After hours of a live stream of a billboard, and after smoke arose from it, Ghost unveiled its new frontman, Papa V Perpetua, on March 5. The reveal of Papa V Perpetua came along with a brand-new single, “Satanized,” from the band’s upcoming album, “Skeletá”, which will be released on April 25. The announcement also coincided with Ghost’s world tour, set to begin the same month.
Papa V Perpetua brings a mix of past Ghost eras, incorporating elements from Papa Emeritus III, Cardinal Copia, and Papa Emeritus IV. However, he also introduces a fresh flair that fans have anticipated since the premiere of “Rite Here Rite Now”. He is adorned in purple and black regalia with skeletal themes, including bony metal hands. His Nameless Ghouls are now dressed as skeletons. Additionally, Papa V Perpetua debuts a new take on the classic Papa mask. Tobias Forge, the man behind Ghost, has previously stated that the full masks triggered his claustrophobia. As a result, Papa V Perpetua now wears a half-mask, similar to a masquerade mask, complemented by black and white face paint that maintains the band’s signature aesthetic.
The new single, “Satanized,” is a blend of classic Ghost sounds and the new era of Papa V Perpetua. It merges the darker, more metal-infused rock style of “Opus Eponymous” with the energetic, fast-paced elements of “IMPERA”.
“Satanized” serves as the perfect bridge, ushering fans from the lighthearted, theatrical era of Papa Emeritus IV into the Skeletá era, which will be defined by Papa V Perpetua.
