Ghost (Swedish band) #Musical style and influences

File:Ghost - Malmöfestivalen 2011 3.jpg

Ghost was formed in 2006,{{cite web|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|url=http://loudwire.com/tobias-forge-ghost-more-solo-project-than-band/|title=Frontman Tobias Forge: Ghost Is More of a Solo Project Than a Band|work=Loudwire|date=7 June 2017|access-date=3 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518221009/http://loudwire.com/tobias-forge-ghost-more-solo-project-than-band/|archive-date=18 May 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bravewords.com/news/195816|title=Ghost – Infestissumam Album Details Revealed|work=Brave Words|date=20 December 2012|access-date=14 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130125075531/http://www.bravewords.com/news/195816|archive-date=25 January 2013|url-status=dead}} when future band leader Tobias Forge wrote the song "Stand by Him".{{cite magazine|first1=J.|last1=Bennett|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/ghost-true-story-death-religion-and-rock-roll-behind-metals-strangest-band|title=Ghost: The True Story of Death, Religion and Rock & Roll Behind Metal's Strangest Band|magazine=Revolver|date=29 May 2018|access-date=31 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529191735/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/ghost-true-story-death-religion-and-rock-roll-behind-metals-strangest-band|archive-date=29 May 2018|url-status=live}} He said, "I said that this is probably the most heavy metal riff that has ever existed ... When the chorus came to me, it haunted my dreams. Every time I picked up the guitar, I ended up playing that progression, and when I fit the words in, it seemed to cry out for a Satanically-oriented lyric."{{cite web|first=Lenny|last=Kaye|url=http://www.emusic.com/music-news/interview/interview-ghost-b-c/2|title=Interview: Ghost B.C|work=eMusic|date=8 May 2013|access-date=12 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030150554/http://www.emusic.com/music-news/interview/interview-ghost-b-c/2/|archive-date=30 October 2013|url-status=dead}} Forge then contacted his former Repugnant bandmate Gustaf Lindström to record the song.

In early 2008, the two entered the studio to record three songs: "Stand by Him", "Prime Mover" and "Death Knell". Afterwards Forge remarked to Lindström: "This definitely does not sound like two dudes that look like you and I". Thus Forge decided that they should be an anonymous "theater band", and use their love of horror films and "the traditions of Scandinavian metal" in the band's imagery. While other members of the band would wear black hooded robes and be called "Nameless Ghouls", Forge would go by "Papa Emeritus", dressed in Papal regalia and his face painted to resemble a skull.{{cite magazine|first=Jon|last=Wiederhorn|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/ghoul-intentions-ghost-bc-talk-new-album-infestissumam-and-living-past|title=Ghoul Intentions: Ghost B.C. Talk New Album, 'Infestissumam,' and Living in the Past|magazine=Guitar World|date=3 June 2013|access-date=4 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160216051146/http://www.guitarworld.com/ghoul-intentions-ghost-bc-talk-new-album-infestissumam-and-living-past|archive-date=16 February 2016|url-status=dead}} Forge then chose the name Ghost for the group. Initially Forge had no aspirations on becoming the band's vocalist, instead wanting to play guitar. He offered the position of lead vocalist to Messiah Marcolin, Mats Levén, Christer Göransson and JB Christoffersson, all of whom passed. As a result, Forge became the band's lead singer by default. On 12 March 2010, Forge posted the first three Ghost songs on MySpace and within two days was contacted by records labels and managers wanting to work with the group.

{{listen | filename = Ghost - Elizabeth.ogg | title = "Elizabeth" | type = music| description = Sample of "Elizabeth" from Opus Eponymous (2010).}}

Ghost spent a few weeks in a basement studio in the band's hometown of Linköping recording their debut album. In June 2010, the band released their first single "Elizabeth". Ghost released their first studio album, Opus Eponymous, on 18 October 2010, on the independent record label Rise Above Records.{{cite magazine|first=Dave|last=Everley|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-ghosts-opus-eponymous-album|title=10 things you didn’t know about Ghost’s Opus Eponymous album|magazine=Metal Hammer|date=17 November 2020|access-date=22 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117174729/https://www.loudersound.com/features/10-things-you-didnt-know-about-ghosts-opus-eponymous-album|archive-date=17 November 2020|url-status=live}} The album earned them international recognition.{{cite magazine|author=Paul Brannigan, James Hickie, Sam Law, Nick Ruskell, Dan Slessor, Paul Travers, Ian Winwood, Simon Young|url=https://www.kerrang.com/features/the-50-most-evil-songs-ever/|title=The 50 Most Evil Songs Ever|magazine=Kerrang!|date=24 November 2020|access-date=14 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241108092425/https://www.kerrang.com/the-50-most-evil-songs-ever|archive-date=8 November 2024|url-status=live}} The album reached number 50 on the Sverigetopplistan and was well received by critics, being nominated for the 2011 Grammis Award for "Best Hard Rock" album.{{cite web|url=http://acharts.us/album/58604|title=Ghost – Opus Eponymous|publisher=acharts.us|access-date=17 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119193045/http://acharts.us/album/58604|archive-date=19 November 2012|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|url=http://loudwire.com/ghost-unveil-new-track-secular-haze-and-offer-free-download/|title=Ghost Unveil New Track 'Secular Haze' and Offer Free Download|work=Loudwire|date=18 December 2012|access-date=22 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240612171916/http://loudwire.com/ghost-unveil-new-track-secular-haze-and-offer-free-download/|archive-date=12 June 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/watain-wins-swedish-grammis-award-for-best-hard-rock-album|title=Watain Wins Swedish Grammis Award For 'Best Hard Rock' Album|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=18 January 2011|access-date=22 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817214806/https://blabbermouth.net/news/watain-wins-swedish-grammis-award-for-best-hard-rock-album|archive-date=17 August 2024|url-status=live}} Ghost played their first concert on 23 October 2010 at the Hammer of Doom festival in Würzburg, Germany.{{cite web|first=Robert|last=Pasbani|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/metal-crimes/the-entire-ghost-lawsuit-document-leaks-more-info-on-why-former-nameless-ghouls-are-suing-papa-emeritus|title=The Entire Ghost Lawsuit Document Leaks, More Info On Why Former Nameless Ghouls Are Suing Papa Emeritus|work=Metal Injection|date=7 April 2017|access-date=22 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130175009/http://www.metalinjection.net/metal-crimes/the-entire-ghost-lawsuit-document-leaks-more-info-on-why-former-nameless-ghouls-are-suing-papa-emeritus|archive-date=30 November 2024|url-status=live}}

Ghost supported gothic metal band Paradise Lost on their "Draconian Times MMXI" tour in April 2011.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/paradise-lost-to-be-supported-by-ghost-on-draconian-times-tour|title=Paradise Lost To Be Supported By Ghost On 'Draconian Times' Tour|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=11 February 2011|access-date=22 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009071651/https://blabbermouth.net/news/paradise-lost-to-be-supported-by-ghost-on-draconian-times-tour|archive-date=9 October 2024|url-status=live}} On 29 May, Ghost made their United States debut at the Maryland Deathfest.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.revolvermag.com/news/ghost-confirmed-for-maryland-deathfest.html|title=Ghost Confirmed for Maryland Deathfest|magazine=Revolver|date=8 March 2011|access-date=22 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924121413/http://www.revolvermag.com/news/ghost-confirmed-for-maryland-deathfest.html|archive-date=24 September 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/in-solitude-ghost-confirmed-for-maryland-deathfest-ix|title=In Solitude, Ghost Confirmed For Maryland Deathfest IX|work=Brave Words|date=2 May 2011|access-date=23 March 2025|archive-url=https://archive.today/20250323031304/https://bravewords.com/news/in-solitude-ghost-confirmed-for-maryland-deathfest-ix/|archive-date=23 March 2025|url-status=live}} The band performed at Download Festival in Leicestershire, England on 11 June. Following their performance, Phil Anselmo, lead singer of the band Down, performed wearing a Ghost T-shirt and invited three members of the band to join him on the main stage, where they performed Down's "Bury Me In Smoke" together.{{cite web|url=http://antiquiet.com/music/2012/02/introducing-ghost-six-swedes-bringing-satan-to-the-masses/|title=Introducing Ghost: Six Swedes Bringing Satan to the Masses|work=Antiquiet|date=13 February 2012|access-date=22 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012091303/http://antiquiet.com/music/2012/02/introducing-ghost-six-swedes-bringing-satan-to-the-masses/|archive-date=12 October 2015|url-status=live}} In December 2011, Ghost took part in the "Defenders of the Faith III" tour with Trivium, In Flames, Rise to Remain and Insense.{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/trivium-in-flames-ghost-rise-to-remain-insense-confirmed-for-defenders-of-the-faith-iii-uk-tour/?amp=1|title=Trivium, In Flames, Ghost, Rise To Remain, Insense Confirmed For Defenders Of The Faith III UK Tour|work=Brave Words|date=22 July 2011|access-date=23 March 2025|archive-url=https://archive.today/20250323032343/https://bravewords.com/news/trivium-in-flames-ghost-rise-to-remain-insense-confirmed-for-defenders-of-the-faith-iii-uk-tour/?amp=1|archive-date=23 March 2025|url-status=live}} The band then embarked on their first US tour, "13 Dates of Doom", beginning in New York on 18 January 2012, and ending on 2 February in Los Angeles.{{cite web|first=Robert|last=Pasbani|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/tour-dates/ghost-north-ameria-tour-2012|title=Hail Satan! Ghost January North American Tour Confirmed|work=Metal Injection|date=7 November 2011|access-date=21 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126005908/http://www.metalinjection.net/tour-dates/ghost-north-ameria-tour-2012|archive-date=26 January 2012|url-status=live}} Afterwards Ghost joined Mastodon and Opeth as the opening act on the Heritage Hunter Tour throughout North America during April and May 2012.{{cite web|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|url=https://loudwire.com/mastodon-opeth-ghost-bring-the-heritage-hunter-tour-to-nyc/|title=Mastodon, Opeth + Ghost Bring the 'Heritage Hunter' Tour to NYC|work=Loudwire|date=13 April 2012|access-date=21 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321223508/https://loudwire.com/mastodon-opeth-ghost-bring-the-heritage-hunter-tour-to-nyc/|archive-date=21 March 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news|first=Jason|last=Roche|url=https://www.laweekly.com/music/opeth-mastodon-ghost-gibson-amphitheatre-4-26-12-2405243|title=Opeth, Mastodon, Ghost – Gibson Amphitheatre – 4–26–12|newspaper=LA Weekly|date=27 April 2012|access-date=23 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171130222521/https://www.laweekly.com/music/opeth-mastodon-ghost-gibson-amphitheatre-4-26-12-2405243|archive-date=30 November 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.westword.com/music/photos-mastodon-opeth-and-ghost-at-the-fillmore-auditorium-4-23-12-5674564|title=Photos: Mastodon, Opeth and Ghost at the Fillmore Auditorium, 4/23/12|work=Westword|date=24 April 2012|access-date=23 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130085316/https://www.westword.com/music/photos-mastodon-opeth-and-ghost-at-the-fillmore-auditorium-4-23-12-5674564|archive-date=30 November 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=169003|title=Mastodon, Opeth, Ghost: North American Tour Dates Announced|work=Blabbermouth.net|access-date=21 February 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202202101/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=169003|archive-date=2 February 2012|url-status=dead}} In June, Ghost received the award for "Breakthrough Band" at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards.

File:Ghost live in Utrecht.jpg

In February 2012, a Nameless Ghoul revealed that the band had completed writing their second album.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-working-on-lavished-and-divine-new-album/|title=Ghost Working On 'Lavished And Divine' New Album|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=February 2012|access-date=23 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250221072148/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-working-on-lavished-and-divine-new-album/|archive-date=21 February 2025|url-status=live}} Ghost entered the studio in October to record their second album in Nashville, Tennessee, with producer Nick Raskulinecz.{{cite magazine|first=Toby|last=Cook|url=http://thequietus.com/articles/12119-ghost-bc-infestissumam-interview-nameless-ghoul|title=Masked Balls And Papal Bull: Ghost B.C. Interviewed|magazine=The Quietus|date=29 April 2013|access-date=23 March 2025|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130616052430/http://thequietus.com/articles/12119-ghost-bc-infestissumam-interview-nameless-ghoul|archive-date=16 June 2013|url-status=live}} The band had planned to record the album at the turn of 2012, but after starting their US tour in January, they were offered another tour immediately after. At the same time the band, their management and Rise Above Records all agreed that the group's next album should be released on a different label. Thus Ghost signed with Loma Vista Recordings in partnership with Republic Records{{mdash}}a division of Universal Music Group.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=183998|title=Ghost On New Album: We Wanted It To Sound 'Like A Real Expensive Record Done In 1978'|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=23 December 2012|access-date=9 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227132549/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=183998|archive-date=27 December 2012|url-status=dead}}

