Ghost
Biography
Ghost is a Swedish rock band formed in Linköping in 2006. The band is known for its theatrical on-stage presence, with members concealing their identities behind costumes and masks. The group's frontman and creative force is Tobias Forge, who for years performed anonymously as a character known as Papa Emeritus. The other members of the band are referred to as the "Nameless Ghouls." Forge's identity was revealed in 2017 due to a lawsuit over royalties filed by former members.
Musical Style and Influences
Ghost's music has been described as a mix of heavy metal, hard rock, pop rock, and progressive rock. Their sound often incorporates melodic hooks and has been compared to a blend of pop music and death metal. The band draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including classic rock, 1980s extreme underground metal, and film scores. Specific influences cited include Black Sabbath, Blue Öyster Cult, Kiss, Pink Floyd, and the Rolling Stones.
Theatrical Concept and Personas
A central element of Ghost is its elaborate and evolving storyline centered around its frontmen. Tobias Forge has portrayed a succession of characters, beginning with Papa Emeritus I, II, and III. Each new album cycle has introduced a new incarnation of the leader. Following the Papa Emeritus trilogy, the character of Cardinal Copia was introduced, who later evolved into Papa Emeritus IV. The lore also includes supporting characters like Papa Nihil. This theatricality is a core part of their live shows, which are presented as rituals.
The Nameless Ghouls
The instrumentalists in the band are known as Nameless Ghouls, and they wear identical, face-concealing costumes, adding to the group's mystique. Each Ghoul represents one of the five elements: fire, water, air, earth, and ether.
History and Discography
Formation and 'Opus Eponymous' (2006–2011)
The idea for Ghost began in 2006 when Tobias Forge wrote the song "Stand by Him." After recording early demos, Forge decided to create a theatrical band with an anonymous lineup. The band released its debut album, "Opus Eponymous," in 2010, which quickly garnered international attention and a nomination for a Swedish Grammis award.
'Infestissumam' and 'Meliora' (2012–2017)
Their second album, "Infestissumam," was released in 2013 and debuted at number one in Sweden, winning a Grammis Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Album. This was followed by the EP "If You Have Ghost" in 2013, produced by Dave Grohl. In 2015, the band released their third album, "Meliora," which reached number one in Sweden and number eight in the United States. The lead single, "Cirice," earned them a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2016.
'Prequelle' and 'Impera' (2018–Present)
In 2018, Ghost released their fourth album, "Prequelle," which featured the introduction of the new frontman character Cardinal Copia. Their fifth studio album, "Impera," was released in 2022 and topped charts internationally. The band has continued to release new music, including the 2023 covers EP "Phantomime" and embarked on extensive world tours. In 2024, they released a concert film titled "Rite Here Rite Now" along with its soundtrack.