Ghost – Fiserv Forum – Milwaukee WI – Feb 21st 2022
Ghost live in Milwaukee Wisonsin with special guests Volbeat and Twin Temple
Review and photos by Kyle Hansen
A Twin Temple concert is a bit of a different vibe compared to most live performances, especially if you’re used to more traditional rock or metal shows. They’re known for blending retro 60s rock ‘n’ roll with satanic themes and a bit of that devil-may-care attitude. Their live shows are a unique, immersive experience, combining music with a theatrical, vintage aesthetic.
Stage Presence & Visuals
Twin Temple’s stage presence is heavily inspired by classic 60s pop culture—think of the glam, vintage glamour of ‘50s and ‘60s rock stars mixed with satanic imagery. The band is fronted by Alexandria (vocals) and Zachary (saxophone), and they create a dramatic, almost ritualistic atmosphere, adding an element of theater to their performance. Alexandria has this retro-glam look, often channeling old-school Hollywood with her dramatic, almost gothic attire, and Zachary’s presence on the saxophone gives the band a very distinctive vibe compared to other metal bands.
Their set design usually reflects this retro vibe as well, with a lot of red, black, and white, creating a sultry yet sinister feel. There’s often candlelight and satanic imagery, which fits perfectly with their darkly spiritual aesthetic. The mood on stage is very seductive, intense, and provocative.
Sound & Performance
What really stands out at a Twin Temple concert is their music. It’s a strange but captivating mix of doo-wop, 60s girl group harmonies, and satanic rock. You’ve got Alexandria’s sultry, powerful vocals taking the lead with a surprisingly groovy rhythm section, and Zachary’s saxophone adding an unexpected but essential layer to the mix. It’s almost like a vintage rock band in an occult movie—a mix of the sacred and the profane.
Live, they bring that same vintage sound, but it’s full of energy and passion. The audience can expect them to deliver tracks from their albums like In League with Satan and Sex Magick Blues, with songs like “I’m Not Your Man” and “Satan’s a Woman” typically making an appearance. It’s fun, it’s haunting, and it has a groove to it that makes you want to move, but it’s also dark enough to give you that “shiver down your spine” feeling.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere at a Twin Temple show is electrifying but intimate. It’s the kind of concert where the crowd is definitely involved, but the band’s performance is so commanding that it feels more like an experience than just a rock show. There’s a definite element of seduction and dark mysticism, and people get into the spirit of the performance by swaying to the music, singing along, and just vibing with the occult theatrics.
The audience typically has a great time, even though Twin Temple’s mix of retro, satanic rock isn’t the most mainstream style of music. Fans are there for the experience, and the energy in the room feels like a shared, almost ritualistic enjoyment of the music. Alexandria’s voice has a magnetic quality that seems to pull the audience into her world, and there’s always a sense of camaraderie among the fans.
Overall Experience
Overall, a Twin Temple concert isn’t just about the music; it’s about the vibe, the aesthetic, and the experience they create. If you’re into vintage rock with a dark twist, occult themes, and live performances that feel like a mix between a rock show and a cult ritual, then Twin Temple delivers. It’s a unique, memorable show that leaves you with an eerie sense of having been part of something otherworldly.
Audience Reaction
The audience is usually a bit of a mix—fans of vintage rock, people who enjoy the more theatrical side of things, and fans who are there for the satanic imagery. Despite the darker themes, there’s a sense of joy and liberation that comes with their music. People are dancing, singing along, and just fully immersed in the experience. Twin Temple’s vibe is almost like a celebration of sin, but with a lot of playful charm.
A Volbeat concert is usually a high-energy, hard-hitting, and fun experience, especially if you’re into the mix of rock, metal, and a touch of old-school rock ‘n’ roll vibes that they do so well. Volbeat’s live shows have developed a reputation for being entertaining, with a great balance of heavy music and melodic hooks, all while keeping a light, fun atmosphere that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Stage Presence & Visuals
Volbeat is known for their ability to command the stage with both energy and presence. Frontman Michael Poulsen brings a certain charisma to the stage, mixing between gritty rock vocals and clean melodic delivery. He’s got this rockstar charm—at times, brooding and intense, but also approachable and fun. He doesn’t stand still much, constantly engaging with the crowd, whether it’s pumping his fist, getting the audience to sing along, or giving some shout-outs between songs.
The band doesn’t always go for super elaborate visual setups, but their lighting and stage design are usually clean and effective, helping to create an electric atmosphere. They may not have the over-the-top theatrics of, say, Ghost, but Volbeat still makes great use of their stage space with solid light shows, fog machines, and video screens playing graphics or themes that match the songs.
Sound & Performance
Volbeat is known for their unique blend of hard rock, metal, and a bit of rockabilly influence, and that comes through in their live shows. Their music is pretty dynamic, so the audience can expect everything from fist-pumping anthems to slower, more melodic moments that let the crowd sing along. Songs like “A Warrior’s Call” or “Still Counting” will have the crowd chanting the lyrics back to them, and then they’ll flip to something like “Lola Montez,” which is almost danceable in its rhythm.
