Today, Ghost released their 6(66)th demonic psalm, the much anticipated ‘Skeletá’, and yes Tobias Forge has done it again! Over the last few years, Ghost have become a global powerhouse, selling out arenas and embarking on long global tours. And in some ways, they are a long way removed from their beginning’s of the doom riffs of ‘Opus Eponymous’ and the dark Satanic groove of ‘Infestissumam.’ And of course there are those who lament that evolution. However, much has stayed the same… Ghost have always written catchy songs about the Devil and the occult and wrapped them up in the theatrics of a dark Church and the polish of pop. To that end nothing has changed, and what we see in terms of evolution, is the new style that is brought by each albums new frontman – a series of different characters all played by mastermind Tobias Forge. What we have in ‘Skeletá’, is the next evolution from previous offering ‘Impera’… arena rock with heavy 80s influences, and for me, it’s fantastic.
Album six starts with a bold opener, in the form of ‘Peacefield.’ Tobias Forge himself, describes the track as a song about hope, where the album as a whole deals with some dark introspective themes. Commencing with a solo choral piece, ‘Peacefield’ quickly progresses into a catchy number that would be at home on ‘Impera.’ But the ‘Impera’ similarities stop there (for now) as we move to ‘Skeleta’s’ second single ‘Lachryma.’ You can read my in depth review of ‘Lachryma’ here, but it is dark, oozing with 80s horror vibes and a deep crunching riff that precedes a beautifully catchy chorus, that demands to be sung. A favourite on Ghost current touring set. Next is lead single ‘Satanized.’ A song dressed as demonic possession and Church hypocrisy, that is in truth a song about falling in love. Soaring lead guitar lines and thunderous drum beats, check out my full review of the track here. ‘Guiding Lights’ is next and the first ballad on the record. Tobias Forge previously stated that this could potentially have been the albums instrumental track, but it instead developed into a power ballad that talks about “our God before us…” as with all of Ghosts music, it’s up to you to decide what ‘God’ Tobias Forge is talking about. The first half of the album closes with ‘De Profundis Borealis.’ A track that conjures the frozen wastelands of the north, in a way it’s reminiscent of black metal in its inspiration, without being so. Chugging guitars and drums provide the backdrop to more catchy lines.
The second half of the album begins with ‘Cenotaph.’ An unusual for Ghost, jazz drum pattern starts this number with ethereal keys and wailing guitar notes, followed quickly by chugging guitars, that played quicker could be ‘The Four Horseman’ or ‘Battery’ by Metallica. The previous 3 tracks, although good in their own right, do suffer a little from middle of the pack syndrome, where they bleed together in the memory, while the real bangers stand out. That ends though with track number 7 ‘Missilia Amori’ (Love Rockets), that starts with unashamedly heavy rock, 80s style. This is a track that could easily find it’s way into Ghosts live set and is another to chant along to. Next up is the brilliantly deceptive ‘Marks of The Evil One.’ Lyrics focus on the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse and different views of them. Another track from Ghost’s playbook of layered meaning; A song about Satan and The Apocalypse, or wicked politicians and their blind followers?… You decide. The penultimate offering on this psalm is the stunning ‘Umbra.’ Currently in the Ghost live set, Umbra features a long passage of blistering duelling solos between guitar and keys. Creepily low singing on the verses and pre-chorus from Forge, takes us back to Ghost’s early days, before transforming to this albums running thread of blasting arena rock choruses. We end album 6 with the slow lamenting ballad ‘Excelsis,’ that just like the opening track, could be at home bookending ‘Impera.’ If ‘Umbra’ was the big finale, then ‘Excelsis’ is the goodbye track to make you think. And while it is a song about death, the message is not the inevitable end, it is instead Forge urging us to go live our lives and be happy.
‘Skeletá’ is another brilliant offering from Ghost, and Just like ‘Impera’, is a concept album, without the label, and demands many listens to appreciate it’s layers and complexity. Here we see Tobias Forge’s mastery of song writing as he continues to grow and mature as an artist, while staying true to his core messages. And while ‘Skeletá’ may not be at first glance a top 3 album as a whole from Ghost, it certainly contains some absolute future classics, and will age well as an important offering from the king of occult rock.
4/5
Ghost are embarking on a 2025 World tour (Skeletour.’) Tickets available here.
Chris \m/
