Ghost Makes History as First Hard Rock Band to Reach Top of US Charts in Four Years
Ghost has made history by becoming the first hard rock band to achieve a number one album in the US in four years, with their latest release, Skeletá. The album swiftly climbed to the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart in the week following its launch on April 25th, selling a total of 86,000 units. Of these sales, 77,000 were attributed to traditional record sales, with an additional 44,000 coming from vinyl purchases.
This accomplishment marks the first time a hard rock album has reached the number one position since AC/DC’s Power Up in November 2020. Skeletá has also set a noteworthy record by being the highest-selling rock vinyl since sales tracking began in 1991, surpassing Blink-182’s previous record set with One More Time… in 2023.
However, despite the astounding success in the US, Ghost’s new album failed to make a mark on the UK charts. The Swedish rock band has entered a new era with Skeletá, introducing their new frontman, Papa V Perpetua, in this latest musical venture.
Despite the commercial success of Skeletá, the album has garnered mixed reviews. Far Out criticized the album, stating, “The all-too-familiar sound of Ghost feels less like a considered attempt at refining a signature style this time and more like someone scrambling to rekindle a flame long lost in the ashes of Impera.” Despite the critical reception, Ghost has embarked on their 2025 world tour, performing at various venues across the UK, including the renowned O2 Arena in London. The band is now gearing up for shows across Europe and North America in the coming months, with their next performance scheduled at the Uber Arena in Berlin on May 7th.
In conclusion, Ghost’s achievement in topping the US charts with Skeletá speaks volumes about the band’s enduring popularity and musical prowess. Through their innovative sounds and captivating performances, Ghost continues to solidify their position as a formidable force in the realm of hard rock music.