Skeletá blends haunting darkness with raw emotion.

Ghost’s Skeletá is an album that doesn’t just push boundaries—it amplifies their signature sound. Even though it carries the band’s dark, theatrical vibe that fans can’t get enough of, it also offers a deeper glimpse into more introspective themes. The band isn’t known to shy away from the contemplative; this album is unabashed proof. The entire album feels like a natural evolution from the grandeur of Impera, Prequelle’s melodic charm, and the heavy-hitting riffs summoned on Meliora. 

“Peacefield” grabs the mood by the horns, its sound brooding and pensive. The guitars take flight as the lyrics explore the album’s deeper themes, the song reaching higher levels of emotion. There’s a powerful peak ahead that offers a seamless blend of personal and universal feelings. Despite previous albums having more anthemic openers that demand attention, Skeletá is a bit of a slow burn that builds tension. Its confidence lies within the band’s emotional delivery. 

Weaving its way into the picture is “Lachryma,” a powerful track that demands every note receive full attention. The song progresses and tension mounts; a myriad of subtle yet undeniable layers slowly reveal themselves. When its core is finally revealed, listeners feel one emotional punch after the next. Prequelle and Meliora may have offered haunting ballads, and despite Skeletá managing to summon those familiar echoes, it feels more stripped-down, relying on emotion. 

As the album winds its way along, a continued stream of potent lyrics and instrumentals permeates the airwaves, ultimately setting the mood for what lies ahead. The heavy guitars are mirrored by haunting vocals, which immediately immerse the listener in an otherworldly atmosphere. It’s alluring—the entire album weaves bits and pieces of a story into an otherwise powerful mood that ebbs and flows across the night. This feels more grounded than Impera and its grittier edge, as Ghost originally explored new emotional depths. 

“Missilia Amori” offers a welcome, albeit surprising, shift in energy. It’s playful yet dark and brooding, highlighting Ghost’s ability to infuse the sinister with fun while standing out as a stark contrast to an otherwise intense, deep album.

By the time listeners reach Skeletá’s last track, the album has fully revealed itself. What ensues is a powerful blend of emotion, darkness, and energy, all wrapped up in one explosive and electrifying conclusion.

The album is passionate without even trying, and Skeletá represents Ghost’s natural musical progression. Rife with an emotional depth that still manages to tackle a dark, mysterious sound, the album is fresh yet familiar, allowing Ghost to stay true to its roots.