On 15 December 2012, Ghost played a show in Linköping, where they debuted a new song titled "Secular Haze", which was released online earlier that day. The band also released a cover of ABBA's "I'm a Marionette" with Dave Grohl.{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Coplan|url=https://consequence.net/2013/01/dave-grohl-produced-and-drums-on-ghosts-cover-of-abbas-im-a-marionette/|title=Dave Grohl produced and drums on Ghost’s cover of ABBA’s “I’m a Marionette”|work=Consequence|date=17 January 2013|access-date=23 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625140048/https://consequence.net/2013/01/dave-grohl-produced-and-drums-on-ghosts-cover-of-abbas-im-a-marionette/|archive-date=25 June 2024|url-status=live}} During the same show, the band introduced Papa Emeritus II as the successor to the first Papa Emeritus.{{cite magazine|first=Josh|last=Hart|url=https://www.guitarworld.com/ghost-stream-new-song-secular-haze|title=Ghost Stream New Song, "Secular Haze"|magazine=Guitar World|date=17 December 2012|access-date=10 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502232301/http://www.guitarworld.com/ghost-stream-new-song-secular-haze|archive-date=2 May 2013|url-status=dead}} On 20 December, the band announced that their second album, Infestissumam, would be released in early 2013. On 5 February 2013, the band announced a name change to "Ghost B.C." in the US for legal reasons.{{cite magazine|first=Kyle|last=McGovern|url=https://www.spin.com/2013/02/ghost-change-name-ghost-bc/|title=Swedish Metal Band Ghost Changes Name to Historically Inaccurate 'Ghost B.C.'|magazine=Spin|date=5 February 2013|access-date=23 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523035245/https://www.spin.com/2013/02/ghost-change-name-ghost-bc/|archive-date=23 May 2024|url-status=live}} A Nameless Ghoul said: "B.C. is obviously a pun on 'Before Christ', but it's just an amendment. In our world, we're just gonna be called Ghost ... The B.C. is silent, and as soon as we can, it's gonna be taken away forever."{{cite magazine|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|url=http://loudwire.com/ghost-never-call-ourselves-ghost-b-c/|title=Ghost: 'We Are Never Ever Ever Ever Ever Ever Gonna Call Ourselves Ghost B.C.'|work=Loudwire|date=9 April 2013|access-date=23 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130411000949/http://loudwire.com/ghost-never-call-ourselves-ghost-b-c/|archive-date=11 April 2013|url-status=live}} They officially dropped the amendment from their name in 2015.{{cite web|first=Ben|last=Kaye|url=http://consequence.net/2015/06/ghost-b-c-share-new-song-circe-listen/|title=Ghost share new song "Cirice"|work=Consequence|date=1 June 2015|access-date=23 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122101059/https://consequence.net/2015/06/ghost-b-c-share-new-song-circe-listen/|archive-date=22 November 2022|url-status=live}} From 23 February to 4 March 2013, Ghost toured Australia as a part of the Soundwave Festival.{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Coplan|url=https://consequence.net/2013/02/ghost-forced-to-change-name-to-ghost-b-c/|title=Ghost forced to change name to Ghost B.C.|work=Consequence|date=6 February 2013|access-date=23 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220812055908/https://consequence.net/2013/02/ghost-forced-to-change-name-to-ghost-b-c/|archive-date=12 August 2022|url-status=live}}

Infestissumam was originally scheduled to be released on 9 April 2013, in the US, but the band could not find a US company that would manufacture the CD.{{cite magazine|first=Daniel|last=Kreps|url=https://www.spin.com/2013/03/ghost-bcs-album-delay-nsfw-art-blasphemous/|title=Ghost B.C.'s Album Delayed After CD Manufacturers Refuse to Print Blasphemous Art|magazine=Spin|date=29 March 2013|access-date=23 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715125522/https://www.spin.com/2013/03/ghost-bcs-album-delay-nsfw-art-blasphemous/|archive-date=15 July 2022|url-status=live}} Four US CD manufacturers rejected the job because the artwork for the deluxe edition of the album was described as "basically a 16th century illustration of an orgy." Rather than delay the album further, the band decided to use the artwork from the regular edition for the US pressings of the deluxe edition and announced the new release date of 16 April. All European copies and the US vinyl versions include the controversial artwork. Infestissumam charted in seven countries, including at number one in Sweden, eventually going gold. The album was also well received by critics, winning the Grammis Award and the P3 Guld Award for "Best Hard Rock/Metal Album" of 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghosts-infestissumam-wins-p3-guld-award-for-best-rockmetal-album-of-the-year/|title=Ghost's 'Infestissumam' Wins P3 GULD Award For 'Best Rock/Metal Album Of The Year'|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=18 February 2014|access-date=23 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130180453/https://blabbermouth.net/news/ghosts-infestissumam-wins-p3-guld-award-for-best-rockmetal-album-of-the-year|archive-date=30 November 2024|url-status=live}}

Ghost began their "Haze Over North America" tour on 14 April 2013, at the Coachella Festival, which continued until 18 May.{{cite web|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|url=http://loudwire.com/ghost-b-c-infestissumam-release-date-2013-north-american-tour-dates/|title=Ghost B.C. Unveil 'Infestissumam' Release Date + 2013 North American Tour With Ides of Gemini|work=Loudwire|date=18 December 2012|access-date=10 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130206074601/http://loudwire.com/ghost-b-c-infestissumam-release-date-2013-north-american-tour-dates/|archive-date=6 February 2013|url-status=live}} On 27 July, Ghost began the "Still Hazing Over America" tour, which ended in Chicago at the Lollapalooza festival.{{cite web|first=Ben|last=Kaye|url=http://consequence.net/2013/05/ghost-b-c-announce-summer-tour-dates/|title=Ghost B.C. announce summer tour dates|work=Consequence|date=30 May 2013|access-date=23 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411022308/http://consequence.net/2013/05/ghost-b-c-announce-summer-tour-dates/|archive-date=11 April 2021|url-status=live}} Immediately after, Ghost toured South America supporting Iron Maiden and Slayer, which included a performance at Rock in Rio.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-ghost-to-support-iron-maiden-in-south-america/|title=Slayer, Ghost To Support Iron Maiden In South America|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=11 April 2013|access-date=11 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111224634/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/slayer-ghost-to-support-iron-maiden-in-south-america/|archive-date=11 January 2014|url-status=live}} In October 2013, Ghost opened for Avenged Sevenfold and Deftones on their US tour.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.revolvermag.com/news/avenged-sevenfold-announce-tour-with-ghost-b-c-and-deftones.html|title=Avenged Sevenfold Announce Tour Dates and Venues with Ghost B.C. and Deftones|magazine=Revolver|date=25 July 2013|access-date=23 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140329081046/http://www.revolvermag.com/news/avenged-sevenfold-announce-tour-with-ghost-b-c-and-deftones.html|archive-date=29 March 2014|url-status=live}} In November, the band toured the UK with Alice in Chains, before a tour of Europe.{{cite web|url=http://www.deadpress.co.uk/news-alice-in-chains-confirm-headline-uk-tour-dates-for-november-2013/|title=News: Alice In Chains confirm headline UK tour dates for November 2013!|work=Deadpress|date=12 July 2013|access-date=18 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619041309/http://www.deadpress.co.uk/news-alice-in-chains-confirm-headline-uk-tour-dates-for-november-2013/|archive-date=19 June 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|first=Zach|last=Redrup|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-speaks-to-italys-underradiorock-com-audio/|title=Ghost Speaks To Italy's UnderRadioRock.com (Audio)|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=30 December 2013|access-date=23 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618230337/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-speaks-to-italys-underradiorock-com-audio/|archive-date=18 June 2018|url-status=live}} On 20 November 2013, Ghost released the EP If You Have Ghost, consisting almost entirely of cover songs. It was produced by Dave Grohl of Nirvana and Foo Fighters fame.{{cite web|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|url=http://loudwire.com/ghost-b-c-if-you-have-ghost-ep-produced-by-dave-grohl/|title=Ghost B.C. To Release 'If You Have Ghost' EP Produced by Dave Grohl|work=Loudwire|date=10 October 2013|access-date=24 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131013091434/http://loudwire.com/ghost-b-c-if-you-have-ghost-ep-produced-by-dave-grohl/|archive-date=13 October 2013|url-status=live}}

In January 2014, Ghost received six nominations at the Loudwire Music Awards.{{cite web|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|url=http://loudwire.com/3rd-annual-loudwire-music-awards-vote-now/|title=3rd Annual Loudwire Music Awards – Vote Now!|work=Loudwire|date=17 January 2014|access-date=17 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707163215/http://loudwire.com/3rd-annual-loudwire-music-awards-vote-now/|archive-date=7 July 2014|url-status=live}} From 17 January to 2 February 2014, the band toured Australia as a part of the Big Day Out festival.{{cite magazine|first=James|last=Arnold-Garvey|url=http://musicfeeds.com.au/news/big-day-out-2014-lineup-announcement/#/slide/1|title=Big Day Out 2014 Lineup Announcement|magazine=Music Feeds|date=31 July 2013|access-date=18 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927051513/http://musicfeeds.com.au/news/big-day-out-2014-lineup-announcement/#/slide/1|archive-date=27 September 2013|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|first=Nastassia|last=Baroni|url=http://musicfeeds.com.au/news/ghost-announce-2014-big-day-out-sideshows/|title=Ghost Big Day Out Sideshows Announced|magazine=Music Feeds|date=10 January 2014|access-date=18 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303214747/http://musicfeeds.com.au/news/ghost-announce-2014-big-day-out-sideshows/|archive-date=3 March 2014|url-status=live}} They then embarked on the "Tour Year Zero", which lasted from 17 April until 17 May 2014, in North America.{{cite web|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|url=http://loudwire.com/ghost-b-c-2014-north-american-tour-with-king-dude/|title=Ghost B.C. announce 2014 North American tour with King Dude|work=Loudwire|date=27 January 2014|access-date=18 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140401064211/http://loudwire.com/ghost-b-c-2014-north-american-tour-with-king-dude/|archive-date=1 April 2014|url-status=live}} In July, the band performed at the European Sonisphere Festival.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.kerrang.com/blog/2014/01/mastodon_slayer_alice_in_chain.html|title=Mastodon, Slayer, Alice In Chains, Ghost B.C and more added to Sonisphere 2014|magazine=Kerrang!|date=6 January 2014|access-date=11 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111213915/http://www.kerrang.com/blog/2014/01/mastodon_slayer_alice_in_chain.html|archive-date=11 January 2014|url-status=dead}}

File:Ghost Rockavaria 2016 (14 von 14).jpg

Ghost's third studio album, the follow-up to Infestissumam, Meliora was released on 21 August 2015.{{cite web|first=Alex|last=Hudson|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/ghost_bc-circle|title=Ghost Cirice|work=Exclaim!|date=30 May 2015|access-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150601195439/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/ghost_bc-circle|archive-date=1 June 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-meliora-cover-artwork-track-listing-revealed/|title=Ghost: 'Meliora' Cover Artwork, Track Listing Revealed|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=29 May 2015|access-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319091946/https://blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-meliora-cover-artwork-track-listing-revealed|archive-date=19 March 2025|url-status=live}} In an advertisement for the album that aired 28 May on VH1 Classic, it was announced that Papa Emeritus II was "fired" and that his successor Papa Emeritus III is his younger brother by a full three months.{{cite web|url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2015/05/28/ghost-reveal-papa-emeritus-3rd-new-masks-late-night-tv-spot/|title=Ghost Reveal Papa Emeritus III, New Masks on Late-Night TV Spot|work=MetalSucks|date=28 May 2015|access-date=15 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150529162247/http://www.metalsucks.net/2015/05/28/ghost-reveal-papa-emeritus-3rd-new-masks-late-night-tv-spot/|archive-date=29 May 2015|url-status=live}} The song "Cirice" was released on 30 May, and won the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Childers|url=http://loudwire.com/ghost-2016-best-metal-performance-grammy/|title=Ghost Win 2016 Best Metal Performance Grammy for 'Cirice'|work=Loudwire|date=15 February 2016|access-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250222082135/http://loudwire.com/ghost-2016-best-metal-performance-grammy/|archive-date=22 February 2025|url-status=live}} Papa Emeritus III was officially unveiled with a debut performance in Linköping on 3 June 2015, where the band also performed new songs from the upcoming album.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/video-ghost-performs-new-songs-at-swedish-warm-up-concert/|title=Video: Ghost Performs New Songs At Swedish 'Warm-Up' Concert|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=3 June 2015|access-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914135107/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/video-ghost-performs-new-songs-at-swedish-warm-up-concert/|archive-date=14 September 2024|url-status=live}}

The album was first promoted in August by a five date acoustic tour named "Unholy/Unplugged" of record shops in the US. Here Papa Emeritus III sported slicked-back jet black hair without his trademark mitre, and performed alongside the two guitarist Nameless Ghouls; accompanying them on the kazoo.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/video-ghost-kicks-off-unholyunplugged-tour-in-seattle/|title=Video: Ghost Kicks Off 'Unholy/Unplugged' Tour In Seattle|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=19 June 2015|access-date=9 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150805015228/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/video-ghost-performs-new-songs-at-swedish-warm-up-concert/|archive-date=5 August 2015|url-status=live}} A tour of the US titled "Black to the Future" began on 22 September and ran until 1 November.{{cite web|first=Michelle|last=Geslani|url=http://consequence.net/2015/06/ghost-shares-scary-carrie-inspired-video-for-cirice-watch/|title=Ghost shares scary Carrie-inspired video for "Cirice"|work=Consequence|date=8 June 2015|access-date=15 June 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211207062812/http://consequence.net/2015/06/ghost-shares-scary-carrie-inspired-video-for-cirice-watch/|archive-date=7 December 2021|url-status=live}} This was followed by a North America tour that took place in the spring 2016.{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Childers|url=https://loudwire.com/ghost-spring-2016-us-tour-promote-grammy-nomination/|title=Ghost Announce Spring 2016 U.S. Tour, Promote Grammy Nomination|work=Loudwire|date=11 January 2016|access-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523071455/https://loudwire.com/ghost-spring-2016-us-tour-promote-grammy-nomination/|archive-date=23 May 2024|url-status=live}}

