Imperatour

On 30 December 2020, Ghost announced that 'several big things' were being worked on for 2021, indicating new live performances.[1] In January 2022, the band kicked off a North American co-headline tour with Volbeat called the Imperatour following the tour's announcement in September 2021.[2][3] During the first show in Reno, the band performed "Kaisarion", the second song from the album, for the first time,[4] as well as introduced new steampunk-inspired costumes for the Nameless Ghouls.[5] On the third show of the US tour, co-headliners Volbeat canceled their appearance for that night when their drummer Jon Larsen tested positive for COVID-19.[6][7] The band are currently headlining the UK and European legs of the tour in April 2022.[8][9] Papa Nihil had been resurrected for the tour, to perform the saxophone solo during "Miasma".[10] It was announced on 18 April 2022 that Ghost will be a featured headliner for Hellfest in Clisson, France on 18 June 2022.[11]

Reporters from Ghost Cult Magazine who attended the first show in Reno, had given the show a positive review. Opening their review on the performance of Ghost, they notified on the loud applause from the audience when the band had gone on stage. They detailed on how the stage was much grander than the set they had on the previous tour, with a backdrop that acknowledged the previous versions of Papa Emeritus, as well as risers for both the band members and the drums. Acknowledging the new costumes the Nameless Ghouls were wearing, the reporters stated that they take time to get used to, but added that they were "impeccable". The reporters praised the performance of Papa Emeritus IV, stating during "Year Zero" that he put on a "captivating performance". The setlist was also met with praise, noting that it was "masterful and entertaining with track after track of bangers". They concluded their review, recommending that everyone goes to the show if they can, noting it as a "special one and possibly one of the best lineups in 2022".[12]

Scott Mervis from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette who attended the show at the Petersen Events Center, gave the band's performance a positive review. He opened his review, praising the new costume change Papa Emeritus IV had, comparing it to being more Joker-like. He detailed on the sound of the band, sharing its similarities to the bands Metallica and Blue Oyster Cult. He noted on the Nameless Ghouls that aside from their comedy schtick and sparring during the show, stated that they were going hard behind Forge, with the heavy-but-clean lines getting lost early in the set - but later added that as the set went on it got a little less overbearing when Papa got more into the mix. Throughout the set, he acknowledged the many genre and influential changes from the psychedelic rock sound for the song "Mary on a Cross", and the Slayer influenced sound of "Cirice" to the dreamy pop metal song "Hunter's Moon". He concluded his review stating that the concert was great as well as having a phenomenal final run - also praising the album and noting that it is "fire".[13]

This was the setlist that had debuted at the first show of the tour in Reno, and may not represent the majority of shows on the tour.[14]

• "Imperium" (taped)

1. "Kaisarion"
2. "Rats"
3. "From the Pinnacle to the Pit"
4. "Mary on a Cross"
5. "Devil Church"
6. "Cirice"
7. "Hunter's Moon"
8. "Faith"
9. "Helvetesfönster" (abridged)
10. "Year Zero"
11. "Ritual"
12. "Mummy Dust"
13. "Kiss the Go-Goat"

Encore

14. "Enter Sandman" (Metallica cover)
15. "Dance Macabre"
16. "Square Hammer"

• "Sorrow in the Wind" (Emmylou Harris song) (taped)

Information

• For the show in Idaho, "He Is" was performed. "Kiss the Go-Goat" was dropped from the setlist on the Oregon and Seattle shows.
• For the first European leg, "Spillways", "Call Me Little Sunshine" were debuted in Manchester. "Miasma" was also performed.[10]