Ghost are celebrating the Christian Easter by dropping their new album on April 25 called SKELETÁ. It’s hardly a coincidence as Tobias Forge leans into Jesus’ death and resurrection with his own distinctly blasphemous brand of heavy metal. Everything about the band is a dark twist on religious imagery, from papal robes for Papa V Perpetua to the band’s inverted cross logo.
So for the non-believers here’s a collection of Ghost’s most satanic love songs and dedications.
'Square Hammer'
Ghost’s encore closer asks fans a simple question to prove their loyalty: “Are you ready to swear right here, right now before the devil?”
It’s an overwhelming yes from me.
Satanic rating: 4/6
'Mary On A Cross'
Papa Emeritus Nihil is the vocal character for this unlikely TikTok hit. It evokes biblical imagery of Mary, without ever specifying whether it’s Jesus’ mother or follower Mary Magdalene, all in the name of sexual desire.
Satanic rating: 4/6
'Satanized'
The first single from new album SKELETÁ is an ode to demonic possession, whose video introduced the new Papa. The protagonist might seem reluctant but there’s a triumphant tone to the final call that “I’m Satanized!”
Satanic rating: 5 /6
'Year Zero'
A live favourite where Forge dons his mitre (the big pope hat) and swings incense. The intro features a Gregorian choir chanting different names for the devil before the massive chorus hails Satan to bring forth the apocalypse.
Satanic rating: 6/6
'He Is'
A love song for Him. Him is Satan.
Satanic rating: 6/6
'Ritual'
From their excellent debut, Ghost uses quotes from Christian prayers in the name of the dark lord.
Satanic rating: 4/6
'Satan Prayer'
It’s literally a prayer to Satan set to 70s occult rock.
Satanic rating: 5/6
'Call Me Little Sunshine'
More blasphemous than it appears. Papa Emeritus IV wants you to call him sunshine but also goes by Mephistopheles, a chief devil in German folklore.
Satanic rating: 3/6
'Jesus He Knows Me'
The ripping Genesis cover satires the hypocrisy of the conservative bible-thumpers and televangelists, depicting god as a commodity sold by preachers. Very blasphemous but not very satanic.
Satanic rating: 2/6
'See The Light'
Slow lamenting power ballad, a deep cut from Prequelle. It’s haunting that casts Jesus’ “eat my body, drink my blood” metaphor into a darker light.
Satanic rating: 3/6
'Kiss The Go-Goat'
Canonically a 1969 Ghost jam where devil worship is a psychedelic orgy.
Satanic rating: 5/6
You can experience Ghost’s sixth psalm, SKELETÁ, when it drops on April 25. Pre Order here
Words by KJ Draven @kjdraven
Ghost - SKELETÁ tracklisting
1. Peacefield
2. Lachryma
3. Satanized
4. Guiding Lights
5. De Profundis Borealis
6. Cenotaph
7. Missilia Amori
8. Marks Of The Evil One
9. Umbra
10. Excelsis
Pssst - wanna win your own copy of SKELETÁ on vinyl? Enter our competition right here.
