Instead of confining their style to these bands, frontman Tobias Forge later stepped into the path to preserve the band’s identity, wandering through 80s metal/rock music, which was then featured on Ghost’s 2022 album “’Impera’, now forging a unique sound and profound hook-driven rhythms on the sixth studio album ‘Skeletá’.

The masked ensembles, including Tobias Forge aka Papa V Perpetua, have outdone themselves. The album features guitarist Fredrik Åkesson (Opeth), Martin Sandmark on guitars, Vincent Pontare on synthesizer, Salem Al Fakir on keyboards and Max Grahn on drums.

‘Skeletá’ has become my earworm in my head for the past few days. The songs are perfectly crafted and engaging enough to flow creatively in terms of songwriting. Ghost has emerged with a new persona despite the less Mercyful Fate-inspired music; the songs are instantly memorable, and the instruments create an emotionally profound experience. The new album is similar to the previous one, where you’ll hear familiar arias of 80s anthemic glam bands.

The music is incredibly catchy from the start: Ghost offers unforgettable lead guitars in the opening track ‘Peacefield’ and I must admit that Tobias has one of the most beautiful and powerful voices in modern rock history. The main strength lies in the guitars unleashing catchy hooks, backed by heavy guitars, drums, distinctive riffs and finally rocking dynamics with the dark synth pulsing in the background to create a haunting atmosphere.

The sonic approach to songs like ‘Lachryma’ demonstrates that horror flicks and the traditional solid rock sound may not seem as gimmicky. The production on the album is stellar and so vibrant that it embodies the style of hard rock and pop rock, comprising blazing guitar leads in every single track of this fantastic album.

There is no lack of flavor in these songs: the aura fills the ears sometimes with dark atmospheres and angelic choirs, plunging us into the gothic era, and the coherent musicianship is as awe-inspiring. Ghost shows its creative ability to craft catchy choruses in ‘Guiding Lights’, offering ballads with the use of the acoustic and explosive leads providing an emotional anchor. When the piano opens the song ‘De Profundis Borealis’, it retains the powerful gallops and heavy rock riffs, which contain some beautiful melodies and soaring anthemic vocals.

These elements create super catchy songs. With energetic riff, the album flows smoothly and carries an intricate songwriting brilliance through wonderful dynamics and heavy drum gallops while riffs erupt like flashing neon lights.

Tracks like ‘Cenotaph’ and ‘Missilia Amori’ capture the hard rock and glam metal, but Ghost never shies away from exploring new territories, which has made them so renowned. The heavy sensations in the latter track keep you hooked to the catchy electric guitars that hit you in the heart whenever you hear these electrifying riffs thundering through your speakers and rocking so violently. The instruments and Tobias Forge‘s voice still leave me in awe.

The massive riffs emanating so powerfully in ‘Marks of the Evil One’ are the main reason I decided to review this album. The blazing riffs continue to send shockwaves with upbeat songs like this one. Ghost still hides some gimmicks up their sleeves, but I have to say that the performance is brilliant, and it was clear from the 2022 album “Impera” that the band sought fresh sonic ground to peak on.

The musical spectrum focuses on the dark, ephemeral atmosphere, evoking a satanic feel. I like the album’s cover and how it cleverly lends a perfect visualization through the demonic theme. The departure in sound is evident, but Ghost is still able to disguise its style perfectly.

The album is consistent enough that there are no filler songs. The remaining two tracks are standouts: ‘Umbra’ dominates with haunting vocals, building earworm choirs and a bombastic atmosphere that spreads along with the sci-fi prog synth. There are also eerie vibes surrounding this track and excellent spacey guitar solos.

The final track ‘Excelsis’ concludes with a slow ballad that builds into a lush musical arrangement of acoustic guitars, choirs and dramatic orchestration, creating a grand crescendo that is both theatrical and emotional.

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