Ghost

Ghost began in Linköping in 2006, when Tobias Forge wrote the song “Stand by Him”. In early 2008 he recorded the first songs with Gustaf Lindström, a former bandmate from Repugnant. Forge chose to present Ghost as an anonymous theatrical band, singing as Papa Emeritus while the other musicians appeared as Nameless Ghouls.

The debut Opus Eponymous was released by Rise Above Records in October 2010 and brought international recognition. Infestissumam (2013) topped the Swedish chart, as did Meliora (2015), which also reached No. 8 in the US. Its single “Cirice” won the Grammy for Best Metal Performance in 2016. Each album cycle introduced a new Papa, from Papa Emeritus I to III.

In 2017 four former members sued Forge over royalties. Forge argued that they had been paid a fixed salary, and the case revealed his identity as Papa Emeritus. Cardinal Copia fronted the band for Prequelle (2018), and Papa Emeritus IV took over for Impera, released on 11 March 2022.

Papa V Perpetua was introduced with the sixth album. After the Skeletour ended in February 2026, Forge announced in August 2026 that Ghost would take an indefinite hiatus. The newest album remains Skeletá, the band’s first No. 1 on the US Billboard 200, released on 25 April 2025.

Current line-up: Tobias Forge (vocals, as Papa V Perpetua), with anonymous Nameless Ghouls