Seems appropriate that seven albums deep into your career, the 2023 live record A Creepy Night Live (previously praised by this scribe on the site) sets the stage for the next chapter in the world of Italian power metal artists Trick Or Treat. The uplifting melodies and power chords still resonate on this eighth studio album Ghosted, yet the songwriting / lyrical content takes on a bit of a modern-esque, cinematic / theatrical shift to accompany the horror movie, comic book, and video game themes that have become an integral part of their lives. Add in some killer guest vocal spots to accentuate specific atmosphere or broader sonic aspects and its understandable that this could be the quintet’s most bombastic, thrilling outing to date.
The requisite mix of mid-tempo anthems, speedier affairs, as well as the occasional ballad or epic track keep the flow of the album (as well as interest) very present, anticipation on high. “Bloodmoon” is an early standout due to its thunderous 16th note / BPM intensity, the symphony-like guitar display that contains Kamelot-ish tendencies, as well as an exciting duet vocal performance from Alessandro Conti and Seven Spires’ Adrienne Cowan – the latter using all aspects of her triple threat clean, growls, and high pitch scream delivery to the max. Disney-like circus nuances appear in “Dance With the Dancing Clown” – the next level choirs serve as Helloween/Blind Guadian-like affinities as the guitars plus solid rhythm section backbone engage in a similar sonic dalliance. It’s also great when power metal acts allow bass lines to breathe life into arrangements, even if in small sections as the slightly progressive “Polybius” illustrates to prove Leone Villani Conti has serious chops beyond the norm in this style.
The occasional foray into heavier terrain next to expected speed chord action bears fruitful results – allowing Alessandro a chance to explore all facets of his rich melodies. Many would compare his range, inflections, and versatility to a mix of Fabio Lione and Michael Kiske – and they wouldn’t be wrong when taking in brilliant cuts like “Evil Dead Never Sleeps” or “Make a Difference”. Although the majority of songs never reach past normal radio/commercial length, closer “Bitter Dreams” serves up bountiful elements in an almost eight-minute-long effort – the cultural guitar/keyboard syncopation, tremolo-oriented harmonies, as well as classical touches from guitarists Guido Benedetti and Luca Venturelli making this a perfect ending to the record.
While Trick Or Treat may have started as a Helloween tribute act, its evident over the course of their 23 years as a group that they have expanded their influences to be so much more than just standard power metal worship artists. Ghosted takes on drama, horror, video games, and comic book culture in an engaging manner – as such possibly being the best front to back record for them to date.