It's here! The time of a new ritual; the welcoming of a new Papa, that being Perpetua V with the arrival of Ghost's new original album, Skeletá! Following the grandiose spectacle centered around the rise and fall of empires in 2022's IMPERA, Skeletá, according to Ghost's frontman Tobias Forge, takes more introspective approach when it comes to human existence. And that couldn't be more seen than the likes of the leading single, Satanized, which is about being so in love to the point that it rivals demonic possession, to Centopath centered on acknowledging someone close to you on your personal journey. As most Ghost fans would confirm, Skeletá definitely shapes up to be one of the greatest albums Ghost has put out- possibly even the greatest! With back to back bangers found in all of the songs (even including the ones that take a bit of time to warm up to), this is definitely shaping up to be the "absolute audio" for Ghost in recent times. That being said, stay around, as we delve not only into the songs, but the album as a whole.....

A NEW GENERATION:

On April 22nd, 2025 Ghost’s opening soundtrack ‘Peacefield’ on Skeletá dropped on their Youtube channel as a final teaser for the full album being released three days later. Fans flocked to listen to the musical offering from Papa Perpetua V. Ourselves included.

A first recognition when listening to Peacefield was the heavy opening riff that had a familiar rhythm and bounce to their song Griftwood from the Impera album. "Admittedly, this took a bit of time to warm up to me. But afterwards? Especially with Ghost's signature Earworm Technique™? I always make sure to play this first whenever I blast Skeletá in the car, in my earbuds at the gym, in my room, on vinyl, literally everywhere. It's such a strong beginner to the journey of this introspective-themed album. The opener of the song with the heavenly, divine choir always gives me chills, and into the signature Ghost sound. (OH CHILD STAY CLOSE TO MEEEEE)!" says Darhell.

The song itself has a energy of spirited determination, promise, and hope to which it was very empowering especially with determination enunciated heavily by the drums and dropping guitars. Cassy found Peacefield to be a hopeful song: “’We all need something to believe in,’ especially during darker and tougher times, we all need something to believe in whatever it is. For me, Ghost is something I believe in, to help me through tough times. I’m in my final’s week now, and I can really connect to this song as this album is what’s keeping me going.”

Along with it’s optimistic resonance in it’s melodic guitar riffs, there was also a contrast of somberness that stood out in Peacefield’s storytelling. “I really love the vision this song is portraying, not only as an opening song for the album, but also to wonder where this age in the ghost empire will lead us to.” Cassy comments. The juxtaposition of optimism and somberness was something that Jay greatly appreciated as it gave a touch of reality and to her astonishment; foreshadowed the rest of the album.

HOPE YOU’RE FEELING IT TOO!

Lachryma, the second single released to tease Skeletá opens with a hauntingly alluring melody that immediately drops to aggressive chugging guitars. A great difference in energy which surprises the listener (in a good way!) and immediately gets their head bobbing. "Sometimes, you just have the insatiable urge to rip and tear through every poem, like how a vampire should- I want to be a vampire so bad, I'll be honest. This song further solidified that desire, and on top of this sounding like a 'I'M DONE WITH YOU' song, yeah no this truly is absolute audio." Voices Darhell. The soft to angry energy sets the tone for the song and matches the lyrics “I’m done cryin’ over someone like you” to which it was a very nice touch that bridged instrumental and lyrical meaning flawlessly.

Musically, Lachryma is stunning. With intentional high vocal note jumps and powerfully clear long notes, Tobias Forge DELIVERS the intense emotional energy that dances in tandem with the equally energetic wailing guitars. “What’s also beautiful is that instrumentally, Lachryma also tells a story where it’s melacholic intro expresses sadness to then anger with the chugging heavy guitar riffs and finally, a resolution with it’s melodic choreography towards the end.” Jay notes.

A DEMONIC POSSESSION

Quite a possession alright! Clawing out from the pits of hell to embed itself into the head of willing listeners. An addiction that has fans calling out ‘Save me from the monster that is eating me!’ “Do I really need saving though?” Cassy asks. We don’t think so! Satanized, the first single dropped by Ghost rose the fans up from the dead and lured them to give in (even though they should’ve known not to give in) to witness the ascension of Papa Perpetua V.

