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Skeletá

Skeletá (possibly from Ancient Greek σκελετά, skeletā́: "withered" (fem., dual))[1] is the upcoming sixth studio album by the Swedish rock band Ghost. It is set to be released on 25 April 2025 through Loma Vista Recordings and was preceded by the singles "Satanized" and “Lachryma”.

Theme and release

Skeletá follows up the band's 2022 studio album Impera and is described as their "most unflinchingly introspective work to date". It was reported to include lyricism of "the newly instated Perpetua" and showcase a variety of "distinct individual emotional vistas".[2] The band announced the album alongside the release of the lead single "Satanized" on 5 March 2025.[3][4][5] Accompanying visuals were developed by the band alongside Jason Zada and enables fans to be integrated into the video.[4] The album's second single, "Lachryma", was released on 11 April 2025.[6]

Alongside the album announcement, the band revealed the new figurehead for the band called Papa V Perpetua.[3] His vocal debut on the lead single "Satanized" was said to concern "demonic possessions" and succumbs to "dark forces".[2]

Promotion

In promotion of the album, the band has embarked on the Skeletour, consisting of fifty-five dates, from 15 April to 24 September 2025. The tour encompasses dates in the United States, Europe, and Mexico and is said to celebrate their "most spectacular live productions" as well as their "most ambitious run of their career".[7]

Somewhat controversially, the band decided not to allow phones in the venues for the tour. This led to a major pile-up of attendees ahead of their show in Birmingham, UK as staff searched bags for cell phones[8].

Reception

Jaimunji from Metal on Tap says: '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… a perfectly balanced brew of emotion and theatrical flair.'"[9]

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Kerrang!4/5[10]
Metal on Tap9.5/10[11]

Track listing

Skeletá track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Peacefield"Tobias Forge, Salem Al Fakir, Vincent Pontare 5:40
2."Lachryma"Forge, Max Grahn 4:36
3."Satanized"Forge, Al Fakir, PontareGene Walker3:56
4."Guiding Lights"Forge, Grahn 3:24
5."De Profundis Borealis"Forge, Grahn 4:32
6."Cenotaph"Forge, Grahn 4:17
7."Missilia Amori"Forge 4:31
8."Marks of the Evil One"Forge 4:15
9."Umbra"Forge, Grahn 5:31
10."Excelsis"Forge, Grahn 6:01
Total length:46:43

Personnel

Ghost

Additional personnel

Technical

References

  1. ^ "σκελετός", Wiktionary, the free dictionary, 10 January 2025, retrieved 24 March 2025
  2. ^ a b Adams, Gregory (5 March 2025). "Ghost intro Papa V Perpetua and announce new album with occult anthem "Satanized"". Revolver. Archived from the original on 5 March 2025. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
  3. ^ a b Hadusek, Jon (5 March 2025). "Ghost announce new album Skeletá, unveil single "Satanized"". Consequence. Archived from the original on 5 March 2025. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
  4. ^ a b Childers, Chad (5 March 2025). "Ghost return with first new song + album of the Papa V Perpetua era". Loudwire. Archived from the original on 5 March 2025. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
  5. ^ "Ghost Announces New Album Skeletá, Shares First Single 'Satanized'". Blabbermouth.net. 5 March 2025. Archived from the original on 5 March 2025. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
  6. ^ Garner, Emily (9 April 2025). "Ghost are teasing a new single, Lachryma". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on 9 April 2025. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  7. ^ Gonzalez, Ramon (4 March 2025). "Ghost Announce Sixth Full Length Studio Album, Skeletá". Knotfest. Archived from the original on 5 March 2025. Retrieved 5 March 2025.
  8. ^ "Ghost's "Phone-Free" Rule Causes Disturbance in Birmingham". Concerty.com.
  9. ^ Tap, Metal On (16 April 2025). "Album Review: Ghost's Skeletá – A Daring New Chapter in the Band's Musical Evolution". Metal on Tap. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
  10. ^ Law, Sam (9 April 2025). "Album review: Ghost – Skeletá". Kerrang!. Archived from the original on 9 April 2025. Retrieved 9 April 2025.
  11. ^ Setright, Jai (16 April 2025). "Ghost's Skeletá – A Daring New Chapter in the Band's Musical Evolution". Metal on Tap. Retrieved 16 April 2025.