Trick Or Treat | Ghosted | Scarlet Records

 

 Trick Or Treat was formed in 2002 in Modena, Italy, originally as a Helloween tribute band. Over the years, the group carved its own identity within the melodic power metal landscape, combining fast-paced rhythms, vibrant guitar harmonies, theatrical themes, and a distinct humorous tone. The band gained recognition with albums like “Tin Soldiers” and “Rabbits’ Hill Pt. 1 & 2”, blending epic narratives with an energetic and positive musical approach often referred to as "happy metal". Fronted by Alessandro Conti—also the vocalist of Twilight Force and formerly of Luca Turilli's Rhapsody—the band has been a consistent creative force in European melodic metal, building a dedicated fanbase through their theatrical stage presence and well-crafted anthems.

“Ghosted” is a conceptually fun and sonically crisp album that fuses classic power metal with humorous and spooky horror motifs. As with earlier releases, Trick Or Treat relies on high-speed rhythm sections, catchy choruses, layered melodies, and theatrical vocal work, but this time it filters it all through a deliberately campy haunted house aesthetic. There’s a noticeable embrace of nostalgia—not only in musical references but also through pop culture homages that span horror films, cult video games, and European comic books.

The atmosphere of the album is crafted to be both eerie and lighthearted, something Trick Or Treat has experience balancing without becoming parody. Tracks like “Evil Dead Never Sleeps” and “The 13th” are clearly influenced by genre icons, not just in their lyrical content but also in the way the music amplifies the drama, tension, and tongue-in-cheek dread of their cinematic inspirations.

Guest vocalists Chris Bowes (Alestorm) and Adrienne Cowan (Avantasia/Seven Spires) bring variety without interrupting the album’s cohesiveness. Bowes contributes his recognizable pirate-infused style, while Cowan offers theatrical range that complements Conti's dramatic delivery. These appearances feel integrated rather than ornamental.

Production by Simone Mularoni is tight and balanced, giving the instruments space while ensuring the vocal harmonies remain prominent. The guitars—handled by Guido Benedetti and Luca Venturelli—shift fluidly between speedy leads and melodic twin harmonies. The rhythm section, with Leone Villani Conti on bass and Dario Capacci on drums, stays true to genre traditions, never experimental but consistently driving.

While there is no shift in musical direction, “Ghosted” works as a celebration of the band’s strengths. The references to “Monkey Island”, “Nightmare On Elm Street”, and “Dylan Dog” are presented with a sense of playfulness and affection, never feeling forced. The thematic cohesion is matched by the visual artwork created by Alessandro Conti himself, which reinforces the album’s cartoonish gothic tone.

“Ghosted” won’t surprise longtime fans, but it does reinforce Trick Or Treat’s identity with consistency and character. This is an album meant to be fun, melodic, and dramatic in equal parts, succeeding most where energy, clarity, and concept intersect.

Score: 7.5