All-Time Best Ghost Songs

The Nameless Ghouls are the eight masked musicians who play instruments for Ghost. They wear identical face-concealing costumes and are supposed to represent the classical elements like Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, and Ether. In reality, they're hired session musicians who often change, and their real identities are kept secret (though some have been leaked over the years). Think of them as Ghost's backing band, but with a spooky theatrical twist.

It's basically theatrical satanism - more like a horror movie than actual devil worship. Ghost uses satanic imagery, Latin phrases, and occult themes as part of their stage show and concept, but it's more about the drama and theatrics than genuine religious beliefs. Tobias Forge has said in interviews that it's entertainment and storytelling, not actual satanism. They're like the KISS of occult rock - it's all about the show.

Ghost had to change their name to 'Ghost B.C.' in North America from 2013 to 2015 because there was already another band called Ghost that had trademark rights to the name in the US. The 'B.C.' supposedly stood for 'Before Christ' to fit their satanic theme. They eventually got the rights to use just 'Ghost' everywhere and dropped the B.C. part. It was basically just a legal hassle they had to deal with.

Their breakthrough hit was 'Cirice' from 2015, which actually won them a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2016. That song really put them on the map internationally. Other huge songs include 'Square Hammer,' 'Dance Macabre,' and 'Mary On A Cross' which went viral on TikTok and introduced them to a whole new generation of fans. 'Mary On A Cross' especially blew up and became their most streamed song.

There have been several Papa characters, all played by Tobias Forge but presented as different 'generations' of the satanic pope character. There was Papa Emeritus (the original), Papa Emeritus II, Papa Emeritus III, then Cardinal Copia who later became Papa Emeritus IV, and now Papa V Perpetua as of 2025. Each one has slightly different makeup, costumes, and personality, but it's all part of Ghost's ongoing theatrical storyline about this fictional satanic clergy.

Ghost is hard to pin down genre-wise, which is part of their appeal. They're often called occult rock, theatrical metal, or progressive rock. Their music combines classic rock, heavy metal, pop melodies, and even some doom metal elements. They're not as heavy as traditional metal bands - think more along the lines of Blue Öyster Cult meets Black Sabbath with a theatrical horror twist. They deliberately write catchy, accessible songs that sound almost pop-like despite the dark imagery.

Ghost puts on incredible live shows - they're known as one of the best theatrical rock acts touring today. Expect elaborate stage sets, costume changes, theatrical banter from Papa, and a full horror movie experience. The band treats each show like a satanic mass ceremony, complete with rituals and audience participation. Even if you're not super into their music, their live performance is considered a must-see spectacle. They've headlined major festivals and sold out arenas worldwide for good reason.