I’m ashamed for how long it took me to finally listen to Ghost’s newest album, Skeleta, given that it’s the first new music they’ve released since 2022. But here we are. I guess better late than never.
Right off the bat, it’s a Ghost album, so of course it’s going to be good. Honestly. There isn’t a bad song in the bunch here. After the first run through, did I feel like I found the next “Square Hammer?” Not quite, but that’s not to discredit how as a whole this album is really solid and maintains a certain sound throughout. Even when they dip once or twice into ballad territory, it’s done tastefully and doesn’t take you out of the flow of the album. The first one is tucked in the middle somewhere, called “Guiding Lights,” and it’s giving strong 80s ballad vibes. At first it seems like a bit of a religious track, but still a little hopeless. I then found out that it’s actually about not being able to speak to a friend you know is going in the wrong direction for fear of ruining the friendship.
The other ballad, “Excelsis” is the bookend to the album, and it seems to mirror the theme of ‘Guiding Lights,” again, seeming to reference friendships and their sometimes ebbs and flows. The second verse is really good here and I know I can’t be the only one who relates to “I am afraid of eternity, too.” I do think this ending track complimented the opening track, “Peaceful” quite well. The utilization of the female ghouls in the opening of this song was a chef’s kiss choice. And although in a few parts it felt like it was going to mimic a Journey song, it managed to dodge any copyright infringements.
I do believe “Lachyrma” was the lead single off of this album, and the synths at the beginning here sounded like they were about to make another Halloween franchise hit song! I still really liked this, especially the pre-chorus! Aside from letting the female ghouls shine in the opening track, there seemed to be a lot of other neat vocal tricks used on a few other tracks. Whoever is doing the incantation-like vocals before the second versse in “Satanized” sounded so cool. And the fade out into the choir vocals on “De Profundis Borealis” was a top-tier decision!
For those looking for more wider audience appeal, “Cenotaph” some how makes me want to bop around and also headbang. A sweet, sweet mix if you ask me! And “Missilia Amori” almost has an anthemic feel to it. Like it would be best experiencd in an arena or stadium (which they are definitely selling out to!). And those that don’t like Ghost’s typical 80s flair or experimentation will probably find “Umbra” to be their favorite track. Although it starts with a somewhat futuristic intro, it morphs into a very traditional classic rock groove (featuring plenty of cowbell). I think my favorite song off the record goes to “Marks of the Evil One.” It just hits all of the right notes for me – hard, melodic, an 80s flair. I’m here for it!
Though I missed their tour earlier this year, I could manage to see them early next year. I’m hoping the weather cooperates so I can make it happen, but if not I’m crossing my fingers and toes for some festival appearances! But please check out Skeleta, I promise you won’t be disappointed.