GHOST, the Grammy-winning Swedish theatrical rock band, has announced their upcoming sixth studio album, SKELETÁ, set for release on April 25, 2025, via Loma Vista Recordings.
This marks their first full-length offering of new material since 2022’s internationally acclaimed IMPERA.
The album’s lead single, “Satanized,” introduces fans to GHOST’s new frontman, Papa V Perpetua. The track delves into themes of demonic possession and the allure of dark forces, encapsulated by the opening line: “There is something inside me and they don’t know if there is a cure.” The accompanying music video offers a first glimpse of Papa V Perpetua, whose ascension was foreshadowed by the recent “V is Coming!” campaign.
In collaboration with Jason Zada, known for “Elf Yourself,” GHOST has launched “The Satanizer,” an interactive music video experience. Fans can upload their photos to become part of the “Satanized” music video, allowing them to share personalized clips on social media platforms.
To promote SKELETÁ, GHOST will embark on the “Skeletour,” a 55-date tour spanning the United States, Europe, the United Kingdom, and South America, from April 15 to September 24, 2025. Notably, Papa V Perpetua’s live debut is scheduled for July 5, 2025, during Black Sabbath’s final concert at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.
SKELETÁ is described as GHOST’s “most unflinchingly introspective work to date,” showcasing a variety of “distinct individual emotional vistas.”
Fans can anticipate a compelling blend of infectious hooks and dark themes as GHOST continues to evolve their theatrical rock narrative.
This Friday, March 7, the chart-topping podcast MORBID will release a special bonus episode featuring an exclusive interview with GHOST’s mastermind, Tobias Forge. In this episode, Forge joins hosts Ash and Alaina for an in-depth discussion about the band’s upcoming album, SKELETÁ, along with appearances by special guests and more.
SKELETÁ was conceived following GHOST’s extensive touring for their previous album, IMPERA. This period saw the band achieving significant milestones, including topping international album charts, winning both an American Music Award and an iHeartRadio Music Award, earning their first RIAA-certified platinum single with “Mary on a Cross,” and releasing their feature film debut, RITE HERE RITE NOW, which became the highest-grossing hard rock cinema event in North American history.
The introspective nature of SKELETÁ is reflected in its ten tracks, each offering a personal perspective that contrasts with the outward-facing themes of previous albums like IMPERA and Prequelle. The album is described as GHOST’s “most unflinchingly introspective work to date,” with each song presenting “distinct individual emotional vistas.”
To bring SKELETÁ to life, GHOST will embark on the “SKELETOUR WORLD TOUR 2025,” their most ambitious live production yet. The tour includes over 55 dates, featuring a historic first-ever headlining show at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Tickets are reportedly selling quickly, indicating a strong demand for the band’s live performances.
GHOST’s live shows have been praised for their theatricality and engagement, with The Los Angeles Times stating, “As far as live acts go, they’re one of the best in the business,” and The Wall Street Journal referring to the band as “the next generation of arena stars.”
The band’s unique connection with their global fanbase continues to grow, offering a sense of community and refuge within the world that Forge has created. This bond is expected to strengthen further with the release of SKELETÁ and the upcoming tour.
For a deeper insight into SKELETÁ and GHOST’s creative journey, tune into the MORBID podcast this Friday, March 7, for the exclusive interview with Tobias Forge.
SKELETÁ – OUT APRIL 25
VIA LOMA VISTA RECORDINGS
SKELETÁ TRACK LISTING:
01. Peacefield
02. Lachryma
03. Satanized
04. Guiding Lights
05. De Profundis Borealis
06. Cenotaph
07. Missilia Amori
08. Marks Of The Evil One
09. Umbra
10. Excelsis
