The Making of Meliora by Ghost

Introduction

In the realm of contemporary rock and metal, few albums have made as profound an impact as “Meliora” by the Swedish band Ghost. Released on August 21, 2015, this third studio album by the band is a masterful blend of heavy metal, doom metal, and progressive rock. Ghost, known for their theatrical stage presence and enigmatic personas, took a significant step forward with “Meliora”, both musically and thematically, establishing themselves as a formidable force in the music industry.

This article will delve into the genesis of “Meliora”, its recording process, commercial performance, and critical reception. We will explore the album’s influence and legacy, providing a comprehensive understanding of why “Meliora” remains a pivotal work in Ghost’s discography and the broader metal genre.

“Meliora” has been praised for its cohesive sound and ambitious themes, reflecting the band’s exploration of existential concepts and the absence of divine presence. This album not only cemented Ghost’s reputation but also expanded their influence across the metal landscape. Tobias Forge, the creative force behind Ghost, remarked, “We wanted to create something that felt both familiar and innovative, pushing the boundaries of what Ghost could be.” Recording engineer Andy Wallace also noted, “The sessions for ‘Meliora’ were some of the most creative I’ve been part of, blending classic rock influences with a modern edge.”

The Genesis of “Meliora”

The creation of “Meliora” began in late 2014, as Ghost sought to follow up on their previous album, “Infestissumam”. The musical landscape at the time was ripe for innovation, with a growing interest in blending traditional rock elements with modern metal. Ghost’s previous works had already set the stage for their unique blend of theatricality and metal, but “Meliora” promised something different—something more profound.

Prior to “Meliora”, Ghost had already established a distinct identity with their debut “Opus Eponymous” and the sophomore effort “Infestissumam”. These albums laid the groundwork for their thematic exploration of satanic imagery and dark narratives. However, “Meliora” was to be a leap forward, with a focus on the absence of God and the resulting void in human existence. This concept resonated deeply with the band’s desire to push boundaries and explore new sonic territories.

The main creative contributors to “Meliora” included Tobias Forge, the band’s frontman known as Papa Emeritus III, and the Nameless Ghouls who provided instrumental support. Klas Åhlund, a renowned producer with a background in pop music, was brought on board to lend his expertise. Åhlund’s influence was pivotal, bringing a fresh perspective that helped shape the album’s sound. The recording process was financed by Loma Vista, with a substantial budget allocated to ensure the highest production quality. Despite financial challenges, the album’s production was a testament to the band’s commitment to excellence.

Here’s a detailed list of the band members and their respective roles during the production of “Meliora”:

The album’s title, “Meliora”, is Latin for “the pursuit of something better”, a theme that is vividly captured in both the music and the lyrics. The album artwork, designed by Zbigniew M. Bielak, reflects the dystopian and futuristic themes that permeate the album. Bielak’s work has been integral to Ghost’s visual identity, capturing the essence of their music in striking imagery.

Recording Process

The recording of “Meliora” was a complex and meticulously planned affair, taking place across multiple studios in the United States and Sweden. This process began in January 2015 and spanned several months, allowing the band to experiment with various sounds and techniques.

The recording sessions took place at EastWest Studios in Hollywood, Riksmixningsverket in Stockholm, The Village Studios in Los Angeles, and Ameraycan Studios in Hollywood. Each of these studios offered unique acoustics and equipment that contributed to the album’s rich sound. EastWest Studios, for instance, is renowned for its vintage Neve 8078 console and a vast collection of microphones, providing a warm and analog feel that complemented Ghost’s aesthetic.

Key personnel involved in the recording process included producer Klas Åhlund and recording engineer Andy Wallace, whose previous experience with artists like Nirvana and Rage Against the Machine brought a level of expertise and polish to the album. The collaboration between Åhlund and Wallace was instrumental in achieving the album’s distinctive sound.

Below is a table detailing the likely hardware used in the studio during the recording of “Meliora”:

One interesting anecdote from the recording sessions involved the use of a large studio in Stockholm, where multiple people would come and go, creating a vibrant yet chaotic atmosphere. Despite the challenges, this environment fostered creativity and allowed the band to experiment with different ideas and sounds.

