There is something to be said about a peaceful sermon that calmly uplifts you. That was not what happened in Bristow, VA when Ghost and Amon Amarth arrived with the Re-Imperatour. Rituals from Papa and the Nameless Ghouls aren’t known for subtlety, and when you invite Vikings there is a guarantee of a boisterous venue.
The Re-Imperatour highlighted many of Ghost’s charting songs from 2022’s Impera, including “Spillways”, “Watcher In The Sky”, “Kaisarion”, and the Grammy-nominated “Call Me Little Sunshine“. One of the biggest highlights however was the three-song encore featuring “Dance Macabre” and “Square Hammer”. What started as a Summer Sermon, turned into a dance party. This is how all rituals should be held.
The charismatic Papa Emeritus IV is known for his presence and presentation. His greatest message however was near the end of the night, where he said that we should not be upset about an ending. We should be happy that things end eventually. This was proceeded by the song “Mummy Dust” where a Nameless Ghoul made a cruel jester and confetti cannons exploded. Philosophy and perversion go hand-in-hand with Ghost.
The evening’s opening moments at Jiffy Lube Live were echoed with ocean waves and war chants. Amon Amarth are not strangers to the venue and singer Johan Hegg pointed out that the band and he always felt welcome in Bristow. The DMV area was always Pro-Viking (despite being Commander territory). In appreciation, he made sure everyone got a good seat and participated in the row. Whether it was fans in the pit or fans in their amphitheater seats, the oar was Bristow’s best friend.
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Songs from The Great Heathen Army were highlighted through Amon Amarth’s performance. Along with the Viking battle that took place on the runway and the sea serpent that surfaced on stage, Amon Amarth was able to get through the night unscathed. We can all rest a little easier knowing that Amon Amarth is shredding through the seas to protect us.
As the Re-Imperatour runs through the United States for the next two weeks, it makes me appreciate the spectacle that Ghost and Amon Amarth have both become. This is a show that on paper may not have seemed to mesh between bands. The audience at Jiffy Lube Live proved that both bands are supported by the same heavy music lovers. Both Swedish bands have audiences that support more than just one group on a bill. In a night filled with pyro and confetti, Ghost and Amon Amarth shined brightest.
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Ghost Amon Amarth Live
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Ghost is a Swedish rock band that was formed in Linköping in 2006.
Amon Amarth is a Swedish melodic death metal band from Tumba, formed in 1992.
