GHOST has become one of the most significant breakout success stories in heavy music over the past decade, and Forge—ever the master puppeteer—continues to expand his creative dominion.
From the haunting theatricality of Opus Eponymous (2010) to the polished sheen of Impera, the Swedish frontman’s songwriting has evolved into something truly formidable.
With Skeletá, Forge doesn’t so much reinvent the wheel as he does refine it. The production is flawless, perhaps even more cinematic than its predecessor, and if the “Black Abba” label ever needed a definitive stamp, this is it. Opener, “Peacefield” begins with a haunting choral arrangement before bursting into an ’80s-style guitar melody, soaring with all the pomp and scale of a stadium-filling anthem.
“Lachryma” channels echoes of the Prequelle era with its pulsing riff and dramatic flair, reminding us of Ghost’s journey thus far. Lead single Satanized follows, before the album takes a softer turn with Guiding Lights, a shimmering power ballad that could’ve soundtracked MTV circa 1987. Catchy, emotive, and drenched in nostalgia, it’s a massive earworm.
Midway through the album, De Profundis Borealis stands out as one of Forge’s most ambitious compositions to date—layered, dynamic, and rich with theatrical twists and key changes. It’s followed by the magnificent Cenotaph, whose soaring guitar solo is tailor-made for a festival crowd at sunset—stadium rock in its purest, most triumphant form.
While Missilla Amori doesn’t quite land with the same impact, Marks of the Evil One quickly re-establishes the album’s momentum, leading into the glorious ‘80s synth intro of Umbra. It feels like the soundtrack to a lost Karate Kid training montage—and honestly, that’s a huge compliment.
Closing track, Excelsis opts for a more subdued exit, opening with a delicate folk-inspired motif before shifting into a slow, deliberate march. Unlike previous album closers like Monstrance Clock, there’s no sweeping final chorus, but the atmosphere lingers all the same.
For those still yearning for the cloaked menace of “Opus Eponymous“, there’s little here to satisfy that craving. But for fans who have embraced Ghost’s transformation into arena-conquering theatrical rock juggernauts, “Skeletá” is a natural progression—an album that continues the narrative arc and sonic evolution introduced in “Impera” and all that followed.
Equal parts ‘80s AOR, West End musical, and occult-laced pop-rock, “Skeletá” cements its place as another milestone in Ghost’s increasingly impressive discography. 3.5/5
SKELETÁ Track List
Peacefield
Lachryma
Satanized
Guiding Lights
De Profundis Borealis
Cenotaph
Missilia Amori
Marks Of The Evil One
Umbra
Excelsis
“Skeletá” will be available worldwide from April 25th via Loma Vista.
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Oran O’Beirne
www.overdrive.ie