Klas Åhlund, who produced “Meliora”, has an impressive portfolio of work with various artists. Below is a table listing some of the albums he has produced:

Commercial Performance and Reception

Upon its release, “Meliora” captivated audiences and critics alike, marking a high point in Ghost’s career. The album debuted at No. 8 on the Billboard 200, a testament to its commercial appeal and the band’s growing fanbase. In Sweden, the album was certified platinum, selling over 40,000 copies—a significant achievement for the band.

Here’s a table highlighting the sales figures for “Meliora” alongside other Ghost albums:

“Meliora” received numerous accolades, including the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for the single “Cirice” and the Best Hard Rock/Metal Album at the 2015 Grammis Awards. The album’s critical acclaim was matched by its commercial success, solidifying Ghost’s status in the metal community.

At the time of its release, “Meliora” faced competition from other notable albums in the rock and metal genres. These included:

• Book of Souls by Iron Maiden [Physical Sales: 200,000]
• Repentless by Slayer [Physical Sales: 60,000]
• Sol Invictus by Faith No More [Physical Sales: 100,000]

The exhaustive list of awards and recognitions for “Meliora” is a testament to its impact. It was named one of the best metal albums of 2015 by Rolling Stone, AXS TV, and LA Weekly, and was featured prominently in Metal Hammer’s list of top albums for the year.

Singles and Track Analysis

The release of “Meliora” was accompanied by several singles that showcased the album’s diverse sound and thematic depth. The lead single, “Cirice”, was released on May 30, 2015, followed by “From the Pinnacle to the Pit” on July 17, 2015, and “Majesty” on August 7, 2015. These singles were instrumental in building anticipation for the album and highlighting Ghost’s evolving sound.

Here’s a detailed table of the tracks on “Meliora”, including their lengths and writing credits:

Note: Songs marked with * were released as singles. “Cirice” reached notable chart positions, including winning the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.

Influences and Legacy

“Meliora” stands as a testament to Ghost’s ability to blend diverse musical influences into a cohesive and engaging album. The band’s sound on this album was shaped by classic rock and metal artists, as well as more contemporary influences.

Here’s a table highlighting the influences on “Meliora” and the artists who were influenced by the album:

Released in 2015, “Meliora” emerged during a time of significant cultural and global events. The album’s themes of existential reflection and the absence of divine presence resonated with audiences navigating a rapidly changing world. While specific data on events from 2015 is not available, it was a year marked by technological advancements and social movements, all of which provided a backdrop for the album’s exploration of modernity and spiritual voids.

Five Things about Meliora

“Meliora” is an album rich with interesting details and insights. Here are five verified facts about the album:

Media and Television Usage

Despite the album’s success, I was unable to find any uses of songs from “Meliora” in media.

Critical Reviews and Retrospectives

“Meliora” received generally favourable reviews from critics, solidifying its place in Ghost’s discography as a standout release. The album’s Metascore of 78 on Metacritic reflects its positive reception, with critics praising its blend of classic and modern rock influences.

Here’s a table summarizing the critical reviews for “Meliora”:

After Meliora

Following the release of “Meliora”, Ghost continued to build on their success with subsequent releases and tours. The band’s popularity soared, leading to larger venues and increased media attention. Their next release, the “Popestar” EP, further cemented their reputation as innovators in the metal genre.

Ghost experienced some lineup changes post-“Meliora”, with Tobias Forge remaining the constant creative force. These changes brought new dynamics to their music, influencing the sound of their later albums such as “Prequelle”. As of October 2023, Ghost remains active, with recent tours and the release of their album “Impera” continuing to captivate audiences worldwide.

Remasters and Reissues

Since its original release, “Meliora” has seen a number of remasters and reissues, including special editions that offer fans new ways to experience the album. These reissues have helped maintain the album’s relevance and introduced it to new audiences.

Here’s a table listing the remasters and reissues of “Meliora”:

Conclusion

“Meliora” stands as a pivotal album in Ghost’s career, showcasing their ability to blend heavy metal with theatrical flair and deep thematic content. Its enduring significance is reflected in its continued popularity and influence on both fans and fellow musicians. The album remains a touchstone for those exploring the intersection of rock and theatricality.

For further reading, you can explore the Wikipedia page for “Meliora”, visit the official Ghost website, or check out the record label’s website.

Let us know in the comments what your thoughts are on Meliora by Ghost. Did we miss anything? Share your experiences and join the conversation!