Theatrical metal band Ghost has announced Cardinal Copia as the new frontman for the group via two videos on their YouTube page. Every new album cycle Ghost unveils a new frontman with different clothing and makeup. The previous frontmen all had the title of Papa Emeritus, so this new Cardinal is a departure from the Emeritus bloodline.

The videos the band released showed the previous Papa Emeritus 0 being replaced by a someone younger and with more charisma in the form of the satanic Cardinal Copia, much to the chagrin of Papa Emeritus. Of course, it’s all for the sake of theatricality as the lead singer and primary songwriter of Ghost is Swedish musician Tobias Forge, who has been fronting Ghost since their inception. Still, this event will continue to build the hype for a forthcoming Ghost album as well as a recently announced tour of the US.

Ghost has become one of the biggest metal bands in the world in recent years, with the group winning a Grammy and securing an opening spot on Iron Maiden’s US tour last summer. The band blends classic rock and metal sounds with a dark theatricality inspired by the likes of King Diamond. Forge who performs along with four other musicians dubbed nameless ghouls are quite the powerful live force. Forge was embroiled in a legal battle with some of the previous members of the band and was forced to reveal his identity during the proceedings. There have been quite a number of lineup changes over the years, but due to the anonymous nature of the nameless ghouls, it can be hard to tell when any new member comes into the group.

You can watch both videos below.

Photo credit: Boston Lynn Schulz