Despite being one of the most polarizing bands in their genre, Ghost have become one of the biggest metal acts of the 21st century. Known for their theatrical look and spooky, mainstream take on '70s hard rock, Tobias Forge and his band of Nameless Ghouls continue to ascend to new creative heights. Having released a concert movie in 2024, all attention moves to new music in 2025.
After Papa Perpetua was revealed as part of Ozzy Osborne's Tribute Show, Ghost have revealed the first single from their new album, Skeletá. "Satanized" is out now and that's just the start of a wave of the latest news about Ghost's sixth album. Due for release on April 25, this is everything we know about Ghost's Skeletá.
Satanized Is The First Look At Skeletá
The Dramatic First Single Ushers In Ghost's New Era
The first glimpse of this new era, "Satanized" dials up the occult from the very beginning. Ghost have made dramatic and catchy their forte on recent releases. But if Impera saw the band fully embracing their arena rock impulses and an almost heavy metal Broadway feel, "Satanized" has Tobias Forge increasing Ghost's dark mystical vibe that permeated their first three albums—without losing any of the superstar flair that made them one of metal's biggest bands. The hulking riff that kicks in after the first chorus at 1:24 is particularly satisfying on this front.
It's an underrated weapon in Ghost's arsenal, but Tobias Forge is one of the catchiest lead guitarists of his generation. Ghost songs regularly have stunning "guitar hero" moments, and the spooky, hair-raising opening lead guitars and a multi-act guitar solo that starts by aping Slayer's Kerry King and ends by worshipping at the altar of Brian May without ever losing Ghost's own identity is sublime. Described by the band as "a demonic tale of possession has never sounded this sweet," "Satanized" is a smash for all Papa's disciples.
Introducing Papa V Perpetua
The First New Papa In Five Years Is Here
Ghost have unveiled Papa Perpetua, the first new Papa in five years. The first "new look" since the unveiling of Papa Emiratus IV, he follows four separate incarnations of Papa Emiratus and Cardinal Copia. Papa Perpetua will serve as Forge's alter-ego for the Skeletá album cycle and its accompanying Skeletour that begins in the U.K. this April. Frustratingly, there is only a short glimpse of Papa Perpetua at the end of the "Satanized" video, with the rest of the song being flanked by a narrative about a monk struggling with his faith.
Standing impossibly tall and flanked by The Nameless Ghouls in sparkly skeletal unitards with bat wings, Papa Perpetua is dripped in purple and gold. It is yet unknown if there is a connection, but speculation is rife that Perpetua is linked to the Christian martyr, Vibia Perpetua. Her story is one of persecution in the name of her religious beliefs, as her and a slave woman called Felicity were part of a group of Christians put to death, as told in her diaries The ion Saints Perpetua and Felicity.
Ghost's New Album Is Going To Be Personal
Skeleta Will Be Introspective And Unflinching
Details have been scarce, but news is beginning to emerge on Ghost's album. The press release promises that Skeletá will be Ghost's "most unflinchingly introspective work to date," as well as confirming the tracklist and stating, "Skeletá’s lyrics render the distinct individual emotional vistas of each of its 10 songs in one-on-one fashion." There's also a promise of the band breaking their own lore on their sixth album.
In a chat with Planet Rock, Tobias Forge confirmed that there will be no instrumental tracks on Skeletá. "As opposed to the previous records which had instrumental (songs). We already have a 'Miasma' so we don't really need that. I'm not going to write an instrumental for the sake of having an instrumental," he said.
Forge also confirmed that fans are going to have to put their phones away when the Skeltour starts in the U.K. this April, with more details sure to emerge on all things Ghost between now and the album's release.