The two acts were a colossal arena duo
Last night, Ghost and Volbeat took the stage at the Honda Center in Anaheim to wrap up their 2022 U.S. tour along with special guests Twin Temple. Fans arrived early for this one and formed lines around the Honda Center hours ahead of time. As soon as doors opened, many attendees went straight to the merchandise booths to wait in line again for some tour memoribilia.
Not only was tonight the trek’s final outing, but it was also Ghost mastermind and vocalist Tobias Forge’s birthday.
We made sure to arrive early to see Twin Temple and the only thing that would have made it better was a longer set. Their Satanic doo-wop was a perfect way to get things started this evening. They played songs like “Sex Magick,” “Satan’s a Woman,” and a new single titled “Let’s Have a Satanic Orgy.”
They were selling the new single at the show which also includes the Spanish version titled “Tengamos La Orgia Satánica.” They concluded their set with “I’m Wicked,” and after what looked like a black mass ritual, they made their way off-stage leaving the crowd wanting more.
Next up was Volbeat. The Danish rock veterans got things started with “The Devil’s Bleeding Crown” then went right into “Pelvis of Fire.” They had a crushing set with songs like “Temple of Ekur,” “Sad Man’s Tongue,” “A Warrior’s Call,” and more.” In addition to some material from their latest record, the band also played classics like “Black Rose,” “Doc Holiday,” and “Seal The Deal.”
It was a typical high-energy Volbeat set that had the fans rocking out and singing along to every song. Volbeat ended their set with old-school hit “Still Counting” – a fitting closer that left the Anaheim fans in frenzy.
The anticipation reached a fever pitch as familiar choral music filled the venue, bringing the masses to the floor for another ritual.
The silhouette of a solitary Ghoul was illuminated behind the curtain as Papa Emeritus IV and the band started the set with the song “Kaisarion.”
The curtain dropped and the energy was palpable.
The band played a good selection from their catalog with songs like “Rats,” “From The Pinnacle to The Pit,” “Year Zero,” “Mummy Dust,” “Cirice” and “Ritual.” Fans had the good fortune to celebrate Papa Emeritus IV’s birthday with him. During a special moment, the crowd even sang “Happy Birthday.”
Ghost played four new songs tonight, beginning with the show opener “Kaisarion.”
Other highlights included “Mary on a Cross,” “Hunter’s Moon,” and a haunting cover of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” Unfortunately, all good shows – and tours – must come to an end. Ghost wrapped things up with their chart-topping single “Square Hammer.” It was an incredibly entertaining night of rock and roll.
The European leg of this tour begins next month. Ghost’s new album Impera arrives next week on March 11 via Loma Vista Recordings. Be sure to check www.ghost-official.com for tour dates.
Ghost: Live Photo Gallery
Volbeat: Live Photo Gallery
Twin Temple: Live Photo Gallery
