Ghost
Skeletá
Loma Vista Recordings
On Skeletá, a title that evokes the bare bones of existence, Ghost trades grand historical narratives for something more personal: the internal battles, spiritual reckonings, and emotional ghosts we all carry. The result is a deeply introspective yet stadium-sized album that blurs the line between a gothic rock opera and vintage arena rock. If ‘Prequelle’ was their Queen moment, a flamboyant display of their musical prowess, and ‘Impera’ nodded toward the progressive rock influences of Genesis and the pop sensibilities of ABBA, ‘Skeletá’ is a departure. It leans – at times surprisingly – into the melodrama and melodic might of bands like Journey, Bon Jovi, and even Van Halen, showcasing a new facet of Ghost’s musical identity. But make no mistake: this is still very much a Ghost record. It just now arrives with more heart on its sleeve than skulls in the spotlight. The release plays like a concept album for the soul, from the atmospheric opener ‘Peacefield’ to the climactic ‘Excelsis’. Tracks like ‘Lachryma’ and ‘Guiding Lights’ are anthemic, emotion-drenched songs that wouldn’t feel out of place alongside Journey’s ‘Frontiers’ or Bon Jovi’s ‘Keep the Faith’. With ‘Guiding Lights’ in particular, it soars with the kind of singable chorus and guitar heroics that harken back to the era of arena ballads – only with Gregorian-style backing vocals and lyrical themes of metaphysical crisis. The lead single, ‘Satanized,’ could be Ghost’s answer to Bon Jovi’s ‘You Give Love a Bad Name’. ‘It’s catchy, campy, and deceptively dark. Meanwhile, ‘Missilia Amori’ delivers Van Halen-worthy riffing with a sleek, modern twist, and ‘Marks of the Evil One’ could almost be mistaken for a lost 80s metal anthem if not for its layered occult symbolism and choral breakdowns. With Papa V Perpetua stepping into the role of frontman, there’s a noticeable shift toward emotional vulnerability. The vocals, while still theatrical, carry a raw sincerity that is palpable. Skeletá feels less like a sermon and more like a confession – beautifully arranged and grandly produced, but ultimately human at its core. Ghost has always excelled at fusing metal, pop, and theatricality. On Skeletá, they channel the emotional accessibility and melodic finesse of classic rock titans while retaining the shadowy grandeur that defines them. It’s an album made for both reflection and raised fists, perfect for candlelight and headphones or the arena spotlight. It is a gothic arena rock epic, equal parts introspection, melodrama, and fist-pumping glory.
Review by Rebecca Bush