GHOST – Rite Here Rite Now (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

Between the 20th and the 23rd of June 2024, Ghost took over the world in cinemas with the release of the film/concert Rite Here Rite Now.

This release was the occasion for the mysterious Clergy to close a chapter of Ghost’s history. Indeed Papa Emeritus IV had been the leader of the Nameless Ghouls and the face of the clergy for a long time and had released two albums. None of his predecessors had been allowed to remain so long under the spotlight. So, what everyone wanted from this film was the introduction of another figurehead of the clergy. Papa V? Spoiler alert: the film ends on a cliffhanger with only a few clues as to whom will take the lead.

Tailored for the fans of the lore, the film was a mix between one of the shows given by the bands at the forum in L.A. and jokes between the protagonists behind the stage and the impending doom of Papa Emeritus IV. As filmed concerts go, it was an entirely positive experience if you enjoy the band’s music: beautiful video and direction, interesting staging capturing the energy of the show and the audience.

Papa’s Show

Now a few months after the film’s release, it does not appear the band will release it in a video format unless you want to stream it on the official platform.

However, they have just released the soundtrack as a live album. And if you enjoy the music but do not care much for the jokes and the band’s lore, this format might just be the one you need. The interactions between the frontman and the audience are reduced to the minimum needed to keep the spirit of the concert and Tobias Forge’s stage personality.

To conquer the American audience, the setlist focuses mainly on Ghost’s latest albums Prequelle, Impera and the EP Seven Inches of Satanic Panic. To adapt to the CD/vinyl format, a couple of songs in the film or played at the show are not featured on the live album. Far from their first performances focusing on the occult appearance of the band, Rite Here Rite Now consecrates the new identity of the Ghost as a mainstream rock band.

Final Thoughts

The live version of the songs allows them to be heavier and punchier than on the CD version where Ghost loses a bit of energy. This live album is also the occasion for the Ghouls to showcase their talent. If Papa IV is indeed the frontman, the scenography would be very poor if not for the ghouls. That is why the instrumental “Miasma” remains one of the best moment of the album. The backing vocals also add power to the songs especially on “Mary On A Cross.” For other highlights of this release, “Twenties” is a good surprise, with a much more aggressive sound on stage, just like “Respite on the Spitalfield.”

Overall it’s an interesting release, which will please the new fans of the band, while hoping for a DVD release. Some fans of the first hour might regret the absence of songs from the first albums.