Ghost, Satan Prayer | Controversial Tunes 😈🎶

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On the 19^th edition of Controversial Tunes, we explore the controversy behind the song, “Satan Prayer” by Ghost.

ring on the controversy, won’t you? Controversial Tunes is a column that provides background information and insight into songs that raised eyebrows and totally stirred the pot. The records that grace Controversial Tunes are old and new alike, with all genres of music welcome. On the 19^th edition of Controversial Tunes, we explore the controversy behind the song,

“Satan Prayer” by

Ghost.

Theme & Lyrics

“Believe in one God do we / Satan almighty / The un-creator of heaven and soil.” Now that is one HELL of a reverse. The simple fact is this, not everyone is a Christian, folks. Anyone can believe in who and what they want to believe. Particularly when it’s metal bands at the helm – European black, doom, death metal bands especially – atheism and Satanism are a gargantuan part of the script. Grammy-winning Swedish metal collective Ghost denounce God and praise Satan on “Satan Prayer.” The standout from Opus Eponymous (2010) is controversial because of how far Papa Emeritus (aka Tobias Forge) takes things.

Per Revolver, Forge asserts: “[I] unquestionably throw my hands into the hands of Satan.” There’s more to it than blatant atheism – a strict, very religious stepmother. Regardless, it’s clear whom Forge serves and doesn’t serve. Again, if Satanism is his thing, well that’s his business if he’s a left-hand path guy. Where some religious folk may take pause is the heretical chorus:

“Hear our Satan prayer, our anti-Nicene creed
Hear our Satan prayer, for the coming of seed...”

Christians don’t play around with the Nicene Creed – this is part of many religious services to date. Speaking from the African Methodist Episcopal Church perspective, it’s referred to as the Affirmation of Faith. I say all that to say, “Satan Prayer” really pushed the envelope.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of sheer controversy, Ghost makes it clear where they stand. Is Tobias Forge a true, committed Satanist? Perhaps – he does say he’ll “throw my hands into the hands of Satan.” That said, it seems he and “Satan Prayer” have their eyes fixated on shock value more than anything. As mentioned, when you mess with the Nicene Creed, you’re really dabbling on the left-hand path.