On 12 September 2016, the band released a new track on a radio show titled "Square Hammer"{{cite web|first=Stef|last=Lach|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/ghost-release-new-track-square-hammer|title=Ghost release new track Square Hammer|work=Louder Sound|date=12 September 2016|access-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724183159/https://www.loudersound.com/news/ghost-release-new-track-square-hammer|archive-date=24 July 2024|url-status=live}} and a new EP, Popestar, was released on 16 September, the same day the Popestar Tour began.{{cite magazine|first=Tom|last=Wakenell|url=https://distortedsoundmag.com/ghost-announce-surprise-new-ep-popestar/|title=Ghost announce surprise new EP ‘Popestar’|magazine=Distorted Sound|date=16 September 2016|access-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927063453/https://distortedsoundmag.com/ghost-announce-surprise-new-ep-popestar/|archive-date=27 September 2016|url-status=live}} Following the conclusion of the North American tour that concluded on 12 November, was the European tour of the same name which started in late March and finished in late April 2017.{{cite web|first=Martin|last=Kielty|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/ghost-list-european-popestar-tour-dates|title=Ghost list 2017 European Popestar tour dates|work=Louder Sound|date=25 November 2016|access-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423103722/https://www.loudersound.com/news/ghost-list-european-popestar-tour-dates|archive-date=23 April 2024|url-status=live}} They were the opening act for Iron Maiden on their 2017 North America tour from June to July 2017.{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Childers|url=http://loudwire.com/iron-maiden-2017-north-american-tour-ghost/|title=Iron Maiden Announce More 2017 North American Dates|work=Loudwire|date=19 January 2017|access-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240516105313/https://loudwire.com/iron-maiden-2017-north-american-tour-ghost/|archive-date=16 May 2024|url-status=live}} A Nameless Ghoul stated that after the tour was over, they would be writing and recording the new album which they stated would be much darker than Meliora, with Tobias confirming in an interview that the fourth album would be released in 2018.{{cite web|first=Vince|last=Neilstein|url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2017/06/11/ghost-set-to-record-new-album-in-august/|title=Ghost Set to Record New Album in August|work=MetalSucks|date=11 June 2017|access-date=29 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170618121128/http://www.metalsucks.net/2017/06/11/ghost-set-to-record-new-album-in-august/|archive-date=18 June 2017|url-status=live}}

In early 2017, Tobias Forge was sued by former Ghost members Simon Söderberg, Mauro Rubino, Martin Hjertstedt, and Henrik Palm as part of a royalties dispute. The four, who left Ghost in 2016, filed the suit in the district court of Linköping, Sweden and accused Forge, who was in charge of the band's business affairs, of withholding financial information and payments to the other members.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-leader-slapped-with-lawsuit-by-former-members/|title=Ghost Leader Slapped With Lawsuit By Former Members|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=4 April 2017|access-date=4 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170404193717/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-leader-slapped-with-lawsuit-by-former-members/|archive-date=4 April 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://corren.se/kultur-noje/ghost-musiker-stammer-ledaren-om4578371.aspx|title=Ghost-musiker stämmer ledaren|date=4 April 2017|access-date=4 April 2017|language=sv|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180503041107/http://corren.se/kultur-noje/ghost-musiker-stammer-ledaren-om4578371.aspx|archive-date=3 May 2018|url-status=dead}} The former members also claimed that "Our vocalist and former friend is now attempting to, in an underhanded and shameless way, transform Ghost from a band into a solo project with hired musicians."{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-ghost-members-accuse-singer-of-trying-to-shamelessly-turn-band-into-solo-project/|title=Former Ghost Members Accuse Singer Of Trying To 'Shamelessly' Turn 'Band' Into 'Solo Project'|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=6 April 2017|access-date=6 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406194002/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/former-ghost-members-accuse-singer-of-trying-to-shamelessly-turn-band-into-solo-project/|archive-date=6 April 2017|url-status=live}} Forge claimed that "no legal partnership" ever existed between the other members and himself; they were paid a fixed salary to perform and execute the band's image as he instructed as "musicians for hire".{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Childers|url=http://loudwire.com/ghost-frontman-response-no-legal-partnership-existed-bandmates/|title=Ghost Frontman's Response Claims 'No Legal Partnership' Existed With Bandmates|work=Loudwire|date=8 June 2017|access-date=3 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170608163521/http://loudwire.com/ghost-frontman-response-no-legal-partnership-existed-bandmates/|archive-date=8 June 2017|url-status=live}} He also stated that he refers to Ghost as a solo project, "Even though I've never wanted it that way, but at the end of the day, that is what it is. I mean, I started it in 2006, and no one that was ever in the band in 2016 was even on the first record. Call it solo, if you want to, but I call it a project." The legal action against Forge is what revealed his identity.{{cite web|first=Vince|last=Neilstein|url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2018/05/02/ghost-frontman-talks-about-being-unmasked/|title=Ghost Frontman Talks About Being Unmasked|work=MetalSucks|date=2 May 2018|access-date=14 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240922175250/https://www.metalsucks.net/2018/05/02/ghost-frontman-talks-about-being-unmasked/|archive-date=22 September 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|first=Steve|last=Appleford|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/ghost-mastermind-tobias-forge-reports-studio-first-unmasked-us-interview/|title=Ghost Mastermind Tobias Forge Reports From Studio in First "Unmasked" U.S. Interview|magazine=Revolver|date=2 February 2018|access-date=14 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415211813/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/ghost-mastermind-tobias-forge-reports-studio-first-unmasked-us-interview/|archive-date=15 April 2024|url-status=live}}

On 24 August 2017, the band released their final music video from Meliora for their song "He Is".{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/video-premiere-ghosts-he-is/|title=Video Premiere: Ghost's 'He Is'|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=24 August 2017|access-date=24 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824220944/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/video-premiere-ghosts-he-is/|archive-date=24 August 2017|url-status=live}} During the final show of the Popestar Tour on 30 September 2017, Papa Emeritus III was dragged off stage at the end of the performance. A new incarnation called "Papa Emeritus Zero" was introduced on stage, later named "Papa Nihil".{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Childers|url=http://loudwire.com/ghost-papa-emeritus-iii-plays-final-show-transition-new-papa-begins/|title=Ghost's Papa Emeritus III Plays Final Show, Transition to New 'Papa' Begins|work=Loudwire|date=1 October 2017|access-date=23 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001172014/http://loudwire.com/ghost-papa-emeritus-iii-plays-final-show-transition-new-papa-begins/|archive-date=1 October 2017|url-status=live}} The band released their first live album titled Ceremony and Devotion digitally on 8 December 2017, with a physical release following on 19 January 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-releases-live-album-digitally-physical-version-out-in-january/|title=Ghost Releases Live Album Digitally; Physical Version Out In January|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=8 December 2017|access-date=11 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208201449/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-releases-live-album-digitally-physical-version-out-in-january/|archive-date=8 December 2017|url-status=live}}

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On 13 April 2018, Ghost released a new single, titled "Rats", along with an accompanying music video.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-to-release-prequelle-album-in-june-video-for-rats-single-available/|title=Ghost To Release 'Prequelle' Album In June; Video For 'Rats' Single Available|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=13 April 2018|access-date=13 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180413185638/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-to-release-prequelle-album-in-june-video-for-rats-single-available/|archive-date=13 April 2018|url-status=live}} This marked the first release from the band, with their "new" frontman Cardinal Copia. Additionally, the band welcomed a new character, saxophonist Papa Nihil, extending Ghost into a septet.{{cite news|first=Remfry|last=Dedman|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jun/07/ghosts-tobias-forge-bands-need-to-be-larger-than-life|title=Ghost's Tobias Forge: 'Bands need to be larger than life'|newspaper=The Guardian|date=7 June 2018|access-date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180607212237/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/jun/07/ghosts-tobias-forge-bands-need-to-be-larger-than-life|archive-date=7 June 2018|url-status=live}} The album was titled Prequelle, and it was released on 1 June 2018. A second song, "Dance Macabre" was released ahead of the album on 17 May, and was later released as the album's second single.{{cite magazine|first=Kevin|last=Rutherford|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8498544/ghost-mainstream-rock-songs-number-1-dance-macabre|title=Ghost Waltzes to Third Mainstream Rock Songs No. 1 With 'Dance Macabre'|magazine=Billboard|date=14 February 2019|access-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/ghost-mainstream-rock-songs-number-1-dance-macabre/|archive-date=19 May 2022|url-status=live}}

To promote the album, Ghost began the Rats! on the Road tour in the US which ran from 5 May until 1 June.{{cite magazine|first=Zoe|last=Camp|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/ghost-unveil-rats-road-north-american-tour|title=Ghost Unveil "Rats! on the Road" North American Tour|magazine=Revolver|date=27 February 2018|access-date=2 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180505233625/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/ghost-unveil-rats-road-north-american-tour|archive-date=5 May 2018|url-status=live}} The band was an opening act for Guns N' Roses in Oslo, Norway on 19 July 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.theprp.com/2018/03/12/news/guns-n-roes-tap-volbeat-gojira-ghost-etc-open-european-tour/|title=Guns N' Roses Tap Volbeat, Gojira, Ghost, Etc. To Open European Tour|work=The PRP|date=12 March 2018|access-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140521/https://www.theprp.com/2018/03/12/news/guns-n-roes-tap-volbeat-gojira-ghost-etc-open-european-tour/|archive-date=12 June 2018|url-status=live}}

Ghost began A Pale Tour Named Death in London, England at Royal Albert Hall on 9 September 2018. A North American tour of the same name began later in the fall that year featuring two headlining arena shows in Los Angeles and New York City.{{cite web|first=Robert|last=Pasbani|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/tour-dates/ghost-announce-two-headlining-arena-shows-in-2018|title=Ghost Announce Two Headlining Arena Shows in 2018|work=Metal Injection|date=30 April 2018|access-date=11 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502064544/https://metalinjection.net/tour-dates/ghost-announce-two-headlining-arena-shows-in-2018|archive-date=2 May 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Kennelty|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/tour-dates/ghosts-new-album-lands-on-3-on-billboard-charts-announce-massive-fall-north-american-tour|title=Ghost's New Album Lands at #3 on Billboard Charts, Announce Massive Fall North American Tour|work=Metal Injection|date=11 June 2018|access-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612140947/http://www.metalinjection.net/tour-dates/ghosts-new-album-lands-on-3-on-billboard-charts-announce-massive-fall-north-american-tour|archive-date=12 June 2018|url-status=live}} An early 2019 European tour of the same name was announced on 10 September 2018.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-announces-february-2019-european-leg-of-a-pale-tour-named-death|title=Ghost Announces February 2019 European Leg Of 'A Pale Tour Named Death'|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=10 September 2018|access-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018031113/https://blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-announces-february-2019-european-leg-of-a-pale-tour-named-death|archive-date=18 October 2018|url-status=live}} In March 2019, the band performed in Australia and Japan as part of Download Festival.{{cite magazine|first=Tom|last=Williams|url=https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/download-festival-australia-2019-lineup-announced/|title=Download Festival Australia 2019 Lineup Announced|magazine=Music Feeds|date=19 September 2018|access-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922041945/https://musicfeeds.com.au/news/download-festival-australia-2019-lineup-announced/|archive-date=22 September 2018|url-status=live}} Ghost was later announced as the opening act for Metallica's WorldWired Tour from May to August 2019.{{cite web|first=Spencer|last=Kaufman|url=https://consequence.net/2018/09/metallica-2019-european-tour-ghost/|title=Metallica announce 2019 European tour with Ghost|work=Consequence|date=24 September 2018|access-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210413222526/https://consequence.net/2018/09/metallica-2019-european-tour-ghost/|archive-date=13 April 2021|url-status=live}} A second North American tour was announced on 1 April 2019, with Nothing More as support.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-announces-fall-2019-north-american-tour-with-nothing-more/|title=Ghost Announces Fall 2019 North American Tour With Nothing More|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=1 April 2019|access-date=1 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401142425/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-announces-fall-2019-north-american-tour-with-nothing-more/|archive-date=1 April 2019|url-status=live}} A European tour at the end of 2019 with All Them Witches and Tribulation was announced on 8 July 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-announces-fall-2019-european-leg-of-the-ultimate-tour-named-death/|title=Ghost Announces Fall 2019 European Leg Of 'The Ultimate Tour Named Death'|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=8 July 2019|access-date=8 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708160115/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-announces-fall-2019-european-leg-of-the-ultimate-tour-named-death/|archive-date=8 July 2019|url-status=live}}

The band released their second music video for the song "Dance Macabre" on 17 October 2018.{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Kennelty|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/video/ghost-goes-old-school-creepy-romantic-in-new-dance-macabre-video|title=Ghost Goes Old School Creepy, Romantic in New "Dance Macabre" Video|work=Metal Injection|date=17 October 2018|access-date=18 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181018201608/http://www.metalinjection.net/video/ghost-goes-old-school-creepy-romantic-in-new-dance-macabre-video|archive-date=18 October 2018|url-status=live}} A third music video, "Faith" was released on 20 December 2018 following the band's first North American leg of their tour.{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-releases-faith-video/|title=Ghost Releases 'Faith' Video|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=20 December 2018|access-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222213117/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-releases-faith-video/|archive-date=22 December 2018|url-status=live}}

Ghost announced their standalone single Kiss the Go-Goat / Mary on a Cross which was released on 13 September 2019 under the title Seven Inches of Satanic Panic. A video for "Kiss the Go-Goat' was released at midnight on September 12 as "Chapter 8" of their ongoing web series.{{cite magazine|first=Kelsey|last=Chapstick|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/hear-ghost-get-groovy-poppy-fun-new-song-kiss-go-goat/|title=Hear Ghost Get Groovy on Poppy, Fun New Song "Kiss the Go-Goat"|magazine=Revolver|date=12 September 2018|access-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913033932/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/hear-ghost-get-groovy-poppy-fun-new-song-kiss-go-goat/|archive-date=13 September 2019|url-status=live}}

In an interview on 25 September 2019, Ghost confirmed that other than one show in Mexico City on 3 March 2020, there would be zero touring next year. The year would be spent working on a new studio album which is expected to be released at the beginning of 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-will-do-absolutely-zero-touring-in-2020-says-tobias-forge/|title=Ghost Will Do 'Absolutely Zero Touring In 2020,' says Tobias Forge|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=25 September 2019|access-date=12 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927002741/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-will-do-absolutely-zero-touring-in-2020-says-tobias-forge/|archive-date=27 September 2019|url-status=live}} At the final show of the tour in support of Prequelle, the band introduced the new frontman for the next album cycle, Papa Emeritus IV to which Tobias Forge had stated would be the next frontman.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-introduces-papa-emeritus-iv-at-final-concert-of-prequelle-album-cycle-video-photos/|title=Ghost Introduces Papa Emeritus IV At Final Concert Of 'Prequelle' Album Cycle: Video, Photos|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=3 March 2020|access-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304043808/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-introduces-papa-emeritus-iv-at-final-concert-of-prequelle-album-cycle-video-photos/|archive-date=4 March 2020|url-status=live}}

