Rating: ★★★★ (4/4)
With Skeleta, Ghost cements their place not just as torchbearers of modern rock, but as architects of a grand new era. Tobias Forge and his ever-evolving cadre of Nameless Ghouls have crafted a record that balances progressive ambition with arena-ready bombast, delivering an album that feels both timeless and urgently of the moment.
Drawing deep from the wells of influential progressive rock—think the theatricality of Genesis, the technical precision of King Crimson, and the melodic grandeur of Rush—Skeleta manages the rare feat of sounding reverent without ever feeling derivative. Yet, for all its intricacies, the album never loses sight of the raw power of anthemic songwriting. In a time when rock is often declared dead, Ghost roars back with a body of work that feels alive, vital, and thrilling.
The band’s journey into becoming a true supergroup is evident here more than ever. Skeleta doesn’t just keep Ghost’s loyal fanbase enthralled—it actively grows it, pulling in new audiences with a magnetic blend of melody, atmosphere, and showmanship. Forge’s songwriting is sharper than ever, his vision more crystalline, and the performances from the current incarnation of the Ghouls radiate both precision and passion.
Highlights are plentiful on a record where every track could be a centerpiece. “Lachryma” opens a vein of melancholy grandeur, marrying soaring choruses with a shimmering, almost ethereal instrumental backdrop. “Peacefield” is a stadium-sized anthem that feels tailor-made for massive festival singalongs, showcasing Ghost’s innate ability to channel emotion into an unstoppable hook. “Umbra” dives deep into the band’s progressive side, layering intricate arrangements with one of Forge’s most compelling vocal performances to date.
Meanwhile, “Guiding Lights” stands tall as one of Ghost’s most uplifting songs, a towering, heartfelt moment that feels destined to become a fan favorite. And then there’s “Missilia Amori,” a thunderous closer that distills everything Ghost does best—majestic riffs, infectious melodies, and a sense of apocalyptic grandeur—into a track that lingers long after the final notes fade.
Every cut on Skeleta feels considered, memorable, and vital. In a landscape that often overlooks rock music’s potential for reinvention, Ghost reminds us that evolution and mass appeal are not mutually exclusive. Skeleta is a triumph—an album that honors the past while hurtling boldly into the future. It’s Ghost at their most fearless, most expansive, and ultimately, most exciting.
