Review Summary: Another solid entry though I wish it had a bit more spring in its step
Ghost has hit an interesting point in their trajectory, having defined and refined a signature formula over the course of fifteen years with what feels like albums alternating between darkness and light in that time. Their sixth installment plays like a direct extension of 2022’s Impera with a similar emphasis on AOR and glam metal influences with shades of 2018’s Prequelle in its more reflective pacing and somewhat softer atmosphere. But even with Skeletá featuring the band’s usual theatrical flourishes, I must admit there are times where it can feel rather middle of the road.
Fortunately, kicking things off with the album’s singles proves to be a pretty smart move. “Peacefield” takes a bit to get going compared to the more in-your-face approaches of past openers like “Rats” or “Kaisarion,” but its life-affirming attitude and catchy chorus help it come through nicely. “Lachryma” follows it in archetypal fashion, putting in a bass-heavy thump ala “From The Pinnacle To The Pit” and “Faith,” and while the shuffle beat and explosive chorus on “Satanized” result in another memorable highlight.
From there, the songwriting maintains some solid memorability though the pacing can feel rather muddled. While the gentle balladry on “Guiding Lights” and the closing “Excelsis” suggests this being one of the band’s slowest efforts so far, a little ironic when you consider their largely forgotten occult doom roots, the execution just lacks the directness that made the songs on Impera so infectious. Songs like “De Profundis Borealis” and “Umbra” are upbeat and I can get into the love rocket thrust on “Missilia Amori,” but they don’t quite have the pulsating oomph that makes songs like “Hunter’s Moon” or “Dance Macabre” such standouts. Having said that, “Marks Of The Evil One” is a strong track toward the back half with some hustle to a driving hook.
As much as I find myself wishing Skeletá had more of a spring to its step at times, it’s ultimately another solid entry into the Ghost canon. While it doesn’t push too many boundaries stylistically and largely sticks to their familiar tropes, it still has enough of its own character to feel like more than just another Ghost album. The blend of influences is still pretty fun to work with and the songwriting is as catchy as ever, ensuring safe satisfaction for their legion of diehards. Even if I’ll hope for a bit more that I can dance to next time around, there’s still plenty to offer here and the band’s star will no doubt keep rising.