File:GhostSanDiego3.jpg

On 8 October 2020, Ghost confirmed that they would release their fifth studio album in winter 2020.{{cite web|first=Lauryn|last=Schaffner|url=https://loudwire.com/ghost-release-new-album-this-winter/|title=Ghost to Release New Album This Winter|work=Loudwire|date=8 October 2020|access-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011112803/https://loudwire.com/ghost-release-new-album-this-winter/|archive-date=11 October 2020|url-status=live}} There was a tour planned for March 2021, but it had been postponed to the fall of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On the same day, the band was given the Music Export Prize of 2019 by the government of Sweden.{{cite web|url=https://nextmosh.com/ghost-music-export-prize-2019/|title=Ghost win the 2019 Music Export Prize in Sweden|work=NextMosh|date=8 October 2020|access-date=24 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201011082012/https://nextmosh.com/ghost-music-export-prize-2019/|archive-date=11 October 2020|url-status=live}} On 21 October 2020, Ghost later announced that they would be entering the recording studio in January to begin recording the album for a late 2021 release.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-to-enter-studio-in-january-new-album-tentatively-due-in-late-2021/|title=Ghost To Enter Studio In January; New Album Tentatively Due In Late 2021|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=21 October 2020|access-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201023014205/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-to-enter-studio-in-january-new-album-tentatively-due-in-late-2021/|archive-date=23 October 2020|url-status=live}} Ghost announced on their Facebook page on 30 December 2020, that 'several big things' were being worked on for 2021, indicating new music and live performances.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-is-working-on-several-big-things-for-2021/|title=Ghost Is 'Working On Several Big Things' For 2021|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=1 January 2021|access-date=1 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101182609/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-is-working-on-several-big-things-for-2021/|archive-date=1 January 2021|url-status=live}}

Papa Emeritus IV made his public debut on the Swedish television game show "På spåret" on 22 January 2021, joining alongside The Hellacopters to perform a cover of the Rolling Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil".{{cite web|first=Hartmann|last=Graham|url=https://loudwire.com/ghosts-papa-emeritus-iv-first-tv-appearance-rolling-stones-sympathy-for-the-devil/|title=Ghost's Papa Emeritus IV Makes First TV Appearance, Sings the Rolling Stones' 'Sympathy for the Devil'|work=Loudwire|date=22 January 2021|access-date=22 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122202841/https://loudwire.com/ghosts-papa-emeritus-iv-first-tv-appearance-rolling-stones-sympathy-for-the-devil/|archive-date=22 January 2021|url-status=live}} Ghost later released a music video for "Life Eternal" on 3 March 2021, which featured live footage from the previous show in Mexico City the year before.{{cite web|first=Bruce|last=Henne|url=https://www.antimusic.com/news/2021/March/04Ghost_Share_Life_Eternal_Video_From_2020_Tour_Finale.shtml|title=Ghost Share 'Life Eternal' Video From 2020 Tour Finale|work=antiMUSIC|date=5 March 2021|access-date=5 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305165339/https://www.antimusic.com/news/2021/March/04Ghost_Share_Life_Eternal_Video_From_2020_Tour_Finale.shtml|archive-date=5 March 2021|url-status=live}} Ghost became a featured artist on Metallica's tribute album The Metallica Blacklist which was released on 10 September 2021, in which they perform "Enter Sandman".{{cite magazine|first=Emily|last=Carter|url=https://www.kerrang.com/the-news/metallica-announce-30th-anniversary-blacklist-album-featuring-miley-cyrus-ghost-weezer-and-more/|title=Metallica announce 'Blacklist' Album feat. Miley Cyrus, Ghost, Weezer, Corey Taylor and more|magazine=Kerrang!|date=22 June 2021|access-date=22 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622142008/https://www.kerrang.com/the-news/metallica-announce-30th-anniversary-blacklist-album-featuring-miley-cyrus-ghost-weezer-and-more/|archive-date=22 June 2021|url-status=live}} On 30 September 2021, the band unveiled their single, "Hunter's Moon", which is featured on the soundtrack of the 2021 slasher film Halloween Kills.{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-releases-first-new-single-in-two-years-hunters-moon/|title=Ghost Is Back With First New Single In Two Years, 'Hunter's Moon'|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=30 September 2021|access-date=30 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930070722/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-releases-first-new-single-in-two-years-hunters-moon/|archive-date=30 September 2021|url-status=live}}

In an interview on 30 October 2021, Forge announced that the concept of the album would be based on "the rise and fall of empires".{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghosts-tobias-forge-reveals-concept-for-bands-upcoming-album/|title=Ghost's Tobias Forge Reveals Concept For Band's Upcoming Album|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=30 October 2021|access-date=17 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211030211833/https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghosts-tobias-forge-reveals-concept-for-bands-upcoming-album/|archive-date=30 October 2021|url-status=live}} On 20 January 2022, the band released the single, "Call Me Little Sunshine" as the second from their fifth studio album, Impera, which was released on 11 March 2022.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/ghost-debut-new-song-call-me-little-sunshine-announce-upcoming-album-impera|title=Ghost Debut New Song "Call Me Little Sunshine," Announce Upcoming Album 'Impera'|magazine=Revolver|date=20 January 2022|access-date=20 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120053519/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/ghost-debut-new-song-call-me-little-sunshine-announce-upcoming-album-impera|archive-date=20 January 2022|url-status=live}} On 2 March 2022, the band released the third single from the album, "Twenties".{{cite web|first=Emperor|last=Rhombus|url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2022/03/02/ghost-release-surprisingly-chuggy-new-single-twenties/|title=Ghost Release Surprisingly Chuggy New Single "Twenties"|work=MetalSucks|date=2 March 2022|access-date=2 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302184157/https://www.metalsucks.net/2022/03/02/ghost-release-surprisingly-chuggy-new-single-twenties/|archive-date=2 March 2022|url-status=live}} On 8 March, the band announced its sponsorship of the JD Motorsports No. 4 Chevrolet Camaro SS driven by Bayley Currey at the 12 March NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Phoenix Raceway.{{cite web|url=https://www.jayski.com/2022/03/08/metal-band-ghost-partners-with-bayley-currey-jd-motorsports-at-phoenix/|title=Metal Band Ghost Partners with Bayley Currey, JD Motorsports at Phoenix|website=Jayski's Silly Season Site|publisher=NASCAR Digital Media, LLC|date=8 March 2022|access-date=9 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308172058/https://www.jayski.com/2022/03/08/metal-band-ghost-partners-with-bayley-currey-jd-motorsports-at-phoenix/|archive-date=8 March 2022|url-status=live}} Ghost would later make an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to perform "Call Me Little Sunshine"{{cite magazine|first=Kat|last=Bouza|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ghost-call-me-little-sunshine-kimmel-1322665/|title=Ghost Performs 'Call Me Little Sunshine' Inside a Mausoleum on 'Kimmel'|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=17 March 2022|access-date=19 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317082924/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ghost-call-me-little-sunshine-kimmel-1322665/|archive-date=17 March 2022|url-status=live}} which had previously been postponed due to touring commitments.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-postpones-jimmy-kimmel-live-appearance/|title=Ghost Postpones 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Appearance|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=21 January 2022|access-date=19 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121094145/https://blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-postpones-jimmy-kimmel-live-appearance/|archive-date=21 January 2022|url-status=live}} On 27 July 2022, the band released a music video for the album's fourth single, "Spillways",{{cite magazine|first=James|last=Wilson-Taylor|url=https://www.rocksound.tv/news/read/ghost-unveil-new-music-video-for-spillways|title=Ghost Unveil New Music Video For 'Spillways'|magazine=Rock Sound|date=27 July 2022|access-date=25 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802195339/https://www.rocksound.tv/news/read/ghost-unveil-new-music-video-for-spillways|archive-date=2 August 2022|url-status=dead}} which was rereleased in January 2023 with Joe Elliott as a featured guest.{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Breihan|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2211721/ghost-spillways-feat-def-leppards-joe-elliott/news/|title=Ghost – "Spillways" (Feat. Def Leppard's Joe Elliott)|work=Stereogum|date=26 January 2023|access-date=2 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126144854/https://www.stereogum.com/2211721/ghost-spillways-feat-def-leppards-joe-elliott/news/|archive-date=26 January 2023|url-status=live}}

Ghost kicked off on the Imperatour in the US from January to March 2022, co-headlining with Volbeat and Twin Temple.{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Childers|url=https://loudwire.com/ghost-volbeat-2022-us-co-headline-tour-dates/|title=Ghost + Volbeat Announce 2022 U.S. Co-Headline Tour Dates|work=Loudwire|date=20 September 2021|access-date=20 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210920212752/https://loudwire.com/ghost-volbeat-2022-us-co-headline-tour-dates/|archive-date=20 September 2021|url-status=live}} Ghost later announced a European tour of the same name on 23 November 2021, with Uncle Acid & the Deadbeats and Twin Temple joining as support.{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Skinner|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/ghost-announce-2022-uk-european-tour-shows-tickets-dates-3102601|title=Ghost announce UK and European tour for 2022|work=NME|date=23 November 2021|access-date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123172301/https://www.nme.com/news/music/ghost-announce-2022-uk-european-tour-shows-tickets-dates-3102601|archive-date=23 November 2021|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Laura|last=Johnson|url=https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/233844/9|title=Ghost To Bring Imperatour To UK And Europe In Spring 2022 – Stereoboard|work=Stereoboard|date=23 November 2021|access-date=23 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123204616/https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/233844/9|archive-date=23 November 2021|url-status=live}} Ghost was featured as a headliner for Hellfest in Clisson, France on 18 June 2022.{{cite web|first=Sam|last=Moore|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/ghost-cut-hellfest-headline-set-short-after-tobias-forge-loses-his-voice-3251510|title=Ghost cut Hellfest headline set short after Tobias Forge loses his voice|work=NME|date=20 June 2022|access-date=25 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202104755/https://www.nme.com/news/music/ghost-cut-hellfest-headline-set-short-after-tobias-forge-loses-his-voice-3251510|archive-date=2 February 2023|url-status=live}} On 17 May 2022, the band announced the second North American leg with Mastodon and Spiritbox as opening acts.{{cite web|first=Calum|last=Slingerland|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/ghost_announce_north_american_tour_with_mastodon_and_spiritbox|title=Ghost Announce North American Tour with Mastodon and Spiritbox|work=Exclaim!|date=17 May 2022|access-date=12 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517171734/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/ghost_announce_north_american_tour_with_mastodon_and_spiritbox|archive-date=17 May 2022|url-status=live}} During an interview on 12 September 2022, Forge confirmed that there would be more touring in 2023,{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/ghosts-tobias-forge-a-lot-of-your-favorite-bands-are-really-suffering-right-now|title=Ghost's Tobias Forge: 'A Lot Of Your Favorite Bands Are Really Suffering' Right Now|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=12 September 2022|access-date=25 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220912205549/https://blabbermouth.net/news/ghosts-tobias-forge-a-lot-of-your-favorite-bands-are-really-suffering-right-now|archive-date=12 September 2022|url-status=live}} and later revealed further touring plans for Asia and Oceania, as well as stating that he was working on the follow-up for Impera.{{cite magazine|first=Joe|last=Daly|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/ghost-tobias-forge-interview-2023-plans|title=Tobias Forge on what 2023 holds for Ghost: "There's going to be a change. Good change"|magazine=Metal Hammer|date=6 January 2023|access-date=6 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106120309/https://www.loudersound.com/features/ghost-tobias-forge-interview-2023-plans|archive-date=6 January 2023|url-status=live}} On 13 February 2023, the band announced that they would be touring the US again from August to September 2023, with Amon Amarth as special guests.{{cite web|first=Paul|last=Brannigan|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/ghost-announce-massive-re-imperatour-arena-run-across-america|title=Ghost announce massive Re-Imperatour arena run across America|magazine=Metal Hammer|date=13 February 2023|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213161605/https://www.loudersound.com/news/ghost-announce-massive-re-imperatour-arena-run-across-america|archive-date=13 February 2023|url-status=live}}

