me Little Sunshine” and “Watcher In the Sky” land with the kind of effectiveness live that suggest a year in, these are already considered classics.
Combined with some of the band’s most enduring work like “Mummy Dust”, “Con Clavi Con Dio” and “Cirice”, the band manage to transform the arena stage into their pulpit, crafting a ritualistic rock opera where the songs become sermon. The band closed out their benediction with “Danse Macabre” and “Square Hammer” dispelling any doubt that Ghost live is gospel.
Creating the live grandeur of Viking mythology, Amon Amarth combine power and pageantry unparalleled in extreme music. Unleashing mammoth selections from The Great Heathen Army in addition essentials from their vast catalog, the Swedish stalwarts craft a consuming experience in the span of their setlist.
Favorites like “Deceiver of the Gods”, “Guardians of Asgaard” and the titular “Twilight of the Thunder God” proven anthemic, inciting the legions in the arena to bang their head and pump their fist in solidarity. “Put Your Back into the Oar” offered another highlight on the evening, as the pit of the Albuquerque amphitheater became a Viking longship.
The Re-Imperatour framed the magnitude and the magnificence that have long remained core tenets to metal music. Combining compelling narrative, theatrics and an equally epic soundtrack, the tandem of Ghost and Amon Amarth lived up to the hype as one of the best live tickets of the year.
See the complete gallery of images from Maurice Nunez below.
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