TRICK OR TREAT – “Ghosted” (2025)

I first learnt of Alessandro Conti after he joined the ranks of Luca Turilli’s RHAPSODY back in 2011. Being impressed by his voice I searched for his musical projects only to discover TRICK OR TREAT. Since then you could tell that I observe their career from a small distance, I do not spend countless hours with their music but I always listen to their new albums and I very much enjoy their work, they have totally earned my respect. The Italian Power Metallers always maintain a certain level of quality, so I had no doubt about their 8th Full Length album. 

For the introductions, the sound of the band is closest to the early HELLOWEEN era with Kiske behind the microphone. The songs are very positive and happy for the most part, melodies are the backbone of the band’s identity, but they can also hit hard with some heavy guitars occasionally and fast paced drumming. What I like about them is that they have a strong sense of humor instilled in their works, if the album’s playful title and cover was not proof enough. All artwork is created by Ale himself as he is also an illustrator, he is responsible for all the band’s images, which is good because he can capture the exact atmosphere the group wants to externalize. In this case I do not find the cover only funny, but very clever. 

The thing I like the most about “Ghosted” is that while it has spread its roots in a musical landscape that is very familiar, it still manages to produce interesting ideas. There are many nice details and touches that are worth discovering, while the final result is varied and you can listen to the whole album easily without getting lost in the way. The vocals are great and the same goes for the musical performance of the whole band, with the guitars being a standout. 

In my ears there may have been a track or two that reside on a level lower than the others, however the sum of the album’s parts easily ends up on the positive side. I adored the ‘Dance with the dancing clown’ (you HAVE to see the respective video clip) because it brought a fresh perspective, as well as ‘The 13th’ which ended up as the heaviest song in there along with ‘Evil dead never sleeps’. ‘Return to monkey island’ is another fun song, and what spells fun and pirates better than Christopher Bowes of ALESTORM? Nothing, that’s why he guests in this track. 

I have purposely omitted any mention to the ultimate track of “Ghosted” till now. The record houses another guest, my favorite powerhouse vocalist Adrienne Cowan of SEVEN SPIRES who lends her voice in ‘Bloodmoon’, making it even with Conti who sang in her band’s latest release (The song is called ‘ Songs upon Wine-Stained Tongues’). It is inspired by Castlevania, the chorus is peak Power Metal and the brutal vocal part in the middle greatly describes how tragic a figure Dracula’s character was in the series. On the clean vocals, both vocalists showcase their skill admirably as well. 

My summarized take for “Ghosted” is that while it is not the ultimate Power Metal album of the year, it is still a very interesting record. Its positive vibes are the perfect company during any time of the day. Despite their name, TRICK OR TREAT only treat their fans with good music as their persistent quality is something to be praised. Despite the fact that the album will speak more to the geek fanbase of the genre (I proudly belong in that category), I would suggest that all fans of the melodic Power Metal check it out. With an album like this you really have no excuse to… ghost them!

80/100

Pavlos Pavlakis   

100: Godsent

90s: Excellent

80s: Very good

70s: Good

60s: Enjoyable

50s: Uninspired

40s: Bad

0s -30s: Unlistenable