Ghost achieves first No. 1 album on Billboard 200 with ‘SKELETÁ’
Grammy-winning rock band Ghost debuted their sixth studio album, “SKELETÁ,” on April 25 through Loma Vista Recordings. The album features their lead single, “Satanize,” which propelled the band to their first No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200 chart. With a total of 86,000 units sold in the first week after its release until May 1, “SKELETÁ” marked their best sales week yet. The majority of sales, about 89%, were driven by traditional album sales, particularly from vinyl editions, which quickly sold out, including colored variants. The album also clinched the top spot on various charts, including the U.S. Album, Vinyl Album, Indie Store Album, Independent Album, Rock Album, Rock and Alternative Album, and Hard Rock Album charts. Internationally, “SKELETÁ” seized the No. 1 position in Sweden, Germany, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, and Finland. In the UK, Netherlands, and several other countries, the album landed high on the charts as well.
Sellings approximately 44,000 vinyl units, “SKELETÁ” led to a first-place position for being the largest selling hard rock album on vinyl in the modern tracking era, starting from 1991. This mark also set a new record as the highest selling hard rock album on vinyl since 2023. The achievement of “SKELETÁ” succeeds Ghost’s last full-length LP, “Impera,” which also peaked at No. 1 in 2022.
Debuting back in 2013 with their second album, “Infestissumam,” the band has steadily increased its successful chart performances. Now with “SKELETÁ,” Ghost has accumulated eight Top 40 albums, with five reaching the Top 10. “SKELETÁ” becomes the band’s first hard rock record to top the Billboard 200 chart in four years, marking their ninth studio effort to make a significant impact on the chart.
Ghost’s fifth album, “Impera,” released on the same record label as “SKELETÁ,” entered the U.S. album charts at No. 1, trailing closely behind its release, amassing nearly 70,000 sales in the first week. This album also found success internationally, hitting the No. 1 spot in Sweden, Germany, and Finland, while achieving top positions in other European countries as well. The album was enriched by hits like “Call Me Little Sunshine” and “Hunter’s Moon.”
Ghost kicked off a global tour on April 15 at AO Arena in Manchester, UK, embarking on a journey across Europe and the UK before transitioning to North America for a second leg. Implementing a phone-free policy for each show, the band aims to create an immersive experience for fans by securing phones in Yondr Pouches, allowing attendees to remain present during the concert. VIP Packages will be available for all tour dates.
“SKELETÁ” is a ten-song collection that reflects a deep introspective journey by Ghost mastermind Tobias Forge. In contrast to previous albums that explored external themes, “SKELETÁ” delves intrinsically into individual emotions and experiences. The album encapsulates universal sentiments filtered through a personal lens, presenting a raw and intimate narrative.
Founded by Tobias Forge, Ghost emerged as a mysterious entity, with Forge embodying the character of “Papa Emeritus,” a satanic figure at the core of the band’s performances. Supported by anonymous musicians, known as “Nameless Ghouls,” Ghost conceptualizes their music within a theatrical and enigmatic framework, creating a uniquely captivating experience for their audiences.