Ghost, blessed feelings … damn land.
They conquered Grammy, sold millions of copies, broken records and collected consents with an image that is anything but reassuring and an almost diabolical ability, so much so that it becomes one of the most celebrated and discussed bands of the globe. And in order not to miss anything, at every new record release, they present the figure of a new mysterious Pope Ceremoniere as a frontman, complete with a painted face and curial dress, rigorously in black.
On the other hand, with the Swedes Ghost, there is always the accounts with the dark shiny of those who are able to combine the power of the rock arena and the serenity of the underworld. Thus, in view of a new smoke violating to the throne of the congregation for the publication, on April 25, of the highly anticipated successor of “Impera” – number one in the American, British and half -Europe charts -, we met Tobias Forge, the unique mind of the project and great histrion in all the incarnations of the sulphurous vocalist, to make us tell of the arriving news.
In a hotel with opaque drapes in the heart of London, the intimate dialogue of “skeletá” is revealed in this way, With the invitation to drink good wine and enjoy the moment, because in life there are a lot of emotions to face. All damn earthly.
And so the time of Pope V perpetua came. What can you tell us?
Very little, because we still don’t know it. We don’t know exactly what will happen with him in the spotlight. I only know that it will be an interesting period, simply because now we have two popes, one in office and the other emeritus, forced to work together. One of them believes he has been downgraded, while in reality he has been promoted. But this does not necessarily mean that it is a positive thing … It is all about having a purpose. Everyone needs a goal and I think this is a story about how to find it.
After exploring historical and symbolic narratives, the new album “Skeletá” now tells an intimate dialogue. What prompted you to embark on this personal journey?
Each new album is usually a reaction or the result of the previous one. “Impera” was written at a time when I felt well, and this shines through on the disc: my life went great and the album was inspired by grandiose structures, with a more social and political comment. However, I didn’t want to do a second chapter, I needed something different to feel inspired. So I made a more introspective record, which does not necessarily consider major world events, but focuses on moods and basic emotions: love, hatred, hope, death, regret, sadness … I wanted to return to the fundamental emotional vibrations in a single album.
You talked about a “media fasting” during the creative process of “skeletá”. How has this disconnection from the outside world influenced your writing?
In reality I have consumed many media, and I think this has led me to choose an opposite direction compared to the past. Then I decided to completely detach myself from the news and focus on my life and my affections, without tormenting myself for things that cannot be checked. I don’t want to sit down to feel bad for the fact that I can’t change the world, but I can certainly change my world and my mood. My work as a parent is to make my children’s life better and grow them as good people. My work as an artist is to create music that inspires people and make them feel happy. I’m not a politician at all, I am an entertainer.
In the end in “Skeletá”, however, there is a sense of redemption, isn’t it?
Yes, I would say yes. “Skeletá” is very different from “impera” and “prequelle”. I’m glad to hear you say, because I don’t want to repeat myself. I always want to propose something new. This album is a personal and therapeutic journey, perhaps because I am entering my middle -aged crisis (laughs, editor’s note). In the end, the message is: “If you are listening, it means that you are alive. You drink good wine, live life, enjoy it. “
Perhaps it is part of your Swedish blood, but the way you mix hard rock, pop, melodic hooks and contagious riffs seems to be completely natural for you. How do you now define the sound of the Ghost?
I listen to many different genres and I think it is perceived. With the Ghost I have never tried to do one thing, instead thinking about a fusion of influences. The easiest way to define the Ghost is “aor”, that is, adult oriented rock. Well played, well produced, well cared for. With power and drama, characteristics that I have always tried to convey in my music.
And so also for my way of singing. I really like female voices, and I think this has contributed to my vocal style, because I am not a metal singer like Rob Halford or Bruce Dickinson. My approach is softer, influenced by Blondie, Eurythmics and Joni Mitchell.
However, the Ghosts are a band that is always very debated, both for better or for worse, especially in the Hard & Heavy field. This has given further visibility to your music, don’t you think?
Yes, absolutely. The image of the Ghost played a huge role in our success. I don’t think there is anything wrong with this. I have always been inspired by bands that have a well -defined aesthetic. Even those without a particular disguise still have an image. Even Pearl Jam, who seem to make no effort to appear, still have their aesthetic. Everything is a look, even showing yourself casual and spontaneous.
Tassello after piece, you have increased your audience every time, from the song “Mary on a cross”, to the album “Impera”, up to the film-Convert “Rite here, Rite Now”, the hard rock film event with the greatest collection ever in North America. Do you feel the pressure as an artist to create a new album at the height of expectations?
Yes, of course. It is difficult to be honest with yourself. The first album was written without particular expectations. The second, however, had many more because of the success of the previous one. However, I was determined not to replicate it, even at risk of losing everything, because if I had made a “Opus Eponymous 2”, I would still have lost in freshness. I prefer to follow my instinct. Now, however, I have a family and a team that depend on me, so the pressure is inevitable.
The Ghost have always had a very particular approach to the narration of their universe. This time it will be so?
Obviously. Since we started, 15 years ago, I understood that to make people speak for discussion topics. So I decided to create a story around the band. It is like having a parallel world: there is the fictitious history that connects to reality and adds a new context to the texts and the meaning of what I want to express. The discs speak of the human existence, of personal crises, of lost purposes … After all, they are all universal themes.
The 2025 of the Ghost is also that of returning live, with a tour that promises to be an experience full of surprises. Starting with the ban on using cell phones …
I really want that those who participate in our shows live an authentic experience. I know that similar measures have already been adopted: the tools, Jack White and also at Bob Dylan concerts, have done so not to use the phone.
Many guys have never experienced anything like that. During the previous tour, seeing so many phones bright tirelessly disturbed me to the point of making me reflect on the way the audience now interacts with the artists. I really believe that you can have a better experience without being behind a screen, plus concerts are excellent opportunities for making new friends, just start talking again!
We have already made two shows with this system and the feedback received was more than positive. Not because we are the best band in the world, but because leaving the phone in your pocket and not being able to use it allows you to live the moment. It makes you feel special.
One last question: you will be among the guests of the Black Sabbath’s farewell concert in July. Try to explain it to the same fifteen year old.
It is undoubtedly a great honor, but it also has a slightly sweet and sour flavor. My fifteen year old has always been a great fan of the Black Sabbath and would never have imagined being part of something like that. From a professional point of view, I am really happy to have been invited to participate.
But it is also a little sad, because it really represents the end of an era. However, it is fantastic to be able to gather with other artists and friends to pay homage to such an important band for everyone. I really hope it’s a phenomenal day for Ozzy and members. Having said that, I think it will be incredible!
