Review | Ghost – Skeletá

Loma Vista Recordings

Swedish rockers Ghost have achieved cult status since they hit the airwaves in the early 2000s, with a litany of worldwide fans eagerly awaiting the release of their sixth studio album ‘SKELETÁ’. The album combines heavy metal and classic rock elements.

Ghost continues to develop their musical landscape with purpose and authenticity. This new album feels like Ghost, but with a modern edge. The title,’SKELETÁ’, gives symbolic references to skeletal bones. We are introduced to the newest personality of Ghost mastermind and vocalist, Tobias Forge: Papa V Perpetua. This papal incarnation carries forward the lore and symbolism that fans know and love from Ghost into the new chapter, while the costumes and stage theater continue to evolve.

A MUSICAL JOURNEY

As a whole, ‘SKELETÁ’ is a musical journey, difficult to pick apart song by song and best listened to out complete. Forge delivers lyrics that are darkly satirical and catchy. Musically, it contains many of the late 70s, early 80s rock style ballads and guitar tones that fans love, with complex vocal layering to create these dark atmospheric dreamscapes. Each song has something different to offer.

The album begins with ,,Peacefield’’, Ghost’s third single released leading up to this new album. We are treated to beautiful choral harmonies, but it is not all ethereal. ,,Lachryma’’ is another single release, along with a beautiful video. ,,Lachryma’’ is a song, full of energy while the guitars scream. It is a track that thunders through your chest and pierces your heart at the same time. ,,Satanized’’ is a dark and dynamic song. What sets ,,Satanized’’ apart is the dynamic 6/8 rhythm, which makes the song bounce around nicely, making it quite catchy.

OSCAR WILDE

The fourth track ,,Guiding Lights’’ has a softer start with a harpsichord. It is a more inward and haunting ballad, fading into a somber introspective tone. ,,De Profundis Borealis’’, which takes its title from Irish poet Oscar Wilde’s famous prison letter, begins slower and deeper than other, more powerful counterparts on the album, with soft, tinkling keys luring listeners in and building a sense of tension. Then, full throttle, all brakes are released.

A cenotaph is a monument built in honor of someone whose remains lie elsewhere, making it essentially an empty grave. ,,Cenotaph’’ sounds like a classic 80s style horror movie slasher chasing a victim. This track is fast and upbeat. For an empty tomb, this track is anything but vacuous. The seventh track on ‘SKELETÁ’ is ,,Missilia Amori’’, featuring solid guitars over rhythmic drumming right from the start. The song alludes to the vulnerability of unattainable desire and dangerous love. ,,Marks Of The Evil One’’ treats listeners to a powerful and powerful battle song about the four horsemen of the apocalypse. It is a darker energetic song in theme and concept than the previous songs on the album.

COWBELL

,,Umbra’’ is the ninth track on ‘SKELETÁ’ and immediately stands out for its intentional use of cowbell. Overall, this song brings us closer to the darkness and allure of Ghost. ,,Excelsis’’ is a much slower song with a softer start, similar to ,,Peacefield’s’’ softer introduction to ‘SKELETÁ’. ,,Excelsis’’ sounds like a great ballad , it’s a simple, slow and beautiful ending that ties in nicely with ,,Peacefield’’.

GHOST – THE CONCLUSION

This new love child of Tobias Forge, is laced with 80s sounds. Keyboards/synths, pounding drum and bass parts and slick guitar riffs. Complex vocal layering and, of course, the catchy choruses. Each song brings a different feeling or emotion. Themes of religion, power, rebellion and worship, all come along. ‘SKELETÁ’ takes you on a journey, it grabs you and won’t let go of seasoned fans anytime soon. I think another strong album has come from the quiver of Ghost [aka Tobias Forge].

Release date: 25 April 2025