Ghost summoned…and they came. The Ritual in Peoria Civic Center roiled with anticipation as the hour approached. Slowly, the elements came together. The ritual music started…lights began to dim…incense filled the air. Ghouls around the hall came to a stand still and turned to face the stage as it went black. The Swedish rock band played with the curtain still up just for a minute before it crashed down and revealed the Skeletour stage setting and ghoul band members dressed to fit the theme, all in support of the Skeletá album. The opening song “Peacefield” played on, followed quickly by “Lachryma,” mixing old with new.
In all, Papa covered most of their works, but focused on albums Meliora and Skeletá. The fans soaked it in, dressed to impress in the tour’s new visages and garb. They moved, reached out, grasping for the sound as it came to them. Playing on to a monster set (23 songs) including “Mary on a Cross,” “Dance Macabre” and “Call Me Little Sunshine.” No ghoul went away unsatiated.









