Ghost seem to be riding high at the moment, having recently completed a series of successful arena shows throughout the United Kingdom and now gearing up for a similar tour across Europe—and eventually, the world!
Their latest studio album, Skeletá (which may derive from Ancient Greek σκελετά, skeletā́: “withered” in its feminine dual form), is eagerly anticipated by fans of the Swedish rock band. New front-ghaul Papa V. Perpetua embodies gothic glamour of the highest standard throughout.
With an enchanting church choir introduction on ‘Peacefeild’, Ghost launches into Skeletá with fervour and an uplifting spirit. Throughout the album, Ghost masterfully blends dark doomy lyrics with accessible melodies and vocals. This unique combination is one of their greatest attractions. Their music offers easy listening while maintaining a hauntingly gloomy atmosphere—precisely what listeners desire! It’s this approach that has garnered them billions of streams worldwide.
‘Lachryma’ stands out as the quintessential Ghost track, encapsulating all that is distinctive about the band. It features a captivating melody intertwined with an aura of darkness; its music video showcases both glamorous and eerie visuals alongside a haunting narrative, making it effortlessly enjoyable. The lyrics resonate deeply since they touch on universal experiences of sorrow, everyone has cried, but there’s something particularly profound in this song’s essence that connects with you through its sound. Yet, does it evoke that special sensation in your chest that accompanies truly exceptional music? That exhilarating feeling when witnessing a live performance transforms into pure magic—a genuine rush of dopamine!
‘Satinized’ showcases impressive melodic guitar riffs during its bridge, making it one of the standout tracks on the album. In contrast, ‘Guiding Lights’ presents a softer tone as we hear Papa’s gentle vocals in a beautifully gradual build-up. Meanwhile, ‘Umbra’ also ranks among the stronger songs, featuring guitar riffs reminiscent of the ’80s micro machines game soundtrack.
Skeletá embodies the melodic darkness that many of us seek, and after listening to the opening track, I found myself hoping that the album would feature uplifting moments throughout. Honestly, that would have been a great choice because my sole criticism of Skeletá is that it feels somewhat repetitive. It unfolds as a slow burn, yet it still delivers those signature Ghost sounds that fans eagerly anticipate. The album features some incredible guitar riffs and sing-along moments, all of which are sure to resonate well in live performances and theatrical settings.
Skeletá will be released by Ghost on April 25th, 2025, through Loma Vista Recordings.
