You have to start at the bottom of the ladder and Ghost certainly paid their dues. In 2011 Tobias Forge and his Nameless Ghouls undertook their first pilgrimage to Dessel. Their mysterious, occult act left a sweltering Metal Dome overcome and dumbstruck. Two years later their next unholy communion took place in the Marquee where they showed they were ready for a slot on the main stage. Two years later it was mission accomplished when they swept over the main festival arena. Each new album was more successful than the last as well. Whereas their debut ‘Opus Eponymous’ revolved around the band’s occult leanings, they gradually gravitated towards a more melodic output. As a result they scored their first hits: ‘Year Zero’ off ‘Infestissumam’ came first, followed by ‘He Is’ off ‘Meliora’, aka the ultimate tribute to the horned one, which catapulted them to the top of the charts. Since then Ghost has developed into a veritable hit factory that has embraced the concepts of melody and danceability. Just think of ‘Dance Macabre’, the No. 1 summer hit of 2018. That was our cue to offer them a first headlining slot at GMM. Meanwhile after Covid they effortlessly sold out the Lotto Arena in Antwerp and Forest National in Brussels and now with their latest masterpiece ‘Impera’ they are ready to send us off to bed after a memorable first festival day with a goodnight kiss that may feel more like a wet tongue inciting you to dance and bang your head. #GMM23