On 1 February 2023, the band temporarily hosted an archival exhibition in Los Angeles, in celebration of the band's "1969 era" which had featured Papa Nihil and other items from that era.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ghostcultmag.com/ghost-to-host-reverence-and-resurrection-an-archival-exhibition-celebrating-the-bands-1969-era-in-los-angeles/|title=Ghost to Host "Reverence and Resurrection" An Archival Exhibition Celebrating The Band's 1969 Era in Los Angeles|magazine=Ghost Cult Magazine|date=31 January 2023|access-date=2 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202170416/https://www.ghostcultmag.com/ghost-to-host-reverence-and-resurrection-an-archival-exhibition-celebrating-the-bands-1969-era-in-los-angeles/|archive-date=2 February 2023|url-status=live}} Upon release of Chapter 16 in the band's web series, speculation began to spread that Papa Emeritus IV will be "killed off" at the end of the Imperatour, following the announcement of a second show at the Kia Forum in Inglewood.{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/it-looks-like-ghost-are-about-to-kill-off-papa-emeritus-iv-in-new-chapter-16-video-tax-season|title=It looks like Ghost are about to kill off Papa Emeritus IV in new Chapter 16 video Tax Season|magazine=Metal Hammer|date=17 February 2023|access-date=20 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217150231/https://www.loudersound.com/news/it-looks-like-ghost-are-about-to-kill-off-papa-emeritus-iv-in-new-chapter-16-video-tax-season|archive-date=17 February 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Emma|last=Wilkes|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/new-ghost-video-suggests-papa-emeritus-iv-will-soon-be-killed-off-3401544|title=New Ghost video suggests Papa Emeritus IV will soon be killed off|work=NME|date=20 February 2023|access-date=20 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230220231941/https://www.nme.com/news/music/new-ghost-video-suggests-papa-emeritus-iv-will-soon-be-killed-off-3401544|archive-date=20 February 2023|url-status=live}} A South American leg was announced on 4 April 2023, which was the band's first time headlining in Brazil and Argentina,{{cite web|first=Hernan|last=Osuna|url=https://chaoszine.net/ghost-announces-south-american-tour/|title=Ghost announces South American tour|work=Chaoszine|date=4 April 2023|access-date=4 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404132021/https://chaoszine.net/ghost-announces-south-american-tour/|archive-date=4 April 2023|url-status=live}} following reports that Ghost would release new music before their second European leg on the Imperatour.{{cite magazine|first=Emily|last=Carter|url=https://www.kerrang.com/tobias-forge-says-there-might-be-new-music-for-next-ghost-tour|title=Tobias Forge says "there might be new music" for next Ghost tour|magazine=Kerrang!|date=27 March 2023|access-date=4 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327113609/https://www.kerrang.com/tobias-forge-says-there-might-be-new-music-for-next-ghost-tour|archive-date=27 March 2023|url-status=live}} Prior to the second Europe leg, the band announced their fourth EP, Phantomime, a covers EP which was supported by a single of the band's cover of Genesis' "Jesus He Knows Me".{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-announces-phantomime-covers-ep-shares-jesus-he-knows-me-music-video|title=Ghost Announces Phantomime Covers EP, Shares 'Jesus He Knows Me' Music Video|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=9 April 2023|access-date=9 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409131448/https://blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-announces-phantomime-covers-ep-shares-jesus-he-knows-me-music-video|archive-date=9 April 2023|url-status=live}} The EP was originally set to be released on 18 May 2023,{{cite web|first=Rachel|last=Brodsky|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2219684/ghost-jesus-he-knows-me-genesis-cover-phantomime/music/|title=Ghost Share Cover Of Genesis' "Jesus He Knows Me": Listen|work=Stereogum|date=9 April 2023|access-date=9 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409135748/https://www.stereogum.com/2219684/ghost-jesus-he-knows-me-genesis-cover-phantomime/music/|archive-date=9 April 2023|url-status=live}} but was postponed to 19 May.{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Kennelty|url=https://metalinjection.net/news/bummer-alert/ghost-delays-digital-release-of-phantomime-by-one-day|title=Ghost Delays Digital Release Of Phantomime By One Day|work=Metal Injection|date=11 May 2023|access-date=25 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240829164030/https://www.stereogum.com/2219684/ghost-jesus-he-knows-me-genesis-cover-phantomime/music/|archive-date=29 August 2024|url-status=live}} Ghost later collaborated with actor Patrick Wilson and released a single of their cover of Shakespears Sister's "Stay", which was released on 7 July 2023 and featured in the 2023 film, Insidious: The Red Door.{{cite web|first=Chris|last=DeVille|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2229367/hear-patrick-wilson-join-ghost-on-shakespears-sister-cover-for-insidious-the-red-door/music/|title=Hear Patrick Wilson Join Ghost On Shakespears Sister Cover For 'Insidious: The Red Door'|work=Stereogum|date=7 July 2023|access-date=10 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710080427/https://www.stereogum.com/2229367/hear-patrick-wilson-join-ghost-on-shakespears-sister-cover-for-insidious-the-red-door/music/|archive-date=10 July 2023|url-status=live}}

On 7 September 2023, the band received its first platinum certification for the single "Mary On A Cross", from their EP, Seven Inches of Satanic Panic.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/ghosts-mary-on-a-cross-single-certified-platinum-in-u-s|title=Ghost's 'Mary On A Cross' Single Certified Platinum In U.S.|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=7 September 2023|access-date=25 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908222403/https://blabbermouth.net/news/ghosts-mary-on-a-cross-single-certified-platinum-in-u-s|archive-date=8 September 2023|url-status=live}} After their performances in South America, the band concluded the Imperatour in October 2023 with three shows in Australia,{{cite web|url=https://www.therockpit.net/2023/ghost-announce-first-australian-headline-tour/|title=Ghost Announce First Australian Headline Tour|website=The Rockpit|date=24 April 2023|access-date=8 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424152023/https://www.therockpit.net/2023/ghost-announce-first-australian-headline-tour/|archive-date=24 April 2023|url-status=live}} in which the Brisbane performance on 7 October 2023 was the final show to feature Papa Emeritus IV.{{cite magazine|first=Eli|last=Enis|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/did-papa-emeritus-iv-play-his-final-ghost-show|title=Did Papa Emeritus IV play his final Ghost show?|magazine=Revolver|date=16 October 2023|access-date=17 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031091813/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/did-papa-emeritus-iv-play-his-final-ghost-show/|archive-date=31 October 2023|url-status=live}} Forge later announced on 11 October 2023, that a Ghost movie was in the works, confirming that the Inglewood performances in September 2023 were filmed.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/tobias-forge-on-upcoming-ghost-movie-its-going-to-be-a-film-with-a-concert-element|title=Tobias Forge On Upcoming Ghost Movie: 'It's Going To Be A Film With A Concert Element'|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=11 October 2023|access-date=17 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012020732/https://blabbermouth.net/news/tobias-forge-on-upcoming-ghost-movie-its-going-to-be-a-film-with-a-concert-element|archive-date=12 October 2023|url-status=live}}

On 1 December 2023, Ghost released a compilation album titled 13 Commandments. This release marked the global release of Meliora Redux's exclusive track "Zenith" via streaming services, whereas before it was only available on physical formats.{{cite magazine|first=Matt|last=Mills|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/ghost-release-13-commandments-compilation|title=Ghost just quietly released a greatest hits album with one very, very rare track|magazine=Metal Hammer|date=1 December 2023|access-date=19 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250122044323/https://www.loudersound.com/news/ghost-release-13-commandments-compilation|archive-date=22 January 2025|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Kennelty|url=https://metalinjection.net/new-music/ghost-finally-streams-meliora-b-side-zenith|title=Ghost Finally Streams Meliora B-Side "Zenith"|work=Metal Injection|date=1 December 2023|access-date=19 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202124818/https://metalinjection.net/new-music/ghost-finally-streams-meliora-b-side-zenith|archive-date=2 December 2023|url-status=live}} In an interview with Metal Hammer on 9 December 2023, Forge confirmed that work on the next studio album had begun, stating that a few songs had been written,{{cite magazine|first=Merlin|last=Alderslade|url=https://www.loudersound.com/news/tobias-forge-new-ghost-album|title=Tobias Forge reveals he's started writing a new Ghost album, explains why he's happy to work with outside writers: "What they all have in common is that they all come from a rock background."|magazine=Metal Hammer|date=9 December 2023|access-date=10 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209180135/https://www.loudersound.com/news/tobias-forge-new-ghost-album|archive-date=9 December 2023|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/tobias-forge-has-a-few-songs-written-for-next-ghost-album|title=Tobias Forge Has 'A Few Songs' Written For Next Ghost Album|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=9 December 2023|access-date=10 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210015824/https://blabbermouth.net/news/tobias-forge-has-a-few-songs-written-for-next-ghost-album|archive-date=10 December 2023|url-status=live}} and later acknowledged in a New Year's message that there was "lots to come" in 2024.{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Kennelty|url=https://metalinjection.net/news/ghost-promises-lots-to-come-this-year|title=Ghost Promises "Lots To Come" This Year|work=Metal Injection|date=2 January 2024|access-date=3 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240103103043/https://metalinjection.net/news/ghost-promises-lots-to-come-this-year|archive-date=3 January 2024|url-status=live}}

The band published a teaser for the movie on 4 April 2024. Without revealing the movie's title, the teaser depicted Papa Emeritus IV on stage and announced that the movie would be released worldwide soon.{{multiref|{{cite magazine|first=Gregory|last=Adams|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/culture/see-first-teaser-upcoming-ghost-feature-film|title=See first teaser for upcoming Ghost feature film|magazine=Revolver|date=4 April 2024|access-date=4 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404160325/https://www.revolvermag.com/culture/see-first-teaser-upcoming-ghost-feature-film/|archive-date=4 April 2024|url-status=live}}|{{cite web|first=Lauryn|last=Schaffner|url=https://loudwire.com/ghost-new-teaser-trailer-famous-horror-movie-reference/|title=Ghost's New Teaser Trailer Has Famous Horror Movie Reference|work=Loudwire|date=4 April 2024|access-date=4 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240404150829/https://loudwire.com/ghost-new-teaser-trailer-famous-horror-movie-reference/|archive-date=4 April 2024|url-status=live}}|{{cite web|first=Jon|last=Hadusek|url=https://consequence.net/2024/04/ghost-band-movie-teaser/|title=Ghost Unveil Teaser for Upcoming Big-Screen Movie: Watch|work=Consequence|date=4 April 2024|access-date=4 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240405012947/https://consequence.net/2024/04/ghost-band-movie-teaser/|archive-date=5 April 2024|url-status=live}}}} Later, the band revealed the film's name, Rite Here Rite Now, which was released on 20 June 2024.{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Kennelty|url=https://metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/ghost-announces-their-highly-anticipated-movie-rite-here-rite-now|title=Ghost Announces Their Highly-Anticipated Movie, Rite Here Rite Now|work=Metal Injection|date=1 May 2024|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501150815/https://metalinjection.net/upcoming-releases/ghost-announces-their-highly-anticipated-movie-rite-here-rite-now|archive-date=1 May 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|first=Gregory|last=Adams|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/culture/ghost-announce-rite-here-rite-now-feature-film|title=Ghost announce 'Rite Here Rite Now' feature film|magazine=Revolver|date=1 May 2024|access-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501152401/https://www.revolvermag.com/culture/ghost-announce-rite-here-rite-now-feature-film|archive-date=1 May 2024|url-status=live}} A single, "The Future Is a Foreign Land", was released on 21 June 2024, a day after the film was released.{{cite web|first=Joe|last=DiVita|url=https://loudwire.com/ghost-future-is-a-foreign-land/|title=Ghost Return to 1969 With Retro-Style New Song About the Future – Wait, What? Listen!|work=Loudwire|date=21 June 2024|access-date=21 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621123350/https://loudwire.com/ghost-future-is-a-foreign-land/|archive-date=21 June 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Chris|last=Deville|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2269126/ghost-the-future-is-a-foreign-land/music/|title=Ghost – "The Future Is A Foreign Land"|work=Stereogum|date=21 June 2024|access-date=23 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621204912/https://www.stereogum.com/2269126/ghost-the-future-is-a-foreign-land/music/|archive-date=21 June 2024|url-status=live}} The soundtrack for the movie was released on 26 July 2024 through Loma Vista Recordings.{{cite magazine|first=Emily|last=Carter|url=https://www.kerrang.com/ghosts-rite-here-rite-now-soundtrack-on-course-for-uk-number-two|title=Ghost's Rite Here Rite Now soundtrack on course for UK Number Two|magazine=Kerrang!|date=30 July 2024|access-date=19 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130084550/https://www.kerrang.com/ghosts-rite-here-rite-now-soundtrack-on-course-for-uk-number-two|archive-date=30 November 2024|url-status=live}}

On 28 October 2024, the band announced a then-untitled world tour beginning in 2025.{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Kennelty|url=https://metalinjection.net/news/ghost-announces-world-tour-seems-to-be-teasing-new-material|title=Ghost Announces World Tour, Seems To Be Teasing New Material|work=Metal Injection|date=28 October 2024|access-date=20 March 2025|archive-url=https://archive.today/20250320015904/https://metalinjection.net/tour-dates/ghost-announces-world-tour-seems-to-be-teasing-new-material|archive-date=20 March 2025|url-status=live}} The tour will begin with its European leg from 15 April to 24 May, followed by the North American leg from 9 July to 16 August.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-announces-2025-world-tour|title=Ghost Announces 2025 World Tour|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=28 October 2024|access-date=19 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121105501/https://blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-announces-2025-world-tour|archive-date=21 November 2024|url-status=live}} It is set to conclude in Mexico City on 25 September, with an additional date already added.{{cite magazine|first=Emily|last=Carter|url=https://www.kerrang.com/ghost-confirm-theyll-add-more-dates-to-their-2025-world-tour|title=Ghost confirm they'll add more dates to their 2025 world tour|magazine=Kerrang!|date=5 November 2024|access-date=19 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203204725/https://www.kerrang.com/ghost-confirm-theyll-add-more-dates-to-their-2025-world-tour|archive-date=3 December 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Tom|last=Skinner|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/ghost-announce-2025-world-tour-with-shows-in-the-uk-europe-us-and-north-america-buy-tickets-3807064|title=Ghost announce 2025 world tour – with shows in the UK, Europe and North America|work=NME|date=28 October 2024|access-date=19 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204060846/https://www.nme.com/news/music/ghost-announce-2025-world-tour-with-shows-in-the-uk-europe-us-and-north-america-buy-tickets-3807064|archive-date=4 December 2024|url-status=live}} The band has also confirmed that more dates will be announced. The tour was later called "Skeletour".{{cite web|first=Hesher|last=Keenan|url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2025/03/05/ghost-unveil-papa-v-perpetuas-badass-look-detail-new-album-skeleta-streams-satanized/|title=Ghost Unveil Papa V Perpetua's Badass Look, Detail New Album Skeletá', Streams "Satanized"|work=MetalSucks|date=5 March 2025|access-date=19 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250306032522/https://www.metalsucks.net/2025/03/05/ghost-unveil-papa-v-perpetuas-badass-look-detail-new-album-skeleta-streams-satanized/|archive-date=6 March 2025|url-status=live}}

