11 Best Songs by Ghost: Top 11 Anthems

Hey there, music enthusiasts! It’s TBone here, your go-to DJ and owner of Level Tunes. Today, I’m super excited to share something that’s been on my mind and in my playlists: the 11 best songs by Ghost.

Why Ghost, you ask?

Well, aside from their enigmatic presence in the music scene, their tracks have a unique blend of haunting melodies and electrifying beats that just resonate with me. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just getting into their music, these songs are a must-listen.

I’ve handpicked each track not just for their rhythm and lyrics, but for the way they tell a story and evoke emotions. So, buckle up and let’s dive into this spectral journey of sound that Ghost has masterfully crafted!

Here are the best Songs by Ghost that you can check out:

List Of Best Songs by Ghost

Best Songs by Ghost in a list format:

1. Cirice (Meliora, 2015)

From their album “Meliora” released in 2015, “Cirice” captures the essence of Ghost’s unique blend of doomy rock. The song stands out with its pounding groove and gripping vocals by Tobias Forge, complemented by haunting musical embellishments reminiscent of a horror soundtrack. It’s celebrated for hitting the sweet spot between doom and rock, showcasing Ghost’s finest musical elements.

2. Year Zero (Infestissumam, 2013)

“Year Zero” is a standout track from their 2013 album “Infestissumam”. It opens with a powerful chant, leading into a song filled with new-wave bass lines, jittery drums, and space-age vocal layering. The song’s distinctiveness in Ghost’s catalog is further amplified by the grand choir-like harmonies, making it unmistakably Ghost.

3. Ritual (Opus Eponymous, 2010)

Featured on their debut album “Opus Eponymous” (2010), “Ritual” is a perfect introduction to Ghost’s style. It starts with a doom riff and transitions into power-pop harmonies, showcasing the band’s capability to blend metal and rock seamlessly. This song is a testament to Ghost’s unique icy-hot dynamic.

4. Square Hammer (Popestar, 2016)

From the “Popestar” EP released in 2016, “Square Hammer” is known for its eerie keyboard line and palm-muted guitar chugs, combined with catchy, Satanic sing-along lyrics. It’s a commercially successful song that resonates well with both new and long-time fans of Ghost.

5. Rats (Prequelle, 2018)

“Rats,” the lead single from the 2018 album “Prequelle,” marks a balance between Ghost’s heavy past and their theatrical future. Inspired by Eighties-era Ozzy Osbourne, the song features hefty riffs, dazzling solos, and a chorus that’s both catchy and atmospherically aligned with the album’s Black Death theme.

6. Elizabeth (Opus Eponymous, 2010)

“Elizabeth” from their 2010 debut “Opus Eponymous” is an ode to the infamous Hungarian Countess Elizabeth Bathory. The song combines eerie grandeur with a sense of kitsch luridity, and its balance between sensuality and sin is a highlight of Ghost’s early work.

7. Miasma (Prequelle, 2018)

Also from “Prequelle,” “Miasma” is an instrumental track that showcases Ghost’s versatility. It’s a journey through space-rock soundscape, 80s prog, and even includes a metal saxophone section. This song is proof of Tobias Forge’s expansive musical vision.

8. Year Zero (Infestissumam, 2013)

“Year Zero” from “Infestissumam” is an epic track that begins with a Gregorian chant, leading into direct riffage and bludgeoning choruses. The song’s theme ties into biblical and ancient times, with Forge and Martin Persner crafting lyrics that reflect an ancient antagonist.

9. Stand By Him (Opus Eponymous, 2010)

“Stand By Him” is the track that kickstarted Ghost’s journey. Featured on “Opus Eponymous,” this song’s catchy chorus and its blend of dark lyrics with an upbeat melody set the stage for the band’s unique style.

10. Ritual (Opus Eponymous, 2010)

Again from “Opus Eponymous,” “Ritual” combines slick melodies and fatalistic themes. Its lyrics are a fascinating blend of ancient evil and modern sensibilities, marking it as a key song in Ghost’s early repertoire.

11. Ghuleh/Zombie Queen (Infestissumam, 2013)

From “Infestissumam,” “Ghuleh/Zombie Queen” is a lengthy opus that showcases the depth of Ghost’s sound. Starting with a sorrowing piano line and evolving into a piece full of proggy bombast, this song is a testament to the band’s musical evolution and Tobias Forge’s songwriting prowess.

