Review by Jeger on April 28, 2025.

Ghost - one of the most polarizing bands to have ever recorded music… Their popularity skyrockets with every one of their releases, and you've got to really dislike great music if you're one of their many naysayers. From a novelty act to legend status have they ascended. Mastermind Tobias Forge? A genius! Simplistic brilliance on the musical front: fundamental, melodic and of a less-is-more vision for Ghost's sound. To hell with your billion beats per minute paradiddles or your super-technical guitar doodles, only what is truly musically proper is what has been the Ghost way since the beginning. The costumes have only grown to become more and more Hollywood standardized throughout the years and their live performances are typically enthralling if not astonishing.

Yes, their music used to sound like something off of a Scooby Doo episode score, but now? We're talking Styx, Journey and Van Halen worship, but Satanized and souped-up by memorable heavy metal guitar riffs and bold, martial rhythms that buttress elaborate keyboard sounds, soulful backing vocals and classically choreographed dance sequences. It's Rock Opera supported by a rigid heavy metal spine. In 2022, Ghost released what is their most uplifting album in Impera. Now, the bones are speaking, singing and toiling away at their eternal task… On April 25, Ghost released their brand new record, Skeletá, via Loma Vista Recordings.

Fading are the traditional Satanic themes that defined their earlier works and ushered in are concepts that feel a bit more malleable, but still with the early '80's musical stylings have Ghost remained. The opening track, "Peacefield", hits like the aforementioned Journey and their popular "Separate Ways" track with its catchy riffs, its unforgettable chorus and that ever-so-tasty cheese, while the following track, "Lachryma", hits with more testicular fortitude in regard to rhythm and riff. And the choruses, the bridges and the classic verse, chorus, verse song structure are all enough to leave you salivating and possibly creaming yourself… This cut boasts a most sensational accompanying visualizer and happens to deservingly be the lead cut.

I wouldn't call Skeletá Ghost's finest album. Those accolades belong to Meliora and Prequelle, but this record is no slouch, as evidenced by all of these soaring guitar solos and its blend of both slow and fast parts that catch you off guard. The ballad, "Guiding Lights", on the other hand just oozes heart & soul, all the while as it pulls on your heartstrings. A triumph! "Marks Of The Evil One" displays a more versatile side to the band: a bit more unpredictable and not quite as catchy, but every bit as remarkable as the rest of the album.

Ghost haters will be dying to butcher this thing, while diehard fans such as myself bow to yet another grande accomplishment. It just feels good, man. Ghost is my go-to when I need a break from Dissection, Gorgoroth, Dying Fetus and Cryptopsy. As comforting as an olde Rocky flick is Skeletá - a mental and emotional hot tub with the jets that tenderize and soothe all of your stress away. Music for music lovers and I, for one, wouldn't have it any other way. Enjoy.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10