Papa V Perpetua was revealed as the new frontman for Ghost on 5 February 2025.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-reveals-new-frontman-for-2025-touring-cycle-papa-v-perpetua|title=Ghost Reveals 'New' Frontman For 2025 Touring Cycle: Papa V Perpetua|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=5 February 2025|access-date=19 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305062951/https://blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-reveals-new-frontman-for-2025-touring-cycle-papa-v-perpetua|archive-date=5 March 2025|url-status=live}} A month later, Ghost released the single, "Satanized", with an accompanied music video, as well as announcing the title of the sixth studio album, Skeletá, which was released on 25 April 2025.{{cite web|first=Jon|last=Hadusek|url=https://consequence.net/2025/03/ghost-new-album-skeleta-single-satanized/|title=Ghost announce new album Skeletá, unveil single "Satanized"|work=Consequence|date=5 March 2025|access-date=19 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305055949/https://consequence.net/2025/03/ghost-new-album-skeleta-single-satanized/|archive-date=5 March 2025|url-status=live}} The album's second single, "Lachryma", was released on 11 April 2025.{{cite magazine|first=Emily|last=Garner|url=https://www.kerrang.com/ghost-teasing-new-single-lachryma-sixth-album-skeleta-tobias-forge-papa-v-perpetua|title=Ghost are teasing a new single, Lachryma|magazine=Kerrang!|date=9 April 2025|access-date=9 April 2025|archive-url=https://archive.today/20250409233823/https://www.kerrang.com/ghost-teasing-new-single-lachryma-sixth-album-skeleta-tobias-forge-papa-v-perpetua|archive-date=9 April 2025|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Hesher|last=Keenan|url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2025/04/09/ghost-release-a-horror-movie-trailer-for-their-next-single-lachryma-coming-this-friday/|title=Ghost Release a Horror Movie Trailer for Their Next Single "Lachryma" Coming This Friday|work=MetalSucks|date=9 April 2025|access-date=9 April 2025|archive-url=https://archive.today/20250409235637/https://www.metalsucks.net/2025/04/01/architects-to-headline-north-american-tour/|archive-date=9 April 2025|url-status=live}} The album's third single, "Peacefield", was released on 22 April 2025.{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-shares-new-song-peacefield-from-upcoming-skeleta-album|title=Ghost Shares New Song 'Peacefield' From Upcoming 'Skeletá' Album|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=22 April 2025|access-date=23 April 2025|archive-url=http://archive.today/2025.04.23-013857/https://blabbermouth.net/news/ghost-shares-new-song-peacefield-from-upcoming-skeleta-album|archive-date=23 April 2025|url-status=live}}

Ghost's music has been categorized in many genres, including hard rock, heavy metal, arena rock, pop rock, doom metal, progressive rock, psychedelic rock, occult rock, shock rock, symphonic metal, and gothic rock.{{refn|group=note|Musical styles:{{columns-list|colwidth=20em|

• "hard rock"{{cite web|first=Rivadavia|last=Eduardo|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/ghost-mn0002616588/biography|title=Ghost Bio|work=AllMusic|access-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240106193129/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/ghost-mn0002616588#biography|archive-date=6 January 2024|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|first=Kory|last=Grow|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/review-ghosts-prequelle-w521126|title=Review: Ghost Are Hard-Rock's Most Interesting Novelty on 'Prequelle'|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=6 June 2018|access-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612144130/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/review-ghosts-prequelle-w521126|archive-date=12 June 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghosts-rats-is-longest-running-no-1-song-on-billboards-mainstream-rock-songs-chart-this-year/|title=Ghost's 'Rats' Is Longest-Running No. 1 Song On Billboard's 'Mainstream Rock Songs' Chart This Year|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=15 August 2018|access-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819162158/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghosts-rats-is-longest-running-no-1-song-on-billboards-mainstream-rock-songs-chart-this-year/|archive-date=19 August 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|first=Mick|last=Stingley|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/ghosts-tobias-forge-interview-arena-tour-8526791/|title=Ghost's Tobias Forge Talks Band's First American Arena Tour and Misconceptions About Satanism|magazine=Billboard|date=8 August 2019|access-date=27 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190808164336/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/8526791/ghosts-tobias-forge-interview-arena-tour/|archive-date=8 August 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Mary|last=Varvaris|url=https://themusic.com.au/features/ghost-tobias-forge-2023-australian-tour-interview/Y9vZd3Z5eHs/08-05-23|title=Ghost's Tobias Forge On 'The Essence Of Evil'|work=the music|date=8 May 2023|access-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520123810/https://themusic.com.au/features/ghost-tobias-forge-2023-australian-tour-interview/Y9vZd3Z5eHs/08-05-23|archive-date=20 May 2023|url-status=live}}
• "heavy metal"{{cite web|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|url=http://loudwire.com/ghost-b-c-infestissumam-album-review/|title=Ghost B.C., 'Infestissumam' – Album Review|work=Loudwire|date=16 April 2013|access-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180607173343/https://loudwire.com/ghost-b-c-infestissumam-album-review/|archive-date=7 June 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Natalie Zina|last=Walschots|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/ghost_bc-opus_eponymous|title=Ghost B.C. Infestissumam|work=Exclaim!|date=12 April 2013|access-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170409111419/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/ghost_bc-opus_eponymous|archive-date=9 April 2017|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Steve|last=Appleford|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/la-et-ms-ghost-mayan-los-angeles-review-20151028-story.html|title=For heavy metal's Ghost, it's always fright night|work=Chicago Tribune|date=27 October 2015|access-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828020515/https://www.chicagotribune.com/la-et-ms-ghost-mayan-los-angeles-review-20151028-story.html|archive-date=28 August 2023|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|first=Lake|last=Schatz|url=https://consequence.net/2018/06/ghost-north-american-tour-dates/|title=Ghost announce massive North American fall tour|work=Consequence|date=11 June 2018|access-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815155018/https://consequence.net/2018/06/ghost-north-american-tour-dates/|archive-date=15 August 2022|url-status=live}}
• "arena rock"{{cite news|first=Jason|last=Roche|url=http://www.laweekly.com/music/iron-maiden-rocked-glen-helen-amphitheater-with-ghost-and-book-of-souls-epics-8389616|title=Iron Maiden Defy Age, Which Is Why They're Still One of Metal's Best Live Acts|newspaper=LA Weekly|date=3 July 2017|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207171607/http://www.laweekly.com/music/iron-maiden-rocked-glen-helen-amphitheater-with-ghost-and-book-of-souls-epics-8389616|archive-date=7 February 2019|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|first=Vince|last=Neilstein|url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2018/05/17/op-ed-ghost-will-be-the-next-big-arena-rock-band-in-metal/|title=Op-Ed: Ghost Will Be the Next Big Arena Rock Band in Metal|work=MetalSucks|date=17 May 2018|access-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120140821/https://www.metalsucks.net/2018/05/17/op-ed-ghost-will-be-the-next-big-arena-rock-band-in-metal/|archive-date=20 January 2022|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Chad|last=Childers|url=https://loudwire.com/tobias-forge-key-how-ghost-became-arena-band/|title=Tobias Forge Reveals the Key to How Ghost Became an Arena Band|work=Loudwire|date=16 September 2022|access-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007055651/https://loudwire.com/tobias-forge-key-how-ghost-became-arena-band/|archive-date=7 October 2022|url-status=live}}
• "pop rock"{{cite web|first=Andrew|last=Massie|url=https://www.therockpit.net/2018/album-review-ghost-prequelle/|title=Album Review: Ghost – Prequelle|work=The Rock Pit|date=23 May 2018|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630113836/https://www.therockpit.net/2018/album-review-ghost-prequelle/|archive-date=30 June 2018|url-status=live}}
• "doom metal"{{cite web|first=Jenny|last=Stevens|url=https://www.nme.com/news/foo-fighters/68272|title=Dave Grohl drums on ABBA cover with doom metal band Ghost|work=NME|date=21 January 2013|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191112014647/https://www.nme.com/news/music/foo-fighters-269-1261124|archive-date=12 November 2019|url-status=dead}}
• "progressive rock"{{cite web|first=Dom|last=Lawson|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/apr/11/ghost-infestissumam-review|title=Ghost: Infestissumam – review|work=The Guardian|date=11 April 2013|access-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230120020040/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2013/apr/11/ghost-infestissumam-review|archive-date=20 January 2023|url-status=live}}
• "psychedelic rock"{{cite magazine|first=Neil|last=Arnold|url=http://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/album-review-ghost-infestissumam/|title=Ghost – Infestissumam|magazine=Metal Forces|access-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325083256/http://www.metalforcesmagazine.com/site/album-review-ghost-infestissumam/|archive-date=25 March 2022|url-status=live}}
• "occult rock"{{cite web|first=Dom|last=Lawson|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/nov/24/occult-rock-black-widow-ghost|title=Occult rock: do you believe in black magic?|work=The Guardian|date=24 November 2011|access-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404162134/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2011/nov/24/occult-rock-black-widow-ghost|archive-date=4 April 2023|url-status=live}}
• "shock rock"{{cite web|first=Lauryn|last=Schaffner|url=https://loudwire.com/ghost-tobias-forge-rather-be-rammstein-than-pearl-jam|title=Ghost's Tobias Forge – I'd Rather Be Rammstein Than Pearl Jam|work=Loudwire|date=8 April 2022|access-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331040343/https://loudwire.com/ghost-tobias-forge-rather-be-rammstein-than-pearl-jam/|archive-date=31 March 2023|url-status=live}}
• "symphonic metal"{{cite news|first=Chris|last=Lord|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/apr/11/ghost-review-rocknroll-pyro-pantomime-is-hellishly-good-fun|title=Ghost review – rock'n'roll pyro pantomime is hellishly good fun|newspaper=The Guardian|date=11 April 2022|access-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715093830/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/apr/11/ghost-review-rocknroll-pyro-pantomime-is-hellishly-good-fun|archive-date=15 July 2022|url-status=live}}
• "gothic rock"{{cite magazine|first=Christopher|last=Krovatin|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/9k8qbe/ghost-is-the-most-try-hard-satanic-rock-band-on-earth|title=Ghost Is The Most Try-Hard Satanic Rock Band On Earth|magazine=Vice|date=31 May 2018|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616063657/https://www.vice.com/en/article/9k8qbe/ghost-is-the-most-try-hard-satanic-rock-band-on-earth|archive-date=16 June 2023|url-status=live}}

}}}}

Adrien Begrand of PopMatters stated that Ghost recalls "the early sounds of Black Sabbath, Pentagram, and Judas Priest, as well as the progressive and psychedelic rock of the late '60s."{{cite web|first=Adrien|last=Begrand|url=https://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/132786-ghost-opus-eponymous/|title=Ghost: Opus Eponymous|work=PopMatters|date=2 December 2010|access-date=27 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101212202600/https://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/132786-ghost-opus-eponymous/|archive-date=12 December 2010|url-status=dead}} Speaking to Noisey.com, a Nameless Ghoul described Ghost as a black metal band in the traditional sense, but said that they probably do not fit into the norms of the current black metal scene. This Nameless Ghoul described Ghost's music as a mix between pop music and death metal.{{YouTube|YcSM7GQywVI|Talking To Ghost About The Beach Boys – Noisey Meets Ghost #12}}

In an interview, a Nameless Ghoul said they are influenced by "everything ranging from classic rock to the extreme underground metal bands of the '80s to film scores to the grandeur of emotional harmonic music." A member of the band said the Swedish and Scandinavian black metal movement of the early '90s plays a major role in their act, and said that each member has come from a metal background. However, the band has stated several times that they do not aim to be a metal band. For their second album, Ghost chose a more diverse songwriting style; a member said, "we tried to deliberately have every song have its own signature."{{cite news|first=Scott|last=Mervis|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/ae/music/preview-ghost-bc-to-haunt-an-old-church-687762/#ixzz2TVhlAhpE|title=Preview: Ghost B.C. to haunt an old church|newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=16 May 2013|access-date=27 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102184930/http://www.post-gazette.com/music/2013/05/16/Preview-Ghost-B-C-to-haunt-an-old-church/stories/201305160261|archive-date=2 November 2013|url-status=dead}}

Only a few members actually write songs.{{cite web|first=Natalie Zina|last=Walschots|url=http://exclaim.ca/Interviews/WebExclusive/ghost/Page/1|title=Ghost|work=Exclaim!|date=15 April 2013|access-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302001627/http://exclaim.ca/music/article/ghost|archive-date=2 March 2016|url-status=dead}} The writers compose an acoustic outline of songs before other instrumentation is added so it sounds like a group, rather than being dominated by guitar. In 2017, Forge claimed that he was the main author of every song except "Year Zero" and "Zenith", which were Persner's ideas. Asked how he keeps Ghost's sound intact despite large lineup changes, Forge said he has to teach them to play like he does; explaining that while he is a good guitar player, he is only an "okay" drummer, bassist and keyboardist. So it is a matter of getting them to "underperform [laughs] together."

