Using Heavy Metal’s past as a cue and drawing influence from history and culture, Sweden’s Ghost is a fascinating, complex entity.
Initially forming nearly twenty years ago, Ghost successfully unified elements of classic Heavy Metal, Black Metal, and Death Metal into one compelling band with a ton of intrigue. First, they arrived with a highly theatrical image that mixes elements of Horror cinema, the occult, and religion.
Arguably, the costumes and stage show quickly thrust them into the limelight because everyone loves a little drama. However, the other key attribute of Ghost was the anonymity of each band member. This aspect suited them well for many years, with all those beyond the lead vocalist being A Nameless Ghoul, debatably aiding in Ghost’s growing popularity. However, in 2017, the curtain was lifted and identities were revealed. Taking away some of the curious mystique, Ghost did not skip one beat following this revelation and delivered their most successful album with 2018’s Prequelle. An album that earned them a Grammy Award nomination for Best Rock Album, it was proof that Ghost’s appeal was far more potent than any costume or stage names.
With all this in mind, Ghost has regularly progressed with their sound from record to record. Taking on different elements as they have moved along, there is no denying there is a stark difference between Ghost’s Doom Metal laden early releases, such as 2010’s Opus Eponymous, 2013’s Infestissumam, or 2015’s Meliora, and those like 2018’s Prequelle or 2022’s Impera with a more anthemic Rock-n-Roll sensation. However, there is no shame in the progression, because you could say the sound is eerier than ever.
Each album in their catalogue takes on a different theme musically and in terms of cultural inspiration. If anything, Ghost has kept everything interesting. Showing no signs of slowing, in 2024, they put out the concert film Rite Here Rite Now, which was anything but average. Arriving in 2025, they look to take another step forward, and Ghost returns with the new studio album Skeletá.
Officially announced in March, synchronized with the release of the single “Satanized,” it began the next chapter in their story. First, it is the first to feature Papa V Perpetua as the leading voice, who replaced Frater Imperator (formerly Papa Emeritus IV and Cardinal Copia). The seventh frontman persona of Ghost, his anointment also ushers in an entirely different theme for Skeletá. Explaining this further, prior Ghost records, such as Prequelle, revolve around era-defining plagues. Still, Skeletá lyrically takes on a more personal style that adds a new wrinkle.
Arriving on April 25, 2025, through Loma Vista Recordings, consisting of ten tracks, the album has some extremely dark context, but it moves you along a storyline with its eyes set on a light at the end of the tunnel. Setting all of this up with large chat-along “Peacefield,” ahead are some captivating peaks and valleys, including “Guiding Lights”, “Cenotaph,” and “Marks Of The Evil One.” On the other hand, “Umbra” is a Synth-Rock driven powerhouse, and “Excelsis” is a sorrowful, almost Beatles-esque style ballad that tingles your deepest emotions.
Overall, Skeletá is yet another dynamic entry into Ghost’s catalogue. Steering clear of redundancies, some flickel fans may not appreciate the trajectory of Ghost’s direction. Nonetheless, if they step outside their preconceptions, they will see the band is boldly seeking to explore and paint a three-dimensional picture. Ultimately, it is an album full of catchy riffs, enormous and memorable choruses, and lyrics that remind me of the frontal lobe. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Skeletá 4 out of 5 stars.
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