Immediately, the opening riff and lyrics induces feelings of dread and desperation which sets an emotional tone for the rest of the song. A theme that is common for Skeletá. Along with the opening, Jay also observes that the lyrics and vocal notes add to the desperation which is evident by Papa Perpetua V calling out “Save me!” Satanized adds to the story of the new Papa and also draws a nice parallel between romantic obsession and spiritual possession. Cassy found that as the chorus repeats, it is becoming more accepting rather than actively trying to gain salvation and fight back. Both of which craft a masterpiece of storytelling and human emotion. A clever concoction that makes this song really pop out meaning wise in this album.

THE GUIDING LIGHTS, THEY LEAD YOU ON

A change from the rhythmic and driving groove, the fourth track of Skeletá ‘Guiding Lights’ slows the pace and stands out as a sentimental ballad. Cassy finds the rhythm of this song being similar to “Bible,” and to that she associates it with a more religious content. An interesting fact revealed in an interview was that Guiding Lights was made for a scene in season 2 of a popular animatic show Arcane but never made the cut.

“I found that this song resonated with me deeply. Especially when I listened to it for the second and third time. “ Jay expresses. “It’s oddly comforting since it acknowledges the helplessness of not being able to say the truth to someone without losing them.” Guiding Lights’ somberness and desperation expresses an emotional depth that intensifies throughout the song especially when a heart wrenching but beautiful guitar solo kicks in towards the end of the track.

THAT THE MORNING THAWS THE ICE

A nice transition from Guiding Lights, De Profundis Borealis opens with a peaceful, lullaby-like piano before rumbling to life with heavy but melodic guitars. In no time, it’s satanic and occult like chanting layered over a thundering drum beat and fast paced guitar will have your head bangin’ again. “I really love the soft piano opening and the amazing transition from a slower sound into a more heavy vibe.” Cassy expresses.

Instrumentally, the drums and quick rhythm of the guitar throughout the song work very well with the lyrics especially the line “Every time you feel the wind blow.” The fast tracking adds an intensity that feels like you’re running from something “or stressed because you’re getting close to a deadline and need to make it before the clock hits twelve.” As Jay comments. The lyrics “See, the palace built of frozen tears, is your own built prison” really resonate with Cassy as, “I am someone who often overthinks things and gets stressed.”

WHEREVER I GO, YOU’RE ALWAYS THERE

Much like De Profundis Borealis, Jay notes that the opening of Cenotaph gives a sense of worry before breaking into a galloping guitar rhythm. “A nice touch that I didn’t pick up until my second listen. Now that I think about it, the opening to Cenotaph reminds me of the keys that play before the solo in the song Griftwood from Impera. Another lyric line that I really liked was ‘riding next to me’ which matched very well with the galloping beat of the song.”

Darhell personally thinks of Cenotaph as one of the songs from the album that is emotionally charged. “After all, the word refers to an empty tomb or memorial but you're carrying a loved one's memory with you. It's one of the newer sounding songs in this current era of Ghost, but I'm so here for it. I love it when bands experiment! It's how they usually grow.”

To Cassy, the upbeat tempo reminds her of a fun time with friends when you’re just doing random stuff and being wild. “It reminds me of my best friend who lives far away from me, and the fun things we do when we are finally reunited. There is also this sadness in the song when you realize that person is not there, but also perhaps the hope and existence of when we meet again.” This sadness and hope is emphasized with the musical juxtaposition of the somberness of the lyrics and the joyful-like fast rhythm.

EXCITE ME WITH YOUR DEMISE

Missilia Amori, immediately opens with energetically booming guitars, drums and possessive, dark romance and vampirical themes. “It’s passionate, it’s intense, it’s alluring, it’s aggressive and seductive. It heavily and in my opinion perfectly captures glam metal and arena rock influences.” Jay expresses. Missilia Amori sounds romantic and all lovey dovey but there are darker lyrical meanings that tie in with hate, desire and posession. “Again, another clever Juxtaposition between love and hate which I really love.” Remarks Jay. “It’s manipulating as suggested by the line ‘You showed me yours, I’ll show you my.’ A condition. Not to mention that the literal title translates to ‘Love Missiles’ which foreshadows that this song isn’t entirely a love song… it’s a thrilling track and by far one of my top threes.”