{{listen | filename = Ghost - Year Zero.ogg | title = "Year Zero" | type = music| description = Sample of "Year Zero", featuring a chorus naming Satan and other several aliases for the Devil or other demons; "Belial, Behemoth, Beelzebub, Asmodeus, Satanas, Lucifer."}}

Their lyrics are often Satanic in nature; one Ghoul said, "the first album is about the forthcoming arrival of the Devil, spoken very much in biblical terms, much like the church will say that doomsday is near. [Infestissumam] is about the presence of the Devil and the presence of the Antichrist."{{cite web|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|url=http://loudwire.com/nameless-ghoul-ghost-b-c-infestissumam-the-devil-more/|title=A Nameless Ghoul From Ghost B.C. Speaks About 'Infestissumam,' the Devil + More|work=Loudwire|date=21 May 2013|access-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706100551/http://loudwire.com/nameless-ghoul-ghost-b-c-infestissumam-the-devil-more/|archive-date=6 July 2022|url-status=live}} However, the band has said several times their image is all tongue-in-cheek, citing that "We have no militant agenda. We are an entertainment group." The band uses humor during their shows. Infestissumam also deals with "how people relate to a deity or God, themes like submission and superstition, the horrors of being religious." Additionally, a Nameless Ghoul said the second album is about "how mankind{{mdash}}predominantly men{{mdash}}what they have deemed to be the presence of the Devil, throughout history and even nowadays. And that's why the record is so fueled with sexual themes and females ... the Inquisition was basically men accusing women of being the Devil just because they had a hard-on for them." The group's theatrics are influenced by Kiss, David Bowie and Alice Cooper, but a member said they are more influenced by Pink Floyd. A Ghoul later cited Death SS as an influence on their "gimmick" but not their music.{{cite web|first=Graham|last=Hartmann|url=http://loudwire.com/nameless-ghoul-from-ghost-wikipedia-fact-or-fiction/|title=A Nameless Ghoul From Ghost Plays 'Wikipedia: Fact or Fiction?'|work=Loudwire|date=7 October 2015|access-date=29 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605033824/https://loudwire.com/nameless-ghoul-from-ghost-wikipedia-fact-or-fiction/|archive-date=5 June 2023|url-status=live}}

File:Ghost Getaway Rock Festival.jpg

Ghost's Satanic theme has proven problematic for the group, especially in the US. While recording Infestissumam in Nashville, Tennessee, they were unable to find choral singers who would sing their lyrics, forcing them to record the parts in Hollywood.{{cite web|first=Adrien|last=Begrand|url=http://social.entertainment.msn.com/music/blogs/blog--an-interview-with-ghost-bc|title=An interview with Ghost B.C|publisher=MSN|date=17 April 2013|access-date=4 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525185739/http://social.entertainment.msn.com/music/blogs/blog--an-interview-with-ghost-bc|archive-date=25 May 2013|url-status=dead}} The group was unable to find a record manufacturer in the US to press the album because it featured artwork showing nudity, which resulted in a delay to the album's release. When one interviewer suggested that the band's music had become more "radio-friendly" and that they were being accepted into the US mainstream, a Nameless Ghoul replied that in the US their music was banned from major chain stores, most late-night television shows, and most commercial radio stations. He said, "So, yes, mainstream America is absolutely welcoming us with open legs."{{cite magazine|first=Josh|last=Stockinger|url=http://alarm-magazine.com/2013/qa-ghost-bc-on-orgiastic-art-and-abbas-infernal-fate/|title=Q&A: Ghost BC on orgiastic art and ABBA's infernal fate|magazine=Alarm|date=28 May 2013|access-date=25 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102124137/http://alarm-magazine.com/2013/qa-ghost-bc-on-orgiastic-art-and-abbas-infernal-fate/|archive-date=2 November 2013|url-status=live}} During an interview with Loudwire in October 2015, a band member stated that {{as of|2015|lc=y}}, the US had become more accepting of their music and imagery, further evidenced by their appearance as the main musical guests on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on 30 October 2015, during a Halloween-themed episode. This was Ghost's first live television appearance in the US.{{cite web|first=Joe|last=DiVita|url=https://loudwire.com/ghost-perform-cirice-on-the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert/|title=Ghost Perform ‘Cirice’ on ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’|work=Loudwire|date=31 October 2015|access-date=25 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151102012731/https://loudwire.com/ghost-perform-cirice-on-the-late-show-with-stephen-colbert/|archive-date=2 November 2015|url-status=live}}

Chicago heavy metal-themed restaurant Kuma's Corner added a hamburger called "The Ghost" to its menu in tribute to Ghost. Its recipe includes goat shoulder, red wine reduction, and a communion wafer. A local Catholic food blogger acknowledged that while the unconsecrated wafer is not the Eucharist, it is still symbolic, and that "it is a mockery of something that is holy". The restaurant's owner acknowledged the controversy and stated they respected religion while refusing to remove the burger, citing the First Amendment. To demonstrate his respect for opposing views, he also donated $1,500 to Catholic Charities of the Chicago Archdiocese.{{cite magazine|first=Chris|last=Martins|url=https://www.spin.com/2013/10/ghost-bc-burger-communion-wine-wafer-christ-kumas/|title=Ghost B.C. Burger Makes the Body of Christ More Delicious Than Ever|magazine=Spin|date=4 October 2013|access-date=25 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701081009/https://www.spin.com/2013/10/ghost-bc-burger-communion-wine-wafer-christ-kumas/|archive-date=1 July 2015|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2013/10/04/after-burger-controversy-kumas-donates-to-catholic-charities/|title=After burger controversy, Kuma's donates to Catholic Charities|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=4 October 2013|access-date=26 March 2025|archive-url=https://archive.today/20250326015440/https://www.chicagotribune.com/2013/10/04/after-burger-controversy-kumas-donates-to-catholic-charities/|archive-date=26 March 2025|url-status=live}}

• Tobias Forge – lead vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, percussion (2008–present)
• Papa (2010–2017; 2020–present)
• Emeritus I (2010–2012)
• Emeritus II (2012–2015)
• Emeritus III (2015–2017)
• Emeritus IV (2020–2025)
• V Perpetua (2025–present)
• Cardinal Copia – vocals performance (2018–2020)
• A Group of Nameless Ghouls – guitars, bass, keytars, drums, percussion, keyboards, organ, synthesizers, backing and choir vocals (2010–present)
• Papa Nihil – saxophone (2018–2020; 2022–present)

The members of Ghost mimic the Roman Catholic Church, but have reversed the image to worship Satan instead of the Holy Trinity.{{cite web|first=Brandon|last=Stosuy|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/show-no-mercy/9107-ghost-bc/|title=Show No Mercy: Ghost B.C|work=Pitchfork|date=12 April 2013|access-date=22 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414050719/https://pitchfork.com/features/show-no-mercy/9107-ghost-bc/|archive-date=14 April 2013|url-status=live}} From 2010 to 2017, the band's instrumentalists, referred to as the "Nameless Ghouls", each represented one of the five elements, typically attached to their instrumental role; the lead guitarist was fire, the bassist was water, the keyboardist was wind, the drummer was earth, and the rhythm guitarist was ether,{{cite magazine|first=Kyle|last=McGovern|url=https://www.spin.com/2013/04/ghost-bc-reddit-ama-infestissumam-secret-identities/|title=Members of Ghost B.C. Keep Their Identities Secret Through Bribes|magazine=Spin|date=15 April 2013|access-date=29 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413065335/https://www.spin.com/2013/04/ghost-bc-reddit-ama-infestissumam-secret-identities/|archive-date=13 April 2024|url-status=live}} and wore their respective alchemical symbol on their instruments. With Meliora each Nameless Ghoul had all five elemental symbols embroidered on the right breast of their costumes, with the elemental symbol representing the individual Ghoul being highlighted to show the identity of the wearer. In 2018, the band's line-up was expanded to include a third guitarist, two female keyboardists referred to as the "Ghoulettes", and Papa Nihil on saxophone.{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghosts-tobias-forge-on-lawsuit-its-always-alarming-when-you-have-people-working-diligently-to-destroy-your-life/|title=Ghost's Tobias Forge On Lawsuit: 'It's Always Alarming When You Have People Working Diligently To Destroy Your Life'|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=25 May 2018|access-date=29 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241212005119/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/ghosts-tobias-forge-on-lawsuit-its-always-alarming-when-you-have-people-working-diligently-to-destroy-your-life/|archive-date=12 December 2024|url-status=live}}

{{See also|Tobias Forge#Ghost}}

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The group's vocalist usually portrays the band's mascot character, a Satanic priest known as Papa Emeritus. There have been four different characters taking the name Papa Emeritus. They first welcomed the second Papa Emeritus on 12 December 2012, in Linköping. On 3 June 2015, the second Papa Emeritus welcomed his younger brother as the new Papa Emeritus in Linköping after being "fired" due to not performing his duty in overthrowing governments and churches. Papa Emeritus II and Papa Emeritus III were stated to only have a 3-month difference in age. On 30 September 2017 during a show in Gothenburg, Papa Emeritus III was dragged off stage by two men, who then escorted a new character, Papa Emeritus 0, to the stage to introduce the band's next chapter. Papa Emeritus 0 is portrayed as being significantly older than the previous Papas, making use of a walker and oxygen tank whilst walking on stage. On 19 January 2018, the band shared a video that features a character, implied to be Papa Emeritus IV, listening to Ceremony and Devotion on 8-track tape while critiquing Papa Emeritus III's vocal abilities. The character's face is hidden offscreen, but he is shown to wear red vestments similar to a cardinal priest. He was later revealed to be Cardinal Copia.{{cite magazine|url=http://noisey.vice.com/noisey-specials/ghost-bc-ep-1|title=Swedish Heavy Metal Band Ghost "Gets Very Euro-Trashy" on the Tour Bus|magazine=Vice|date=11 September 2013|access-date=29 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131101234404/http://noisey.vice.com/noisey-specials/ghost-bc-ep-1|archive-date=1 November 2013|url-status=dead}} At the final show of the tour in support of Prequelle, Papa Nihil had collapsed and "died", and Cardinal Copia became Papa Emeritus IV. Papa Nihil was later resurrected during the European leg of the Imperatour.{{cite magazine|first=Merlin|last=Alderslade|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/satanic-sermons-and-sax-solos-inside-ghosts-first-uk-show-in-two-and-a-half-years|title=Satanic sermons and sax solos: inside Ghost's first post-Impera headline show |magazine=Metal Hammer|date=11 April 2022|access-date=11 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411100851/https://www.loudersound.com/features/satanic-sermons-and-sax-solos-inside-ghosts-first-uk-show-in-two-and-a-half-years|archive-date=11 April 2022|url-status=live}} In March 2025, the band announced in social media that Papa V Perpetua was to be their next frontman.{{cite magazine|first=Gregory|last=Adams|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/news/ghost-set-to-reveal-satanized-new-frontman-papa-v-perpetua/|title=Ghost set to reveal "Satanized" new frontman Papa V Perpetua|magazine=Revolver|date=4 March 2025|access-date=26 April 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305104228/https://www.revolvermag.com/news/ghost-set-to-reveal-satanized-new-frontman-papa-v-perpetua/|archive-date=5 March 2025|url-status=live}} All versions of Papa are actually the same vocalist, Tobias Forge.{{cite web|url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2018/01/19/video-papa-emeritus-iv-listens-to-ghosts-ceremony-and-devotion-on-8-track/|title=Video: Papa Emeritus IV Listens to Ghost's Ceremony and Devotion on 8-Track|work=MetalSucks|date=19 January 2017|access-date=3 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203181551/http://www.metalsucks.net/2018/01/19/video-papa-emeritus-iv-listens-to-ghosts-ceremony-and-devotion-on-8-track/|archive-date=3 February 2018|url-status=live}}

Peter Hällje, a former bandmate of former Ghost member Martin Persner, claimed he designed the Papa Emeritus character in 2005, prior to the formation of Ghost. Hällje never performed as Papa Emeritus and agreed with Persner to let him use the character for his then-new band. His claim was later confirmed by Forge.

File:Ghost - Wacken Open Air 2018-4856.jpg

In April 2018, it was revealed that the "new leader" of Ghost would be Cardinal Copia, who made his live debut with the group at a private acoustic show on 6 April; he is not a part of the Papa Emeritus lineage. Instead, Forge described the situation as "That's why we have a new guy," Forge explains. "The Cardinal is not the boss. He's just the toastmaster. A cardinal is junior to a pope figure. We still have Papa Emeritus [Zero, a.k.a. Papa Nihil] but he's passing on. He needs to teach the Cardinal to become a pope, to earn his skull paint."{{cite magazine|author=J. Bennett|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/ghost-true-story-death-religion-and-rock-roll-behind-metals-strangest-band|title=Ghost: The True Story of Death, Religion and Rock & Roll Behind Metal's Strangest Band|magazine=Revolver|date=29 May 2018|access-date=8 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614032856/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/ghost-true-story-death-religion-and-rock-roll-behind-metals-strangest-band/|archive-date=14 June 2018|url-status=live}}

Copia's costume consists of either cardinal vestments or a black or white tuxedo; he also sports a prosthetic mask with black eye makeup and multi-colored eyes, as with the prior Papa Emeritus characters.

In promotion for their 2018 US tour, a video showed that Papa Emeritus one through three had been killed and their bodies embalmed.{{cite magazine|first=Chad|last=Childers|url=http://loudwire.com/ghost-papa-emeritus-i-ii-iii-dead/|title=Ghost's Papa Emeritus I, II & III Are Dead|work=Loudwire|date=30 April 2018|access-date=11 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502033233/http://loudwire.com/ghost-papa-emeritus-i-ii-iii-dead/|archive-date=2 May 2018|url-status=live}} In an interview the following month, Forge stated that unlike Ghost's previous frontmen, Cardinal Copia is planned to be around for about five years.{{cite magazine|first=Toni|last=Gonzalez|url=http://loudwire.com/ghost-like-star-wars-tobias-forge-explains/|title=Ghost Are Like 'Star Wars': Tobias Forge Explains|work=Loudwire|date=9 May 2018|access-date=11 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180511225359/http://loudwire.com/ghost-like-star-wars-tobias-forge-explains/|archive-date=11 May 2018|url-status=live}} The band also welcomed Papa Nihil, the first band member besides Forge to receive a character name. Originally introduced as Papa Emeritus Zero, Nihil is the ancestor of all previous Papa Emeritus characters, and after the "deaths" of his descendants, was the only surviving member of the Papa Emeritus lineage that we know of. During the final show of the tour in support of Prequelle, Cardinal Copia was "elevated" to become Papa Emeritus IV.{{cite web|first=Joe|last=DiVita|url=https://loudwire.com/ghost-papa-emeritus-iv-new-singer/|title=Ghost's Cardinal Copia Out, Papa Emeritus IV Introduced As New Singer|work=Loudwire|date=4 March 2020|access-date=29 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305191940/https://loudwire.com/ghost-papa-emeritus-iv-new-singer/|archive-date=5 March 2025|url-status=live}}

