Ghost Band Overview

Introduction

• Ghost is a band known for its theatrical stage presence and unique musical "rituals."
• Members are known as Nameless Ghouls, with the lead vocalist being Papa V Perpetua, resembling a "demonic anti-Pope."
• The band has undergone various changes in appearance and sound with each album cycle.

History

Formation and Opus Eponymous Era (2006-2013)

• Formation: Started in 2006 with a heavy metal riff that led to the formation of the band using horror and Scandinavian metal influences.
• Released a demo and the album Opus Eponymous in 2010; it was nominated for a Grammis Award.
• Participated in multiple tours including supporting Paradise Lost and the Draconian Times MMXI tour.

Infestissumam Era (2013-2015)

• Released the song Secular Haze and cover of ABBA's "I'm a Marionette."
• Introduced Papa Emeritus II, and the album Infestissumam marked their major label debut.
• Album release delayed in the US due to controversial artwork.
• Toured extensively in the US and South America, including performances with Iron Maiden and Slayer.
• Released EP If You Have Ghost, produced by Dave Grohl.

Meliora Era (2015-2018)

• Released singles Cirice, From The Pinnacle to the Pit, and Majesty.
• The album Meliora released in 2015.
• Papa Emeritus III introduced.
• Multiple tours including "Unholy/Unplugged" and Black To The Future.
• Faced a lawsuit regarding royalties in 2017.
• Released live album Ceremony and Devotion in 2017.

Prequelle Era (2018-2020)

• Introduction of Cardinal Copia as the new frontman.
• Released singles Rats and Dance Macabre.
• Album Prequelle released in 2018.
• A Pale Tour Named Death concluded in Mexico in 2020.

IMPERA Era (2020-2025)

• Album IMPERA released in 2022, achieving high chart success.
• Released singles like Hunter's Moon and Call Me Little Sunshine.
• Held Imperatour spanning multiple countries.
• Released EP Phantomime in 2023.
• Filmed their debut movie Rite Here Rite Now.

Skelet Era (2025-?)

• Announced single Satanized and album Skelet.
• Began Skeletour.
• Focused on maintaining anonymity of band members.

Band Members and Theme

• Tobias Forge plays the role of Papa Emeritus.
• Papa Emeritus has been portrayed by different characters over time.
• Nameless Ghouls represent different elements and contribute to the band's Satanic imagery.
• Forge's identity as Papa Emeritus was revealed in 2017.

Music Style

• Combines rock/metal with elements of progressive, glam, hard rock, and more.
• Influences include Black Sabbath, Kiss, Pink Floyd, and Alice Cooper.
• Lyrics are satanic but intended as tongue-in-cheek.

Controversy

• Band's satanic theme has caused issues, particularly in the US.
• Faced challenges with album artwork and choral recordings.

Awards and Nominations

• Won multiple Grammis, Loudwire Music, and Bandit Rock awards.
• Cirice won a Grammy for Best Metal Performance in 2016.
• Regular nominee and awardee at various music award events.

Tourography

• Extensive tour history, known for elaborate live performances.

Trivia

• Papa Nihil is the only Papa not played by Tobias Forge.