Ghost’s ‘Skeletà’ Haunts Billboard 200: First Rock/Metal #1 in Years
In a monumental victory for heavy music, Ghost has ascended to the summit of the Billboard 200 chart with their latest album, Skeletà. This marks the first time a hard rock/metal album has claimed the top spot in over four years, breaking a long-standing drought since AC/DC's 'Power Up' in 2020. The achievement underscores Ghost's growing influence and the enduring power of rock music to captivate audiences.
Skeletà's impressive debut saw 86,000 equivalent album units sold within its first week, a testament to the band's dedicated fanbase and the album's critical acclaim. A staggering 89% of these units were traditional album sales, fueled by a significant surge in vinyl purchases. This makes Skeletà the biggest vinyl sales week for a hard rock album in the modern era, underscoring the format's resurgence and the album's appeal to collectors.
The album's success isn't limited to the US. Skeletà has also made waves internationally, charting in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland, solidifying Ghost's global reach.
"We all know that heavier music is rarely given the time of day in mainstream listening and streaming stats," one report notes. Yet, Ghost has defied expectations, proving that compelling music transcends genre boundaries. The album also boasts impressive streaming numbers, with 12.45 million on-demand official streams in its first week, surpassing their previous record set by 'Impera'.
Tobias Forge, Ghost's frontman, previously spoke about the introspective nature of 'Skeletà' compared to 'Impera', stating: "Instead of shining a light onto other things, I want to make more of an introspective, 'basic core feelings' record. That seems interesting! Writing a song that embodies hope, sorrow, regret, hate, love."
The album features the radio hit "Satanized," along with other tracks like "Lachryma" and "Peacefield," all of which have charted on the Hot Hard Rock Songs chart. Ghost also achieved their first hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with the viral sensation "Mary on a Cross" in 2022, further expanding their mainstream recognition.
To celebrate the album's release, Ghost is currently embarked on a world tour, dubbed the Skeletour. With European dates running through May and a North American leg kicking off in July, fans have ample opportunity to experience the band's electrifying live performance. This tour also supports the album sales, increasing the album's popularity and awareness.
Ghost's triumph with 'Skeletà' is not only a personal victory for the band but also a landmark achievement for hard rock and metal music. It demonstrates the genre's continued relevance in a rapidly evolving music landscape. What does this surprising success mean for the chart-topping future of Rock and Metal music?
What are your thoughts on Ghost's new album and their impact on the music scene? Share your opinions in the comments below!
