ALBUM REVIEW: GHOST – ‘Skeletá’

By Carina Lawrence

Swedish theatrical rockers Ghost are back with their sixth opus, ‘Skeletá’, with founder Tobias Forge’s latest alter ego, Papa V Perpetua, signifying a new chapter for the band, which may be their most captivating offering yet.

The opening track, ‘Peacefield,’ begins with an eerie children’s choir before transitioning into a more hopeful and uplifting tone. It serves as a gentle introduction to some more upbeat themes before the darker journey ahead, and it does the job exceptionally well with its bouncy, resonant, and crisp riffs and consuming vocals.

The single ‘Lachryma’ has already become a fan favourite, and for good reason. It has heavy riffage and is one of the more weighty moments. It is both dark and delicious. This is them at their best, with ever-soaring guitars and Tobias getting to show off his impressive vocal range.

‘Satanized’ again, it’s easy to see why they unleashed this as a single. It is infectiously melodic and lyrically draws on the parallels between being possessed and being in love—another instant quintessential Ghost offering.

Changing the pace with ‘Guiding Lights’, a superb power ballad that is moving and progresses, building as it goes and leaving a lasting impression.

‘De Profundis Borealis’ opens with a haunting and beautiful piano intro before the rest of the free-spirited instruments kick in. The song is named after the famously titled jail letter from Irish poet Oscar Wilde. With ‘De Profundis’ meaning ‘from the abyss’ and Borealis relating to ‘northern’, so it embodies the icy storm and takes you on a wintery, immersive adventure.

Again, keeping things diverse, ‘Cenotaph’ offers up some interesting tempo and rhythms, capturing a very playful sound that contrasts with the subject matter of loss and burial. On the dazzling ‘Missilia Amori’, they channel the hard rock era of the 80s classics, especially the likes of Kiss, adding in a sundry range and spectrum both lyrically and musically with this glam rock-inspired treat. ‘Marks of the Evil One’ returns to their boundless, gloomy, yet inviting soundscape.

The shimmering ‘Umbra’ features unusual percussion and rhythms, a larger-than-life chorus, and some almost proggy instrumental sections, so all Ghouls/members get their moment to shine.

The final track, ‘Excelsis’, is a powerful ballad that reminds us of the inevitability of death, yet ends with a positive message about making the most of life in light of this inevitable end. This message is delivered in a compelling and hopeful manner, taking you on a memorable journey of love and death.

‘Skeletá’ is their most melodic and exploratory album to date, both lyrically and musically, and it’s hard to resist their enthralling, dark lyrical themes, layered with gleaming mastery, as they do what they do best, while also expanding on this. This new chapter leaves you hooked and ready to sell your soul while you eagerly wait for what mysteries lie ahead for Ghost.

‘Skeletá’ is out on the 25th April 2025 via Loma Vista Recordings