Tweet
"Spillways" is a song by the Swedish band Ghost, featured on their fifth studio album, Impera, released in 2022. Ghost, led by Tobias Forge under the pseudonym Papa Emeritus, is known for their style that blends heavy metal with classic rock and a theatrical aesthetic. "Spillways" exemplifies their ability to combine elements from different genres and eras of music.
Musical Style and Influences
"Spillways" stands out for its mix of hard rock and pop-metal with touches of classic rock, reflecting the influence of 70s and 80s bands. The song has a catchy and energetic rhythm, with prominent guitars and a very melodic chorus that brings to mind bands like ABBA and Boston, whom Forge has cited as influences.
Instrumentation and Production
The song opens with a distinctive keyboard riff, setting an immediately recognizable tone. The production is clean and polished, allowing each instrument to be heard clearly. The guitars have a robust sound and the solos are technical yet melodic. The drums and bass provide a solid foundation that drives the song forward.
Lyrics and Theme
The lyrics of "Spillways" follow Ghost's characteristic style, touching on the occult, the dark, and the introspective, often with a hint of irony. In this song, the lyrics talk about the metaphorical "spillways" of the mind, suggesting these are the channels through which repressed thoughts and emotions filter out. This aligns with Forge's lyrical focus on exploring internal struggles and the darker aspects of the human psyche.
Lyrics:
Through benediction
You tried to rid your mind of malediction
But through all this time
You try to peel it off, and it's such a ride (ride)
Your desolation led you into this
Vile incarnation of consummated bliss
I know you need it now to make you feel alive (alive, alive)
All your faith, all your rage
All your pain, it ain't over now
And I ain't talking about forgiveness
All your faith, all your rage
All your pain, it ain't over now
It's the cruel beast that you feed
It's your burning yearning need to bleed
Through the spillways (spillways)
You keep a casket buried deep within
You try to mask it, but fall back in sin
You want to shake it off, but you are stuck inside
When stripped of rags of skin and spine
Human decay, Corpus dei
Terminally dispelled
And it's such a ride (ride)
All your faith, all your rage
All your pain, it ain't over now
And I ain't talking about forgiveness
All your faith, all your rage
All your pain, it ain't over now
It's the cruel beast that you feed
It's your burning yearning need to bleed
Through the spillways
Through the spillways of your soul
Through the spillways
(Spillways, spillways)
It's the cruel beast that you feed
It's your burning yearning need to bleed
Through the spillways
Through the spillways of your soul
Through the spillways
Through the spillways of your soul
Through the spillways
Through the spillways of your soul
Through the spillways
Through the spillways of your soul
Vocals
Tobias Forge's voice is clear and expressive, with a style that can oscillate between theatrical and introspective. In "Spillways," his vocal performance is passionate and compelling, helping to convey the urgency and emotion of the lyrics. The additional backing vocals reinforce the chorus, making the song even more memorable.
Impact and Reception
"Spillways" has been well-received by both fans and critics. Ghost's fans have appreciated the band's ability to evolve their sound while maintaining their unique identity. The song has been praised for its catchy structure and impeccable production, further cementing Ghost's status as a band capable of producing hits both within and outside the metal community.