Ghost – Target Center – Minneapolis MN – February 5th 2022

By Kyle Hansen 3 years ago

Ghost live at the Target Center on February 5th 2022

Review and photos by Kyle Hansen

The Ghost concert at the Target Center in Minneapolis on February 5th, 2022 was a part of their Impera tour, and it was widely regarded as a standout show in their ongoing rise as one of the most theatrical and engaging metal bands today. Fans who were there recall an unforgettable performance, filled with dark visuals, eerie atmosphere, and a setlist that showcased Ghost at their finest.

Stage Presence & Visuals

The band’s stage setup for this show was nothing short of spectacular. As always, Ghost brings theatricality to the forefront, and the Target Center performance was no different. The stage had religious imagery, towering cathedrals of light, and huge screens projecting eerie visuals that matched the sinister vibe of the band’s occult themes. The show was a mix of gothic and baroque style, with dramatic lighting, smoke, and fog enhancing the sense of entering a dark, sacred space.

Papa Emeritus IV (the most recent incarnation of Ghost’s frontman, played by Tobias Forge) is known for his striking persona and his powerful stage presence. For this particular show, Papa IV led the performance with his commanding presence, delivering a mix of theatrical grandeur and eerie charm. His robes, designed to evoke religious iconography, blended perfectly with the rest of the band’s aesthetic.

The Nameless Ghouls (the band members, who remain masked and anonymous) played their parts flawlessly, delivering a polished and tight performance. The addition of Papa IV (after the transition from Papa Emeritus III) added a new layer of storytelling to the live show, giving the band’s lore a fresh direction and keeping things engaging for long-time fans.

Sound & Performance

Musically, the show was as tight as ever. Ghost’s blend of heavy metal, classic rock, and pop sensibilities shone through on every track. The band’s musicianship was on full display, with Tobias Forge’s vocals moving effortlessly from the haunting melodies of songs like “Cirice” to the anthemic choruses of “Square Hammer.” The sound was loud and powerful but also nuanced, allowing each instrument to shine.

The crowd seemed to particularly respond to the newer material from Impera, such as “Hunter’s Moon” and “Twenties”, which still carried that signature catchy and cinematic Ghost sound but with a polished, stadium-ready quality. Yet, the old favorites like “Rats”, “Year Zero”, and “Mummy Dust” never failed to get the crowd rocking. These tracks gave fans the chance to sing along, raise their fists, and fully immerse themselves in the experience.

Setlist

Ghost’s setlist for this concert was designed to keep the energy high while also incorporating some of the newer material from Impera. Here’s an idea of what you could expect:

  1. Kaisarion (perfect opener, with the mix of theatrics and heavy hooks)
  2. Rats
  3. Hunter’s Moon
  4. Faith
  5. Mummy Dust
  6. Year Zero
  7. Cirice
  8. Twenties
  9. He Is (emotional and haunting, with a deep connection to the crowd)
  10. Square Hammer

The setlist had a great mix of new material and classics, allowing both newer and long-time fans to get what they were hoping for. They tend to play their biggest hits with a lot of crowd interaction, so the whole show is interactive in the best way possible.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere in the Target Center was electric from start to finish. Ghost’s concerts always have a sense of unity—almost like being part of a strange, dark ritual. Fans dressed in Ghost-themed attire (like hoodies, shirts with the Papa figure, or even full-on “cultist” gear) helped set the vibe. The crowd was energetic, singing along to every word and reveling in the theatrics of the performance.

There was also a sense of spectacle that made the show feel larger than life. As the set progressed, the band’s energy only seemed to grow, with Papa Emeritus IV guiding the audience through his dark rituals. The combination of theatrical stagecraft and infectious energy created an environment where the audience felt part of the experience.

Overall Experience

The concert was a spectacle that merged music and theater into an unforgettable event. Ghost has mastered the balance of being a band that sounds just as good live as on record, while also creating an experience that is about much more than just the music. The show was visually stunning, sonically powerful, and thematically rich, making it one of those concerts that you remember long after it’s over.

Audience Reaction

The crowd at the Target Center was completely invested in the performance. Fans were engaged from the start, dancing, singing, and raising their fists in the air in sync with the band. As usual, the audience was a mix of diehard followers and curious newcomers, but it didn’t matter—everyone was on the same page when it came to enjoying the spectacle.

During songs like “Square Hammer” and “Rats”, the entire arena was singing along, and there was a palpable sense of connection between the band and the fans. It’s clear that Ghost has cultivated a loyal following, and the concert felt like a celebration of both their new era and their enduring legacy in the rock and metal scene.

Final Thoughts

The February 5th, 2022 show at the Target Center proved yet again that Ghost is not just a band—it’s an experience. From the atmosphere and visuals to the impeccable performance and fan interaction, this concert solidified Ghost’s place as one of the best live acts in modern rock and metal. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, attending a Ghost show is an experience that leaves you in awe of their artistry and craftsmanship.