The band delivers their material with precision and energy—each member is locked in, and they sound just as tight live as they do on the record. Rob Caggiano (guitar) has this crunchy tone and melodic playing that adds a lot to the heavier moments, while Jon Larsen (drums) and Anders Kjølholm (bass) provide a steady backbone to keep everything driving forward. You get the sense that the band genuinely enjoys playing these songs, which makes the performance even more enjoyable to watch.
One of the things that stands out in a Volbeat concert is the quality of their sound. They have a good mix of loud, punchy guitars, solid drums, and clear vocals. You can tell they’ve mastered the art of performing live because everything feels balanced and focused.
Setlist
Volbeat’s setlists are usually a great mix of their heavier, faster material and the more melodic, catchy tunes that have made them so popular. Expect to hear a few tracks from albums like Outlaw Gentlemen & Shady Ladies and Rewind, Replay, Rebound. Big hits like “Still Counting,” “Lola Montez,” and “A Warrior’s Call” are usually staples, but they’ll also sprinkle in some fan favorites from earlier albums like “Sad Man’s Tongue” and “Fallen.”
The set is often structured to have peaks and valleys—so you get the crowd going wild with high-energy songs, and then they’ll drop down into something a bit slower or more melodic to keep the audience engaged. They balance it well, keeping the energy up without overwhelming you.
Atmosphere
One thing fans often mention in Volbeat reviews is the fun factor of their concerts. Unlike some bands that are really intense or dark, Volbeat keeps a more celebratory atmosphere. Michael Poulsen often interacts with the crowd, cracking jokes, telling stories between songs, or getting everyone to sing along. It’s an easygoing, inclusive vibe where everyone feels part of the show. There’s a sense that, while Volbeat can get heavy when they want to, they never lose the joy and passion of the music.
Fans are usually pumped and active during the show, and you’ll see a lot of fist-pumping, crowd-surfing, and chanting along with the band. There’s definitely a communal feeling—almost like being part of a rock family.
Overall Experience
A Volbeat concert is a celebration of rock, metal, and all the catchy, melodic moments in between. The live show is fun, high-energy, and showcases the band’s ability to perform and connect with the audience. You get a nice mix of heaviness and melody, and there’s never a dull moment. Their shows are often described as uplifting, and while the music can get intense, it’s a very inclusive vibe that keeps the crowd engaged from start to finish.
Audience Reaction
The audience at a Volbeat show is generally enthusiastic, with fans who know the songs by heart and are just as eager to sing along as they are to headbang. The mix of metalheads, rock fans, and more mainstream listeners creates a unique, upbeat energy that’s infectious. Fans are often seen singing every word, raising their fists in the air, and just vibing with the overall mood of the concert. It’s clear that Volbeat has a dedicated fanbase who are fully into the experience, but the show also attracts newcomers who end up leaving as fans.
Ghost
Stage Presence & Visuals
Ghost concerts are nothing short of a spectacle. The band is known for their elaborate stage setups that blur the line between concert and theater. Expect towering religious imagery, neon lights, fog machines, and, of course, the ever-present demonic vibes. Papa Emeritus (or whichever version of Papa they’re on) commands the stage with a theatrical performance that plays up the band’s over-the-top, darkly comic, yet sinister aesthetic. The Nameless Ghouls (the band members, who are all masked and dressed identically) play their instruments behind the theatrical façade, maintaining a sense of mystery and giving the entire show an air of cult-like reverence.
Sound & Performance
Ghost’s live performances have consistently received praise for their musicality. Despite the theatricality, the band delivers tight, well-executed renditions of their songs. Fans often note how impressive it is that such a heavy band can sound so clean live, especially given their complex arrangements and layered sound. From the massive, anthem-like choruses of songs like “Square Hammer” to the haunting melodies of “Cirice,” the band’s ability to pull off heavy riffs and ethereal harmonies live is part of their magic.
Setlist
Ghost’s setlists are a mix of their older, more metal-oriented songs and newer material that leans more into classic rock and even pop influences. Impera (their most recent album) is often well-represented in setlists, with tracks like “Hunter’s Moon” and “Twenties” being fan favorites. That said, they make sure to include crowd-pleasers like “Rats,” “Cirice,” and “Year Zero,” which really get the audience fired up.
Atmosphere
The vibe at a Ghost concert is intense, but it’s also surprisingly communal. The dark, theatrical elements combine with their catchy, sing-along-worthy songs to create an experience that feels almost like a religious service, albeit with a cheeky, irreverent twist. Fans are usually loud and proud, singing every word, raising their hands, and engaging with the performance.
Overall Experience
People leave Ghost concerts feeling like they’ve experienced something unique—part rock show, part spiritual gathering. It’s an immersive experience where the music is paired with a larger-than-life performance that draws you in, making you feel like you’re part of something bigger than just a typical rock show.
Audience Reaction
The audience tends to be highly enthusiastic and engaged, but Ghost has this knack for getting even casual fans to throw themselves into the experience. Their shows aren’t just for diehard metalheads—they’re a celebration of music and performance that can attract a wide range of people. Ghost’s blend of theater, heavy metal, and classic rock has led them to be one of the more accessible bands in the metal genre, drawing a diverse crowd.
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