Missilia Amori is passionately and emotionally fueled from the beginning to the end. Perhaps to feel overwhelming with it’s dark themes. “Such a great song!” Cassy voices. “Just like the other classic Ghost love songs, The beat matches the passion love and the hate it brings along, the lyrics “I’m gonna hunt you down!” also explores possessive love.

IT’S JUST ABRACADABRA, SOME HOCUS POCUS SHAM

“As soon as I first heard Marks of the Evil One, it reminded me so much of Witch Image from Prequelle. This song absolutely became another favorite of mine from this album.” Jay says. With kicker drums, melodic guitars and whispering backing vocals underneath Papa V’s lyrical storytelling, it has been a massive hit amongst the fan base. A note to the readers from Jay “For you nerdy folk out there, The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse is mentioned in this song. I was so incredibly happy when I picked that up in the song.”

Alongside it’s melodic harmony, the vocals and guitar solo pushes forth a dramatic energetic feeling that simulates a journey of corruption and evil taking over the world. Much like other Ghost songs Marks of the Evil One holds biblical references, apocalyptic images and dark imagery. Matching the band’s aesthetics perfectly.

THE DARKER, THE BETTER, SO KILLING, IT’S THRILLING ME!

Look! It's that song from Chapter 18 where they revealed the worldwide tour! We can assume that you replayed the first several seconds to guzzle down the opening synth, before it's revealed that the door is locked (Is it still locked?) Darhell wonders. Technically, the first song of Skeletá that was revealed (we did not know at the time of the episode release) to us was Umbra, the ninth track on the album. It’s 80s arcade game sound layered over a synth and subtle choir leaves listeners in awe and recognition before dropping to a upbeat rhythm with a cowbell. “As soon as I heard that cowbell, my immediate thought was the return of cowbell ghoul.” Jay says. For context, cowbell ghoul was a guest ghoul that had appeared on stage hitting a cowbell during the song ‘Ritual’ in the late Meliora Era. A fan favorite character.

Umbra fully leans into the dark, spiritual and satanic themes. The classic Ghost serenade. “This song is addicting!” Darhell exclaims. “Especially the guitar solo in the bridge. It’s crack... in audio form." Remember that awe? Well your jaw is about to drop to the 9th ring of hell. A minute and a half long dueling guitar and keyboard solo with a chugging rhythm guitar and steady heartrate like drums gives Umbra it’s crown in Jay’s opinion. “Much like the intro to this song that has 80s arcade game music influences, this entire duel with the beating drums is like an epic musical soundtrack for a intense battle in a game!” She exclaims. “As a game designer, this song had me flabbergasted and listening to it on loop for days. My favorite song of this album.”

Another nice touch noted by Jay is that the energy within the track gradually increases much like intensity of gameplay from early game to the end game. Umbra flawlessly goes from the duel to a harmonic progression and then finally ends with clear powerful vocals. An awesome masterpiece in Skeletá.

COME WITH ME TO THE RAINBOW’S END

Finally, the closing to Skeletá: Excelsis. A slow paced track that is reflective of the entire album’s journey. A faint reminder of their songs Life Eternal from Prequelle and Respite on the Spitalfields from Impera. Soothing instrumentals paired with resolute vocals produce a beautifully emotional somber ballad that’ll bring a tear to your eye. “You're crying. I'm crying- psychologically, spiritually, soulfully- across the five dimensions of the human senses. This is one of Ghost's more emotional, softer songs, and it has me singing out loud in my living room. Between the inevitability of death as well as being together in the afterlife, you're guaranteed to cry or get super emotional.” Says Darhell.

“Ghost has so many songs exploring mortality and encourages us to live in the moment and present.” Cassy observes. “I think Excelsis ties well with their no phone policy in the current tour: ‘Everybody leaves one day, I know it hurts,’ it is always sad when good things end, but that’s what makes them beautiful.”

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