File:Ghost - Austin 2016 5.jpg

Anonymity is a major characteristic of Ghost; prior to 2017, the members had not publicly revealed their names, and the group's five instrumentalists are only referred to as "Nameless Ghouls". During signings, the Nameless Ghouls sign the merchandise by stamping their individual alchemical symbol, while Papa Emeritus signs with his stage name or the letters "P.E." One Ghoul said the idea that the band's members remain anonymous to gain attention is a misconception, and that the idea was to remove their personalities to allow their audiences to focus upon the artwork itself. He also said, "Had not the music been rocking, I don't think that people would have gone gaga just about our looks". In 2011, a Nameless Ghoul said, "We're often mistaken for roadies, which is helpful. We've almost been thrown out of venues we've played. Forgetting our backstage pass is a big problem."{{cite web|author=Justin M. Norton|url=http://www.hellbound.ca/2011/12/ghost-the-hellbound-interview/|title=Ghost: The Hellbound Interview|work=Hell Bound|date=12 December 2011|access-date=10 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110151141/http://www.hellbound.ca/2011/12/ghost-the-hellbound-interview/|archive-date=10 January 2012|url-status=live}} In early 2012, a member of the band said he enjoyed being an individual and that he could easily "step outside the bubble" when he wanted to. In May 2013, a Ghoul disclosed that they had started to reveal their membership in the group to their local friends and family "for house peace."{{cite news|first=Scott|last=Mervis|url=https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2013/05/16/Preview-Ghost-B-C-to-haunt-an-old-church/stories/201305160261|title=Preview: Ghost B.C. to haunt an old church|newspaper=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|date=16 May 2013|access-date=17 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126121807/https://www.post-gazette.com/ae/music/2013/05/16/Preview-Ghost-B-C-to-haunt-an-old-church/stories/201305160261|archive-date=26 November 2015|url-status=live}}

In an August 2013 interview with Jack Osbourne for Fuse News, a member of the band said that Dave Grohl has dressed up as a Nameless Ghoul and secretly performed with Ghost.{{cite web|url=http://www.fuse.tv/videos/2013/08/lollapalooza-2013-ghost-bc-interview|title=Dave Grohl Wears Hooded Robe to Play With Swede Metalheads Ghost B.C.|publisher=Fuse|date=10 August 2013|access-date=30 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250220000236/http://www.fuse.tv/videos/2013/08/lollapalooza-2013-ghost-bc-interview|archive-date=20 February 2025|url-status=live}} In April 2014, a Nameless Ghoul revealed that the group has had several member changes through the years.{{cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDkzumtQBmQ|title=Ghost B.C. Interview – Nameless Ghoul|medium=web video|date=28 April 2014|access-date=5 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419085645/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDkzumtQBmQ|archive-date=19 April 2016|url-status=dead|time=8:04|publisher=Consequence|quote=We've changed members through the years actually...}}

The Swedish Performing Rights Society was rumored to have Tobias Forge, vocalist of Swedish bands Subvision and Repugnant and former guitarist for Crashdïet (using the alias Mary Goore in the latter two), credited with songs as "A Ghoul Writer".{{cite web|first=Zach|last=Shaw|url=http://www.metalinsider.net/mystery-solved/ghost-frontman%E2%80%99s-identity-revealed|title=Ghost Frontman's Identity Revealed Tobias Forge|work=Metal Insider|date=22 August 2011|access-date=30 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811095956/http://www.metalinsider.net/mystery-solved/ghost-frontman%E2%80%99s-identity-revealed|archive-date=11 August 2024|url-status=live}} All of the band's songs are credited to "A Ghoul Writer", causing people to suspect that Forge was Papa Emeritus. The online database for US-based performance rights society ASCAP, when having the name Tobias Forge entered into its search box, revealed all of Ghost's original songs (even though many of the tracks use the pseudonym "A Ghoul Writer" in the database itself){{cite web|url=https://www.ascap.com/ace/#ace/writer/293703355/FORGE%20TOBIAS%20JENS|title=ASCAP database of all songs written by Tobias Forge/A Ghoul Writer|publisher=ASCAP|access-date=21 October 2018}} At the time, Ghost stated they would not comment on any rumors of their identities. Following a lawsuit in 2017, Forge's identity as Papa Emeritus was revealed.

In March 2017, Swedish musician Martin Persner of the band Magna Carta Cartel claimed in a short video clip that he was the rhythm guitarist, also known as Omega, from 2009 to July 2016. This marked the first time that someone has publicly identified themselves as a member of Ghost.{{cite web|first=Robert|last=Pasbani|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/latest-news/breakups/former-ghost-nameless-ghoul-reveals-himself-to-be-swedish-musician-martin-persner|title=Former Ghost Nameless Ghoul Reveals Himself To Be Swedish Musician Martin Persner|work=Metal Injection|date=2 March 2017|access-date=30 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180307230957/http://www.metalinjection.net/latest-news/breakups/former-ghost-nameless-ghoul-reveals-himself-to-be-swedish-musician-martin-persner|archive-date=7 March 2018|url-status=live}} A few months before Persner's announcement, the band recruited a new bass player who was suspected to be Lez Zeppelin bassist Megan Thomas, later confirmed by Forge.{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Kennelty|url=http://www.metalinjection.net/shocking-revelations/the-internet-has-figured-out-who-ghosts-female-bassist-is|title=The Internet Has Figured Out Who Ghost's Female Bassist Is|work=Metal Injection|date=26 September 2016|access-date=30 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240524101858/http://www.metalinjection.net/shocking-revelations/the-internet-has-figured-out-who-ghosts-female-bassist-is|archive-date=24 May 2024|url-status=live}} A lawsuit against Forge in April 2017 on behalf of four past members revealed their names, as well as the names of several more past members. When asked about the complete lineup change at the end of 2016, Forge stated that Ghost "was always sort of... I guess a Bathory sort of band, where there was people playing live, and the people playing live [were] not necessarily the same that played on the records."{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/tobias-forge-a-k-a-papa-emeritus-ghost-was-never-formed-as-a-band/|title=Tobias Forge (a.k.a. Papa Emeritus): 'Ghost Was Never Formed As A Band'|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=22 April 2017|access-date=19 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425003917/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/tobias-forge-a-k-a-papa-emeritus-ghost-was-never-formed-as-a-band/|archive-date=25 April 2017|url-status=live}} The lawsuit was dismissed by the court on 17 October 2018.{{cite web|first=Greg|last=Kennelty|url=https://metalinjection.net/its-just-business/lawsuit-against-ghost-frontman-by-ex-band-dismissed-by-swedish-court|title=Lawsuit Against Ghost Frontman By Ex-Band Dismissed By Swedish Court|work=Metal Injection|date=17 October 2018|access-date=30 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130090251/https://metalinjection.net/its-just-business/lawsuit-against-ghost-frontman-by-ex-band-dismissed-by-swedish-court|archive-date=30 November 2024|url-status=live}}

As a band with a unique and complex theatrical presentation,{{cite magazine|first=Merlin|last=Alderslade|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-ghost-family-tree|title=Ghost: the definitive guide to every member of their crazy universe|magazine=Metal Hammer|date=8 March 2022|access-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308080529/https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-ghost-family-tree|archive-date=8 March 2022|url-status=live}} the musicians in Ghost's live performances do not perform as themselves, but each play a character. Emphasis is placed on the singer, currently "Papa V Perpetua".{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Rolli|url=https://loudwire.com/ghost-perpetua-meaning/|title=What Is the Meaning of Perpetua, Name of Ghost’s New Frontman?|work=Loudwire|date=5 March 2025|access-date=31 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250305214304/https://loudwire.com/ghost-perpetua-meaning/|archive-date=5 March 2025|url-status=live}} The rest of the band are officially deemed "Nameless Ghouls"{{cite web|first=Joe|last=DiVita|url=https://loudwire.com/ghosts-current-nameless-ghouls-have-been-identified-see-unmasked-photo/|title=Ghost’s Current Nameless Ghouls Have Been Identified, See Unmasked Photo|work=Loudwire|date=20 May 2022|access-date=31 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250218042722/https://loudwire.com/ghosts-current-nameless-ghouls-have-been-identified-see-unmasked-photo/|archive-date=18 February 2025|url-status=live}} but there are general categories based on the roles of each of the "ghouls". The five classical elements of fire, earth, water, air, and aether were originally used to identify the ghouls{{cite magazine|first=Kyle|last=McGovern|url=https://www.spin.com/2013/04/ghost-bc-reddit-ama-infestissumam-secret-identities/|title=Members of Ghost B.C. Keep Identities Secret Through Bribes|magazine=Spin|date=16 April 2013|access-date=31 March 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413065335/https://www.spin.com/2013/04/ghost-bc-reddit-ama-infestissumam-secret-identities/|archive-date=13 April 2024|url-status=live}} with symbol patches on each ghoul's stage outfit,{{CN|date=March 2025}} but with the touring cycle coinciding with the 2018 release of Prequelle, the live lineup expanded to include 7 ghouls, and thus the elemental symbols were no longer displayed or officially used.{{CN|date=March 2025}}

The tour cycle in support of Impera saw the live lineup expand to include a total of 8 ghouls. Two ghouls, referred to as "Aether" and "Sunshine" by fans, departed mid-cycle and were replaced by "Phantom" and "Aurora" respectively.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw5xGEbqrCE|title=Nuevo Ghoul en el regreso del Imperatour (Informe)|date=21 May 2023|access-date=24 December 2023}}

As a general rule, Ghost does not directly identify any of the ghouls through their official accounts or spokespeople, but in recent years, they have become more relaxed in allowing this information to become public.{{cite web|first=Joe|last=DiVita|url=https://loudwire.com/ghosts-current-nameless-ghouls-have-been-identified-see-unmasked-photo/|title=Ghost's Current Nameless Ghouls Have Been Identified, See Unmasked Photo|work=Loudwire|date=20 May 2022|access-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520134319/https://loudwire.com/ghosts-current-nameless-ghouls-have-been-identified-see-unmasked-photo/|archive-date=20 May 2022|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/ghosts-imperatour-nameless-ghouls-identified-unmasked-photo-available|title=Ghost's 'Imperatour' Nameless Ghouls Identified; 'Unmasked' Photo Available|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=19 May 2022|access-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519222840/https://blabbermouth.net/news/ghosts-imperatour-nameless-ghouls-identified-unmasked-photo-available|archive-date=19 May 2022|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Robert|last=Pasbani|url=https://metalinjection.net/news/breakups/former-ghost-nameless-ghoul-reveals-himself-to-be-swedish-musician-martin-persner|title=Former Ghost Nameless Ghoul Reveals Himself To Be Swedish Musician Martin Persner|work=Metal Injection|date=2 March 2017|access-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025064447/https://metalinjection.net/news/breakups/former-ghost-nameless-ghoul-reveals-himself-to-be-swedish-musician-martin-persner|archive-date=25 October 2020|url-status=live}}{{cite web|first=Robert|last=Pasbani|url=https://metalinjection.net/metal-crimes/former-nameless-ghoul-explains-lawsuit-against-ghosts-papa-emeritus-reveals-other-former-ghouls-identity|title=Former Nameless Ghoul Explains Lawsuit Against Ghost's Papa Emeritus, Reveals Other Former Ghouls' Identity|work=Metal Injection|date=6 April 2017|access-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406215520/https://metalinjection.net/metal-crimes/former-nameless-ghoul-explains-lawsuit-against-ghosts-papa-emeritus-reveals-other-former-ghouls-identity|archive-date=6 April 2017|url-status=live}} Because of the band's long-standing practice of using NDAs,{{cite magazine|author=J. Bennett|url=https://www.revolvermag.com/music/ghost-true-story-death-religion-and-rock-roll-behind-metals-strangest-band|title=Ghost: The True Story of Death, Religion and Rock & Roll Behind Metal's Strangest Band|magazine=Revolver|date=29 May 2018|access-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180529191735/https://www.revolvermag.com/music/ghost-true-story-death-religion-and-rock-roll-behind-metals-strangest-band|archive-date=29 May 2018|url-status=live}} the ghouls are not allowed to discuss their involvement in the band publicly while they are active members, though the avid fanbase tends to deduce the ghouls' identities rather quickly once they've appeared on stage.{{CN|date=March 2025}}

{{#tag:timeline|

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at:03/11/2022 #>IMPERA<#

at:04/25/2025 #>Skeleta<#

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at:11/19/2013 #>If You Have Ghost<#

at:09/16/2016 #>Popestar<#

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at:09/13/2019 #>Seven Inches of Satanic Panic<#

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bar:PapaV text:"Papa V Perpetua"

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bar:Aether text:"Chris Catalyst"

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bar:Delta text:"Henrik Palm"

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bar:Aksel text:"Aksel Holmgren"

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bar:ChAir text:"Zac Baird"

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{{Main|Ghost discography}}{{See also|List of songs recorded by Ghost}}

Studio albums

• Opus Eponymous (2010)
• Infestissumam (2013)
• Meliora (2015)
• Prequelle (2018)
• Impera (2022)
• Skeletá (2025)

• Heritage Hunter Tour (2012)
• Popestar Tour (2016–2017)
• A Pale Tour Named Death (2018–2020)
• Imperatour (2022–2023)

American Music Awards

Bandit Rock Awards

Grammis Awards

Grammy Awards

iHeartRadio Music Awards

Kerrang! Awards

Loudwire Music Awards

Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards

P3 Guld Awards

{{reflist|group=note}}

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist|refs=

{{cite web| title = Swedish Metal Sensation Ghost on Anonymity, the Coming Apocalypse, and Sounding Like a Million Bucks in 1978| work = SF Weekly| url = http://blogs.sfweekly.com/shookdown/2012/01/swedens_ghost_interview.php| access-date = 21 February 2012}}

}}

{{commons category|Ghost (Swedish band)|Ghost}}

• {{Official website}}
• {{cite web |url= http://www.metalinjection.net/tv/view/7177/ghost-first-video-interview-ever |title= Ghost First Video Interview |website= Metal Injection |url-status= dead |archive-date= 27 June 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110627232438/http://www.metalinjection.net/tv/view/7177/ghost-first-video-interview-ever }}

{{Ghost}}

{{Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2006 establishments in Sweden

Category:Bands with fictional stage personas

Category:Grammy Award winners

Category:Loma Vista Recordings artists

Category:Masked musicians

Category:Metal Blade Records artists

Category:Musical groups established in 2006

Category:Occult rock musical groups

Category:Swedish doom metal musical groups

Category:Satanism in popular culture

Category:Swedish heavy metal musical groups

Category:Swedish pop rock music groups

Category:English-language musical groups from Sweden

Category:Musical groups from Linköping