With Skeletá, Swedish occult rock giants Ghost have conjured an album that feels both monumental and deeply personal—a haunting yet heartfelt journey through light and shadow. Layered with lush instrumentation, theatrical flair, and soul-stirring emotion, Skeletá is Ghost at their most expressive and dynamic.
The journey begins with “Peacefield”, a powerful opener that immediately sets the tone for what’s to come. Warm synths and a pulsing beat build into a sweeping, emotionally charged chorus that feels like stepping onto sacred ground. There’s a distinct Journey-esque vibe here, reminiscent of “Separate Ways,” but it’s drenched in Ghost’s signature melancholic grandeur. Tobias Forge delivers a stirring vocal performance that evokes both triumph and longing—this track doesn’t just start the album, it welcomes you into another realm.
Following the grandeur of the opener, “Lachryma” keeps the emotional weight high. There’s an almost hymnal quality to the verses, contrasted by a soaring chorus that clings to your memory long after the song ends. This is easily one of the best songs Ghost has ever written—melodically striking, emotionally charged, and layered with depth. If you listen carefully around the two-minute mark, there’s a subtle death growl hidden in the vocal mix, adding a haunting edge to an already powerful track and showcasing Ghost’s masterful attention to detail.
Then comes “Satanized”, injecting a shot of adrenaline and swagger. It’s bold, infectious, and dripping with attitude—Ghost leaning into their playful, sinister side without losing an ounce of polish. The hooks are massive, and the song stomps forward with confidence, making it an undeniable high point in the record’s first act.
From there, the mood softens with “Guiding Lights.” A rare quiet moment in the Ghost catalogue, this track offers a moment of introspection and calm. The stripped-back arrangement allows the emotion to shine through, revealing a more vulnerable layer to the band’s persona. It’s a necessary breath before the album dives deeper into its more shadowy corners.
“De Profundis Borealis” ushers in a darker, more mysterious atmosphere. With its cinematic build and eerie undertones, it feels like a descent into a forgotten crypt—otherworldly and grand, yet restrained. That same sense of creeping unease carries into “Cenotaph,” a track that simmers with tension. The choral elements and layered harmonies make it feel like a ghostly mass, keeping the listener suspended in the album’s dreamlike spell.
Ghost then shift gears once again with “Missilia Amori,” a thunderous rock song with one of the biggest, stompiest riffs on the album. It shares the same explosive energy as “Watcher in the Sky” from Impera, balancing bombast with a sing-along sensibility. This track brings the fire—reminding listeners that Ghost still know how to throw down in arena-sized fashion when the moment calls for it.
That sets the stage for one of the album’s darkest and most memorable highlights: “Marks Of The Evil One.” Here, Ghost sink their teeth into a more sinister groove. The song feels heavy not just in tone, but in presence. The chorus is ominous and commanding, and the way it creeps under your skin is masterful. It’s a standout in every sense—one of the most fully realised tracks on Skeletá.
As the album nears its end, “Umbra” expands the atmosphere once more, but with a much more uptempo energy than its surroundings. What begins with quiet introspection quickly erupts into a driving, powerful track that feels tailor-made for the live stage. Towards the song’s climax, the guitars and keyboards engage in a thrilling back-and-forth duel, evoking a Children of Bodom-like flair that adds an exhilarating edge. It’s cinematic, emotional, and undeniably one of the standout moments on Skeletá—a track that proves Ghost can be just as electrifying as they are introspective.
Finally, Skeletá closes with “Excelsis,” a grand and solemn finale that feels like the final prayer of a long ritual. It’s soft and slow-burning, but utterly breathtaking—Ghost bringing all the emotion, drama, and reverence of the album together in one final, transcendent moment. The ending doesn’t explode; it ascends, leaving you with a sense of quiet awe.
Final Verdict
With Skeletá, Ghost have delivered one of their most emotionally resonant and musically adventurous albums to date. It’s a journey in every sense—rich with sonic detail, narrative flow, and standout moments that will linger long after the final note. Tracks like “Peacefield,” “Lachryma,” “Satanized,” “Marks Of The Evil One,” and “Umbra” are among the strongest the band has ever written, each one adding a distinct voice to the album’s beautifully haunting story.
Rating: 9.5/10 — A rich and rewarding listen from start to finish. Ghost deliver a perfectly balanced brew of emotion and theatrical flair. This one’s a top-shelf drop for the seasoned palate.
Release Information:
SKELETÁ – OUT APRIL 25
VIA LOMA VISTA RECORDINGS
SKELETÁ TRACK LISTING:
01. Peacefield
02. Lachryma
03. Satanized
04. Guiding Lights
05. De Profundis Borealis
06. Cenotaph
07. Missilia Amori
08. Marks Of The Evil One
09. Umbra
10. Excelsis
