• EP
• Limited Edition
• Repress
• Grey Smoke Marbled
  
  

Ghost released Popestar in 2016 as an EP that solidified the Swedish band's theatrical approach to heavy metal. Following the success of Meliora, this five-track record found the group refining their formula of hook-laden riffs wrapped in progressive metal structures and frontman Tobias Forgé's distinctive vocal delivery. The EP stands as a pivotal moment in Ghost's catalog—leaner than a full album but more confident in its songwriting, proving the band could balance accessibility with instrumental sophistication.

The record opens with "Square Hammer," a track that became synonymous with Ghost's commercial visibility, built on a descending riff that locks into memory immediately. "Nocturnal" and "I Believe" showcase Forgé's range across both sinister minor-key passages and soaring melodic choruses. The inclusion of a cover—a propulsive rendition of Eurythmics' "Missionary Man"—demonstrates the band's willingness to recontextualize familiar material through their heavy metal lens, while "Bible" closes the EP with a sprawling, atmospheric piece that prioritizes texture over traditional song structure. Throughout, the production emphasizes clarity without sacrificing heaviness, allowing each vocal harmony and guitar line to register distinctly.

This 2023 limited edition repress arrives on grey smoke marbled vinyl, exclusive to the Ghost LV Bodega Collection, capturing the original's dynamic range with the warmth vinyl demands. The EP format translates particularly well to the 12" format at 33⅓ RPM—there's breathing room between tracks that digital formats compress. For collectors, this pressing represents a chance to own Popestar in its intended analog form during a period when Ghost's catalog has become increasingly difficult to source on vinyl.

Tracklist:

A1. Square Hammer (3:59)
A2. Nocturnal (5:13)
A3. I Believe (4:06)
B1. Missionary Man (3:42)
B2. Bible (6:34)