cirice

Cirice is a song by the Swedish rock band Ghost, released in 2015 as the lead single from their third studio album Meliora. The track showcases Ghost’s theatrical blend of heavy guitar work, orchestral elements, and choral backing, evolving from a restrained opening into a triumphant, hymn-like chorus.

Lyrically, Cirice portrays a manipulative figure who uses religious imagery to recruit and control followers, a thematic thread that runs through Ghost’s stage persona and storytelling. The song’s atmosphere combines dark, ritualistic imagery with a sense of conquest and revelation.

The title Cirice is an archaic English word for “church,” derived from Old English cirice. Ghost has used the stylized spelling to evoke ecclesiastical themes and create a distinctive, otherworldly flavor for the track.

Cirice received widespread critical praise for its composition, performance, and emotional impact. It won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song at the 2016 ceremony, highlighting Ghost’s broader recognition in the rock genre.

The accompanying music video portrays a ritualistic church setting with the band performing in ceremonial costumes, reinforcing the song’s themes of authority, faith, and manipulation. Cirice has since become a staple in Ghost’s live performances and remains a notable entry in the band’s catalog.