Fun Facts: Best Songs by Ghost

1. Cirice

• Grammy Winner: “Cirice” won a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2016. This recognition was a significant milestone for Ghost, showcasing their blend of hard rock and metal elements to a broader audience.
• Horror Inspiration: The music video for “Cirice” is inspired by Stephen King’s classic horror novel, “Carrie.” This fits the song’s eerie and haunting theme, further emphasizing Ghost’s penchant for combining music with theatrical and horror elements.

2. Year Zero

• Name Significance: The title “Year Zero” refers to the pivotal point between B.C. and A.D. timelines, tying into Ghost B.C., the name they had to use in the United States due to legal reasons.
• Choral Ambiance: The song begins with a powerful Gregorian chant, which sets a majestic and somewhat ominous tone. This chant adds a layer of depth and theatricality, consistent with Ghost’s style.

3. Ritual

• Debut Highlight: “Ritual” is one of the standout tracks from Ghost’s debut album, “Opus Eponymous.” It was crucial in establishing the band’s unique sound that blends metal and rock.
• Sabbath-ian Influence: The song begins with a riff reminiscent of Black Sabbath, a nod to one of the pioneers of the heavy metal genre, indicating Ghost’s influences and the direction of their sound.

4. Square Hammer

• Popularity and Success: “Square Hammer” is not only one of Ghost’s most popular songs but also a commercially successful track. Its catchy rhythm and memorable lyrics have made it a fan favorite.
• Unique Music Video: The music video for “Square Hammer” is known for its creativity and eerie ambiance, perfectly complementing the song’s theme.

5. Rats

• Concert Opener: Tobias Forge wrote “Rats” with the intention of making it a powerful concert opener. Its heavy riff and memorable chorus make it an ideal track to start live performances.
• Black Death Theme: The song introduces the theme of the Black Death, which is a central concept in the album “Prequelle.” This theme reflects the band’s interest in historical and dark thematic elements.

6. Elizabeth

• Historical Reference: The song is an ode to Countess Elizabeth Bathory, known for her alleged serial killings and the myth of bathing in blood. This historical reference adds a layer of intrigue and darkness to the song.
• Breakthrough Track: “Elizabeth” was seen as a breakthrough for Ghost, helping to establish their unique style that combines a sense of grandeur with horror-inspired themes.

7. Miasma

• Instrumental Experimentation: “Miasma” is an instrumental track, showcasing Ghost’s ability to create compelling music without relying on vocal elements. It’s a testament to their musical versatility.
• Progressive Elements: This song features progressive rock elements, incorporating an 80s prog style and even a metal saxophone section, highlighting the band’s willingness to experiment with different genres.

8. Year Zero

• Collaborative Songwriting: “Year Zero” is one of the few Ghost songs where Tobias Forge wasn’t the principal songwriter. This collaboration resulted in a track with a unique flair within their catalog.
• Thematic Depth: The song’s lyrics and theme delve into biblical and ancient times, reflecting Forge’s interest in blending historical and mythical elements in his songwriting.

9. Stand By Him

• Origin Story: “Stand By Him” is notable for being the track that started it all for Ghost. Its creation marked the beginning of the band’s journey into the music industry.
• Lyricism: The song’s lyrics are known for their schlocky and on-the-nose approach, which paved the way for Ghost’s future thematic explorations and lyrical style.

10. Ritual

• Genre Fusion: “Ritual” is another example of Ghost’s skill in blending genres, combining elements of metal with more mainstream rock, demonstrating their unique musical identity.
• Imaginative Lyrics: The song’s lyrics capture the imagination with themes of ancient evil, showcasing Ghost’s flair for storytelling through music.

11. Ghuleh/Zombie Queen

• Musical Journey: “Ghuleh/Zombie Queen” is a lengthy composition that takes listeners on a journey, starting with a sorrowing piano line and progressing into a more bombastic conclusion.
• Stylistic Range: This track shows the breadth of Ghost’s musical range, moving from 80s classic rock through 70s sounds to 60s psychedelia, exemplifying their diverse influences and creative ambition.

There you have it, folks! A dive into the hauntingly beautiful world of Ghost’s music. Each song tells a unique story, wrapped in the band’s signature mystique and melody. Keep exploring, keep rocking, and always let the music take you on its spectral journey.

Thanks for reading.

TBone