Happy Halloween! Ah yes this is sure to be a controversial one. The never ending argument of are they a metal band or are they not? My answer? Who gives a fuck. Just have fun and enjoy music no matter what you like.
So how to explain Ghost to those not in the know? They're a band that worships Satan (not really it's all in good fun) from Sweden that formed in 2006 after band leader and vocalist Tobias Forge decided to form a new band after years with his death/thrash metal band Repugnant. Their style has changed over the years from spooky 70s style rock to full on 80s glam inspired stars.
Tobias is known more for his character in the band known as Papa Emeritus who brings a new iteration of himself after each album cycle. They released their first album since 2010 and have risen through the metal ranks ever since with multiple albums, EPs, 2 movies and they're on the verge of being a Download festival headliner in the near future. I first listened to them in 2018 and have been a big fan ever since and have seen them play live 5 times. They're known for having multiple EPs as well but they won't be included here since they've only got a few tracks, mostly covers, so no Square Hammer or Kiss the Go-Goat unfortunately.
So how do I rank their albums? Let's find out:
6. Opus Eponymous (2010)
I might get some shit for putting this in last but (spoiler alert) I prefer the later stuff. By no means does that mean this is a bad album as they (other spoiler alert) have no bad albums.
This is the album that put them on the map and that earns it points all on it's own. When I was first recommended to listen to them 8 years ago, they were described to me as "spooky Scooby-Doo metal" and this album pretty much encapsulates that though with way more of a satanic vibe.
I don't have too many issues with this album other than it's very top heavy as the last 3 tracks are disappointing after tracks like the bouncy 'Satan Prayer' and the iconic 'Ritual'. Still worth checking out for sure as some fans have this as their number one so it's just down to perspective. It's an album made for a cheesy haunted house and if that's your thing then go for it.
Rating: 8/10
Recommended Tracks: Ritual, Satan Prayer, Elizabeth
5. Infestissumam (2013)
Before relistening to all of the albums, I totally expected this one to be in last place but I was pleasantly surprised.
I'd always had it in my head that it was all over the place but outside of a couple of skippable tracks in 'Depth of Satan's Eyes' and 'Jigolo Har Megiddo', there's a lot to enjoy here and a bit of an evolution from the first album.
Of course you have the best track on the album 'Year Zero' which, along with epic closer and one of my faves 'Monstrance Clock', is the only track they still play live to this day, and while it's intro has been made tiktok famous (yuck, same for Mary on a Cross), it's still home to one of the most iconic choruses they've ever came up with.
Add in the epic rocker 'Gheuleh/Zombie Queen' and underrated gems in 'Body and Blood', and 'Secular Haze', and you've got an album more than worth a second look.
Rating: 8.5/10
Recommended Tracks: Year Zero, Monstrance Clock, Gheuleh/Zombie Queen
4. Prequelle (2018)
The fact that this isn't in the top 2 is such a surprise to me as this has always been one of my favourites. I still remember when I was being recommended Ghost for the first time and I was told to avoid this album. Glad I didn't listen as it's a banger.
I think the only reasons for it not being higher up is the fact the 'Pro-Memoria' is such a skippable song, and the album really doesn't need two big instrumental tracks. 'Helvetesfonster' could have been cut complete and made for a much better pace on the record.
Other than that though, I have no complaints as this album is just filled with bangers. 'Miasma' is our other big instrumental. I'm not usually one for instrumental tracks but this one I can listen to over and over, and whilst it does quickly steal a riff from 'Beat It', it makes up for it with one hell of a saxophone solo. Saxophones always make metal better.
'Dance Macabre' is the biggest track here and whilst it seems to be slightly maligned by some fans, you can't argue that it's an absolute toe tapper. From the opening riff of 'Rats' to emotional closer 'Life Eternal', this is a great time and the Ghost I fell in love with.
Rating: 9/10
Recommended tracks: Dance Macabre, Miasma, Rats, Faith, Life Eternal
3. Impera (2022)
Another one I was sure would take one of the top two positions on the list since I listened to this pretty much non stop when it first came out. I mean lead single 'Call Me Little Sunshine' (underrated track) was at the top of my Spotify wrapped by the end of the year.
The only real issue I have with the album is the song 'Twenties'. It was released as a single before the album came out and made me worry for it's overall quality. Even four years later I still can't get into it, it's too over the top even for Ghost. At least it's short. Other than that I'd say 'Watcher in the Sky' is a tad too repetitive and long for my taste but everything else on this album kills, even if 'Griftwood' sounds like Def Leppard went to the dark side.
Special mentions have to go to premium ballad 'Darkness at the Heart of my Love' which I'd easily say is their second best power ballad (more on that later) so much so that is talked me into a £92 ticket to see them when I saw it was on the setlist. Another mention to the brilliant 'Spillways'. Ghost have been compared to a metal version of Abba and this track exemplifies that more than any others. Dancing along is mandatory.
Rating: 9/10
Recommended tracks: Spillways, Darkness at the Heart of my Love, Respite on the Spitalfields, Hunters Moon
2. Skeleta (2025)
This one comes as the biggest surprise of all. Before I started to go through the full discography, I was certain this would be in the bottom three if not last as I'd only listened to it in full when it first came out last year and whilst I very much enjoyed my time with it, I only relistened to a select few tracks afterwards. On this new relisten something just clicked for me and I realised just how good it was.
There's genuinely not a bad track here is probably 'Missilia Amori' and even that's a good time even if the "love rocket" chorus is just a tad on the nose. First single 'Satanized' took me a while to warm to but it's definitely a banger and feels like a throwback to their first couple of albums.
Single 'Lachryma' was one of the one's that convinced me to get that last minute £92 ticket last year and I still listen to it all the time with it's sing along chorus and that lovely key change at the end.
Outside of the top pick this is the most consistent the band have ever sounded. It's the sound of a group that's already conquered the globe and are now just having fun and showing off their influences, mainly on opener 'Peacefield' which sounds eerily like Journey's 'Separate Ways'. Only time will tell if tracks like 'Umbra' (more cowbell!), and 'Marks of the Evil One' will become Ghost classics or if 'Guiding Lights' and 'Excelsis' will become ballad classics, but this one could make it's way to the top.
Rating: 9/10
Recommended Tracks: Lachryma, Satanized, Guiding Lights, Umbra, Marks of the Evil One
1. Meliora (2015)
This is peak Ghost and I fear they may never be able to top it but I'd love for them to try. This is the point where I went from interested to a full blown fan. I still remember my first listen. Once it was over I played it all over again which is something I've only done a couple of times since.
If I was going to try to get someone to become a fan then this is the album I'd show them. Need a ballad? Here's their best in an ode to Satan on the brilliant 'He Is'. Want some weirdness? Here's 'Mummy Dust'. Want something you can headbang to? Here's 'Cirice'. Want a bass line that'll be stuck in your head for days? Here's 'From the Pinnacle to the Pit'.
There's something for everyone here even tracks that hint towards where their sound was going like the catchy as hell 'Absolution'. This album was the sound of a band breaking out into the mainstream and they've stood tall ever since.
Rating: 10/10
Recommended Tracks: All of them
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