I simply do not understand what people see in Ghost.
You calling?
I think they are absolutely brilliant - and even more so with their more recent 2-3 full length albums, where they fully embraced the "pop" side of their sound. We were talking about this on the other thread with Luke a few days ago. To me, their songwriting is fantastic and they have such great talent for arrangements and doing what's right for the song. It seems to me Tobias Forge is someone that genuinely loves the classics (metal and rock) and it shows...but the stuff doesn't sound contrived at all. I mean, sure, there are homages scattered around, but the craft that goes in the songs is undeniable (well, for me
)
Note that I didn't mention anything about the whole Ghost lore...I do think it's fun, but honestly I couldn't care less if they had that or not. In fact, sometimes I think whatever they gain in more "mainstream" exposure from being a more theatrical band, they probably also lose a bit as there might be a perception they are not "serious" (not saying that's the case for you...just talking from my own experience talking to friends)
What is it that you don't like about them? They just leave you cold? Or do you
actively dislike them?