Ghost
– Skeletá
Ghost’s Skeletá is a bold leap into the shadows, a theatrical descent that peels back the band’s polished veneer to reveal raw, unfiltered emotion. This album doesn’t just play with darkness; it dances with it, embracing the macabre with a wink and a nod. Tobias Forge, under the guise of Papa V Perpetua, leads this procession with a charismatic blend of menace and charm, guiding listeners through a labyrinth of sound that’s as unsettling as it is captivating.
Best of…
From the opening notes, Skeletá grips you with its blend of heavy riffs and haunting melodies. The production, helmed by Gene Walker and mixed by Andy Wallace and Dan Malsch, ensures that every track resonates with clarity and power. The album’s pacing is deliberate, each song unfolding like a chapter in a gothic novel, drawing you deeper into its world. It’s a testament to Ghost’s ability to evolve while staying true to their core—a balance of innovation and tradition that keeps their sound fresh yet familiar.
What sets Skeletá apart is its willingness to confront vulnerability head-on. Forge’s lyrics delve into themes of loss, identity, and existential dread, offering no easy answers but plenty of food for thought. It’s an album that challenges as much as it entertains, inviting listeners to explore the darker corners of their psyche. In doing so, Ghost has crafted a work that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant—a rare feat in today’s musical landscape.
Choice Tracks
Peacefield
Opening with a children’s choir that transitions into an 80s rock anthem, “Peacefield” sets the tone for the album. Forge described it as a hand extended to the listener, offering hope before diving into darker themes.
Satanized
The lead single, “Satanized,” is a masterclass in blending heavy metal riffs with pop sensibilities. Its infectious chorus and driving rhythm make it a standout track that encapsulates the album’s essence.
Missilia Amori
A diabolic highlight, “Missilia Amori” wraps metaphors about ‘love rockets’ around a stomping song structure indebted to peak KISS. It’s a track that balances dark humor with raw energy.
Marks of the Evil One
With towering riffs that could be retitled ‘None More Black,’ this track delves into the depths of darkness with a sound that’s both menacing and exhilarating.
Skeletá is an album that demands attention, rewarding those who dare to venture into its depths with a rich tapestry of sound and emotion. It’s Ghost at their most unfiltered, and it’s a journey worth taking.