On April 25th 2025 Swedish metal band Ghost released Skeleta. I vividly remember the anticipation that came with the release of this album. Not only did this mean a new album but it meant a new era for Ghost, as the arrival of Papa V Perpetua, a character played by front man Tobias Forge, was also upon us. As a long time, and ardent member of “The Congregation” I have decided to write an album review to celebrate the nearly one year anniversary of the release of Skeleta.
If it is not known, Ghost is a theatrical metal band, formed by the frontman, Tobias Forge. Ghost has heavy religious themes, though not a religious band, many have seen the band as “Satanic”. Ghost’s connection with religious or satanic imagery is satirical and for the “aesthetics”.
The album starts with the track Peacefield. It starts with a choir-like introduction, when it then moves into a harder rock style with soaring vocals. Much like influences from the 80s such as Journey or Syx. Peacefield gives the album a sort of subtle introduction, but sets the stage for what the rest of the album holds. In an interview with Ghost’s frontman, Tobias Forge, revealed that this track was strategically and intentionally placed as the opening track. This was to give listeners a sense of hope before going into the rest of the album’s darker themes he described it as extending a hand out to the listener saying ‘it will all be fine, but we’re going to go sideways now and go on a little trip.” This song gives a sense of excitement to many, as this is what we first heard during the 2026 rituals.
The next song on the album is Lachryma, one of Forge’s favorite pieces. This track was particularly special. This was the first time fans got introduced to the newest frontman Papa V Perpetua.The music video features ‘V’ in a cemetery, accompanied by his newest ghouls (Who were also revealed in this music video) This marked the first full performance of the new leader. The title Lachryma means “tear” in Latin, hinting at the emotional depth in this song. Forge described Lachryma as a track about self deficit, blending heavy riffs with a dramatic chorus. This is a signature in Ghost’s music. Tobias Forge noted that this album shines light on focusing on the healing aspects of being human, which is a shift from the previous albums more external reflections. Larchryma is a staple in the world of Ghost.
Satanized was the first single to be released before the release of Skeleta as a whole. Although the track lends itself towards the usual dark theme, Tobias Forge revealed that the song is actually a song of love. Forge explains that many intense feelings can feel that of possession, leading some to mistake the feelings for something much darker. Despite the title, this song is about the overwhelming experience of falling for someone. Many fans use the term “Satanized” now as a phrase meaning “Im hooked, I’m fully into ghost now” This is part of the fan culture associated with the band’s extensive lore.
The next song in the line up is Guiding Lights. This song plays on the idea of beacons that lead the way. In the context of this song though, it reflects on the challenge of guiding someone who may not want to be led. The song conveys a sense of helplessness and the emotional toll of witnessing a loved one’s self destructive choices. Again, playing on the theme of human emotion and human nature.
De Profundis Borealis is next. The name combines latin phrases meaning “from the abyss” and “northern” Forge explained that the fusion of the two words creates a title much like themes of black metal, translating “from the northern abyss” the song also nods to Oscar Wilde’s famous letter, “De Profundis” written during his imprisonment.This song was initially considered for Ghost’s earlier album Impeara, however the track didn’t align with Imperas overall sound and so it was set aside. It found it’s place later in skeleta. The song opens with a haunting piano intro, later leading into tremolo picked guitar riffs and a strong rhythm, elements often associated with black metal, though still blending metal urgency with melodic hooks, this is on brand as Ghost’s signature style. Lyrically this song delves into themes of emotional suppression and the hope for renewal.
Cenotaph explores the lingering presence of a lost loved one, using vivid imagery of landscapes to convey how the memory continues to accompany us. This song stands out with its upbeat tempo and catchy riffs, contrasting with the heavier subject matter creates a bittersweet experience. Cenotaph incorporates elements of 80s rock with layered guitars and synths.
The song Missila Amori is a song that I find very relatable. To me, part of the appeal is there is something deeply personal in the way the melody unfolds.The song’s lyrics explore a volatile, all consuming relationship that borders obsession. The protagonist feels a profound, burning desire for their partner yet is equally aware of the potential for that love to turn destructive. The imagery of “love rockets” symbolizes intense emotional impact. This is something I have felt in my own relationships, which is something many fans also can relate to, making this an essential to Skeleta. The title Missilla amori translates to “Love Missiles” in English, keeping with the theme of love’s explosive and potentially destructive power. This track has many elements of the hard rock era of the 80s classics, such as KISS. This influence makes it stand out in the album, showcasing Ghost’s ability to infuse their music with nostalgia while still staying true to their style and a modern edge. This fusion has resonated with Ghosties making this a favorite for live performances.
Not many songs can claim to end with a line quite like “There! Is a f*cking there! There!” However Marks Of The Evil One can. The song outro intensifies with that repeated line. The raw repetition drives home the theme of chaos and despair, this leaves listeners with a sense of unresolved tension. Musically this song has a soaring and climbing solo that is reminiscent of 80s metal guitar shredding with pounding rhythms. The track captures rising tensions and destruction, on brand for the dark occult themes. This song uses heavy biblical imagery, focusing on the four horsemen of the apocalypse, each verse introduces a different rider, painting a picture of impending doom. The chorus’s repeating “There! There!” gives off an urgent vibe. Though unique to the album, it is not unique to Ghost as a whole.
Umbra is another favorite. The song starts slow, but Umbra stands out for its unexpected use of a cowbell. This isn’t just a background element either, the cowbell takes center stage, both literally and figuratively. I won’t go into depth as what happens at ghost shows are supposed to stay specific to only to those who attended but it is a surreal experience seeing “Papa” emerge from the floor of the stage banging on a cowbell. Umbra is a song that many ghosties share a passion for for that reason.
Though I have a hard time choosing, Excelsis may be one of the best songs on this album. The lyrics of Excelsis are some of the most introspective lyrics I have heard. Tobias Forge has been very open about his thoughts on mortality, how death is inevitable, and for that reason we should live our lives to the fullest. Excelisis reflects on mortality and the human experience. Lines such as “Everybody leaves someday, everybody goes away, you will to, I will to” highlight that universal nature of the juxtaposition of life and death, encouraging listeners to find meaning in the time they have left. The song ends with “I am afraid of eternity too”, a line that has stuck with many. We all know songs can be moving but there aren’t many songs that can get me emotional quite like the concluding track of Skeleta.
In honor of this anniversary I’ve been thinking a lot about what Ghost has come to mean– not just to me but to all of us who somehow found our way here. What started as music turned into something much bigger. A community. A strange, beautiful kind of belonging. Ghosties aren’t just fans.. There’s this quiet understanding between us. You can see it in the way people talk about the band, the way complete strangers connect a shared love and devotion for something that feels almost sacred in its own way. Skeleta holds a special place in that. It didn’t just give us songs, it created moments. As someone who has experienced the magic of Ghost’s presence since 2023, Skeletour felt like stepping into something bigger than yourself. Thousands of people all there for the same reason, yet every experience felt personal. There’s something about being surrounded by people who get it– who feel the same way you do. It’s rare. Even in the recent events of Tobias Forge taking a much deserved hiatus, it feels like we as a community are closer than ever. If anything the quiet moments between releases just make it more obvious– this was never only about the music. It’s about the connection, the shared language, the way fans continue to show up for each other even when the stage lights are dim. This goes to show the power an album such as this one has. At the end of the day it’s more than just an album or a tour. It’s the people, the memories, the shared love that keeps it alive. Even long after the music fades out.
