Pop Break Live: Ghost “Imperatour North America 2022” with Mastodon and Spiritbox at The Cure Insurance Arena in Trenton, New Jersey — Friday September 9, 2022
Words and Pictures By Patriciana Tenicela | Edited by Christopher Grzn
Prior to the release of their latest album Impera, Ghost was in New Jersey in February on their co-headlining tour with Volbeat. On Friday, Sept. 9, they returned to the garden state as the sole headliner on their North American “Imperatour.” This time their set was longer, the production was bigger, and the band of Ghouls was better than ever.
Canadian metal outfit Spiritbox opened the evening. The band incorporated electronic elements, which added a unique flair to their sound. Singer Courtney LaPlante commanded the stage with her powerful vocals and deep screams. The band used the entire stage as they ascended onto platforms on each side. Strobe lights and the band’s all black attire added an eerie vibe to their presence.
Spiritbox Setlist (via setlist.fm)
Heavy metal juggernaut Mastodon were direct support for Ghost. Their sinister ambience was a perfect warm up for the devilish act to follow. They were illuminated by large screens displaying trippy imagery. Both bassist Eric Saner and drummer Brann Dailor sang impressively while playing, showcasing incredible focus. Mastodon are more than just a band, they’re polished musicians whose set included non-stop, face-melting riffs.
Mastodon Setlist (via setlist.fm)
Pain With an Anchor
Crystal Skull
Megalodon
The Crux
Teardrinker
Bladecatcher
Black Tongue
The Czar
Pushing the Tides
More Than I Could Chew
Mother Puncher
Ghost’s set began with a single nameless ghoul silhouetted behind a large white banner. When the banner dropped, several ghouls donning gas masks were revealed and the room erupted in excitement. Costumes were encouraged by the venue and the fans obliged en masse. Singer Tobias Forge took the stage as the character Papa Emeritus IV, the latest incarnation of the character. He changed costumes several times donning everything from an elaborate ceremonial robe to a bedazzled blazer and even bat wings.
The band struck a balance of songs from each of their five studio albums. They also played the 2019 single that recently went viral on TikTok; “Mary on a Cross.” Their set included an array of visual stimulants such as confetti, fireworks, fire and a shower of sparks which left the entire venue full of smoke. During their song ‘Miasma’ a roadie rolled out a large box to the center of the stage revealing a saxophone player needing to be “revived” with defibrillators. While their set featured many hits, long-running closer ‘Monstrance Clock’ was missing. Instead, they ended the night with their biggest song to-date ‘Square Hammer’.
Ghost Setlist (via setlist.fm)
Kaisarion
Rats
Faith
Spillways
Devil Church
Play Video
Cirice
Hunter’s Moon
Ritual
Call Me Little Sunshine
Con Clavi Con Dio
Prime Mover
Watcher in the Sky
Year Zero
Spöksonat
He Is
Miasma
Mary on a Cross
Mummy Dust
Dance Macabre
Square Hammer
