Concert review: Ghost w/ Amon Amarth | 08.11.23, Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre (with photo gallery)

Photo of Papa Emeritus IV from Ghost by Jen Ruff

Life loves to imitate art and it’s a welcome occurrence. Having recently rewatched the epic series Vikings and admiring the gorgeous cinematic sets and costuming and music, I take my seat at Riverport (yeah, I know, but it’s Riverport) and see the drum set is nestled in between a huge Viking helmet with statues of Norsemen that’d make the super Halloween skeleton look like a shrimp. What was upon us all would surely be a great time. Amon Amarth took the stage commanding attention and receiving it. During “Shield Wall” warriors came out fighting a mock battle and by the time “Put Your Back into the Oar” came on; 20,000-plus were rowing into battle. Ending with “Twilight of the Thunder God” gave all a full show within the first hour. It was more than worth enduring the Midwest heat and humidity.

Ghost will not be outdone in any way no matter the opener, from the stage set to theatrics to twirling everyone around their fingers. Peppered into the setlist were tracks from their five full-length records and three EPs. Among the Ritual offerings were the essential crowd favorites “Rats,” “Cirice,” “Con Clavi Con Dio,” “Year Zero,” and “Mummy Dust.” This Re-Imperatour had something for the casual fan as well as little gems for only the hardcore Ghouls and Ghulehs. “Faith,” “Watcher in the Sky,” and “Mary on a Cross” took us to church. The onstage Ghouls brought a very post-apocalyptic feel and Tobias Forge (Papa) led the Clergy that kept the disciples clamoring for more for over two hours and ending with “Respite on the Spitalfields.” Absolution = completed. | Diane Ruff