Ghost’s highly anticipated sixth studio album SKELETÁ is set for release on April 25, 2025. Fans already got a taste of what’s to come with the lead single, “Satanized,” which dropped in early March. Around the same time, the character Papa V Perpetua was officially introduced as the band’s new leader — a familiar ritual for Ghost followers. Of course, longtime fans know that behind every incarnation of Papa Emeritus stands the band’s mastermind, Tobias Forge.

By now, even the once-anonymous “Nameless Ghouls” have been unmasked, especially after the band’s “Imperatour” in 2022. However, Forge has once again made it clear that despite Ghost’s collective image, the creative decisions are ultimately his and his alone.

A One-Man Vision

In an interview with Rolling Stone UK, Forge spoke candidly about the structure behind the band: “If we’re being completely pragmatic, then yes — technically, I’m a solo artist,” he said. “I don’t think in terms of a group when it comes to responsibility, even though what we do is a group effort.”

He elaborated that while the live band performs as a cohesive unit and collaborates in various ways, the core of Ghost remains centered around his vision. “When a label asks Ghost to record an album, they don’t contact the group — they call me. I’m the one who’s ultimately accountable.”

Forge also emphasized his long-term commitment to music: “As the creator and songwriter, I don’t believe in an ending until the actual end comes. For me, the creative process is ongoing.”

Hinting at an Ending?

However, in a separate interview with NME, Forge hinted that some aspects of Ghost could be coming to a close — particularly the band’s storytelling elements. When asked how he envisions an ending, the Swedish musician suggested that the narrative framework around the band might have a shelf life.

“I think there could be an end to the storytelling part of Ghost. This endless soap opera might not be productive anymore,” he explained. “If fans need the story to enjoy the band, then that part might soon be over.”

Still, that doesn’t mean Forge plans to retire from music altogether. “There are still places I want to play, and things I want to achieve — milestones that would be more feathers in my cap,” he added.

Legal Disputes and Creative Control

Ghost’s structure has long sparked debate, particularly after a 2017 lawsuit filed by four former band members. They accused Forge of withholding their rightful share of profits. One of the plaintiffs, Simon Söderberg, even claimed he produced the band’s debut album Opus Eponymous and contributed to songwriting on Infestissumam.

Forge, however, denied these allegations. In his official response, he stated that none of the plaintiffs were present during the band’s formation. According to him, their role was strictly to perform music and visuals created and defined by Forge himself.

Despite past controversies and the internal clarity of leadership, Ghost remains a powerhouse in the rock and metal scene, continuing to blend theatrical storytelling with heavy music under Forge’s singular direction.

As SKELETÁ nears its release, fans are left to wonder — is this just another chapter in Ghost’s ongoing saga, or could it mark the beginning of the end for the band’s mythos? One thing is clear: Tobias Forge isn’t done yet.