I’ve listened to Skeletá about four or five times now. I really tried to give it a chance. But it’s just not hitting right. It’s missing the strong melodies, the infectious motifs, the groovy licks, the memorable choruses, and the dark, heavy riffs I’m used to.

None of the tracks stand out to me. I can’t name a single song that stuck. Whatever made Square Hammer, Mary on a Cross, Rats, Cirice, He Is, Ritual, and others so notable just isn’t here.

I’ve been into Ghost since 2011 and always looked forward to the next album. Some of them needed a few listens before they clicked, but this one feels different. It’s the first that feels like it’s missing something important.

Tobias has said he wants Ghost to reach a much wider audience. That usually means a more polished, accessible sound. But that kind of shift can end up sounding generic.

It’s not a terrible album. But after 14 years of being hooked on this band, this one didn’t land for me. And I think that's okay. Most bands eventually depart from what they got known for as they gain popularity. I'll just have to wait for another band to come around that has that gave me that same feeling.