Tobias Forge has revealed that, despite Ghost‘s striking imagery and use of S*tanic iconography, much of their music is not actually about the Devil. The Swedish hard rock and heavy metal band, known for their subversive church-like persona led by a skeletal “pope” singer (Forge himself) and backed by a group of druid-like musicians known as the “nameless ghouls,” has often been associated with themes of S*tanism. Their discography, which includes songs like “Devil Church,” “Depth of Satan’s Eyes,” and their new single “Satanized,” further strengthens this perception. However, Forge insists in a recent interview with Metal Hammer that the band’s fascination with the Devil is merely a surface-level concept.
Instead, Forge argues that Ghost‘s lyrics focus more on the human experience, particularly the relationship we have with life, death, and the complexities that arise from these existential themes. While their early success, especially with their 2010 debut Opus Eponymous, built on a unique mix of metal, pop influences, and Christian/S*tanic imagery, Forge explains that many listeners who focus solely on the Devil are missing the deeper message of the band’s work.
Fifteen years into their career, Ghost has established itself as a revitalizing force in metal, with songs like “Mary On A Cross,” “He Is,” and “Square Hammer” resonating far beyond the heavy metal community.
Though their shock value, often linked to catchy pop-infused tunes about the “Fallen Angel,” played a part in their rise to fame, Forge’s comments suggest that the true essence of Ghost’s music is far more nuanced, revolving around universal human themes rather than a singular focus on S*tan.
He said: “With most of the things I’ve written, including parts of the first record, there’s this misconception that they’re about the Devil, and they aren’t really.” So what are Ghost’s songs actually about?
“They’ve always been about mankind’s relationship with the concept of life and death,” Forge continued, “and God and divine presence or absence. Some songs are expressed with more specificity at a certain individual or a certain aspect of society. I just felt that I wanted this new record to be… about being human. Being alive.”
In the same interview, Forge discussed Ghost’s “new” frontman, Papa V Perpetua, who takes over from the departing Papa Emeritus IV, though it’s still the same person behind the mask and mitre. Forge confesses that he doesn’t yet know much about the new character’s personality, adding that it will become clearer once Papa V Perpetua begins performing live.
“I’ve always felt that it was a scary thing,” he added. “On one hand, I’m trying to make the ‘product’ that is Ghost an entertaining thing for our fans. On the other, I try to do that as pleasantly as is possible for myself as well.”
“When I decided to introduce Cardinal Copia into the mix [for 2018 album Prequelle], it felt very uncomfortable because he was going to be thrown out there as someone who hadn’t become [a Papa Emeritus] yet: ‘Wow, this is going to be a little different.’ But what I did know was that I didn’t have to go through the process of introducing a new character for the next album. Now, I do!”
Ghost will release their new album, Skeletá, on April 25 through Loma Vista. To promote the album, the band will kick off their six-month “Skeletour” world tour in Manchester, UK, on April 15.
