Great news for Ghost fans—the new album Scaletta is coming soon!
Finally, after a long wait since their 2022 album Impera, Ghost have announced their sixth album, Skeleta! In the meantime, we got a movie, a greatest hits album, and a slew of new songs that added to the excitement. Now, Tobias Forge has unveiled his “Papa Vi Perpetua” avatar, the new single Satanized has been released, and the world tour is set to begin in just a few weeks—it’s a really exciting time for Ghost fans!
The bad news, however, is that Skeleta won’t be released before April 25th. If you’re waiting as desperately as I am, don’t worry! To make this time a little easier, I’ve compiled a list of great songs that aren’t by Ghost but capture their mystical, retro, and melodic vibes so beautifully that the wait will be all the more enjoyable!
Subvision: Room 611 (So Far So Noir, 2006)
If you want tunes like Ghost, why not go straight to the man himself? Before Ghost’s arena-metal era, Tobias Forge was the frontman of the goth rock band Subvision. Room 611, the opening track on their album So Far So Noir, is a dark yet melodic masterpiece that already proved that Forge knows how to mesmerize a crowd. Its mysterious melodies and retro vibes match Ghost’s signature style. All that was missing was a skeleton pop costume—and look what happened next!
Magna Carta Cartel—Turn (The Demon King, 2017)
In another former band of Tobias Forge, Magna Carta Cartel, he initially played bass, while future Nameless Ghoul Martin Persner handled vocals and guitar. Martin reactivated the band in 2017 after he was kicked out of Doom Metal Church. MCC has a penchant for ghost-like pop melodies, but they turn it towards an 80s AOR style. Turn is a great example of this—restrained, seductive, and full of mysterious melodies.
Green Lung: Maxine (Witch Queen) (This Heathen Land, 2023)
Green Lung isn’t just limited to a ghost-like sound. The London-based band hails from a rural background and has adapted the legacy of Black Sabbath and Deep Purple into proto-metal. Maxine (Witch Queen) is the briefest but most impressive track on the 2023 album This Heathen Land, giving a glimpse into the cult following of Tobias Forge. Full of pop-metal energy, it’s an undeniable hit that will leave you spellbound.
Jess and the Ancient Ones: World Paranormal (Vertigo, 2021): A blend of mystery, magic and psychedelic rock
Formed in 2010, Jess and the Ancient Ones embrace mystical occult rock like Ghost, but with their own unique psychedelic style. World Paranormal is a standout track from their album Vertigo, with Jasmine “Jess” Saarela’s powerful vocals and blasting guitar hooks inspired by 70s classic rock making it memorable. This blend of mystical energy and hypnotic melodies makes this an unforgettable listening experience.
The Devil’s Blood—Christ or Cocaine (The Time of No Time Evermore, 2009): Satanic rock, addictive melodies and rebellious swagger
Active from 2006 to 2013, The Devil’s Blood can be called an underrated gem of psychedelic satanic rock. Despite having no direct connection to Ghost, their tunes exude the same mysterious charm and theatricality. Christ or Cocaine is a powerful track from the 2009 album The Time of No Time Evermore, combining atheistic rebellion, hypnotic melodies, and psychedelic swagger to create an experience that will leave you completely spellbound.
Mountain Witch: The Dead Won’t Sleep (Burning Village, 2016): Retro riffs, dark occult vibes and addictive melodies
Mountain Witch started out as an instrumental stoner duo in 2008, but over time they added vocals, bass, and the depth of 70s classic rock to their sound. The Dead Won’t Sleep is a blazing track that delivers a mesmerizing experience, like any of Ghost’s best songs, with Blue Öyster Cult-like riffs, a danceable bassline, and an over-the-top pop sensibility.
Church of the Cosmic Skull: Sorcery and Sabotage (Everybody’s Going to Die, 2019): Mysterious melodies, magical harmonies and a unique spiritual trip
If you’re looking to step outside the demonic world of ghosts and into a new spiritual experience, Church of the Cosmic Skull is the one for you. The band blends gospel-style outfits and Queen-inspired hard/prog rock to create a unique musical journey. UK TV icon Jonathan Ross is a big fan, and after listening to Sorcery and Sabotage, you might be too. The guitar theatrics, chorus chants, and unique melodies make this a single that’s hard to ignore.
Sonja: Nylon Nights (Loud Arriver, 2022): A fiery fusion of glam, goth and rock, a unique musical journey
Melissa Moore‘s musical journey is just as exciting as Tobias Forge‘s—both built a cult following in extreme metal and then moved on to rock enriched with pop and melodic influences. Now as the frontman of Sonja, Melissa has created a fiery blend of glam, goth, and seductive rock with the Loud Arriver album. Nylon Nights perfectly reflects this band’s magical energy, including electrifying guitars, seductive melodies, and unique style. This rock anthem from Sonja could catapult them into the metal mainstream soon!
Spell: Fever Dream (Tragic Magic, 2022): A magical take on occult rock where melodies come from dreams
Born in 2013 in Western Canada, Spell quickly became the secret stars of occult rock, known for mysterious melodies and mesmerizing jams. In the single Fever Dream from 2022‘s Tragic Magic album, the Vancouver trio create a magical world with seductive vocal melodies, thumping bass, and lyrics full of mystery. Surprisingly, the song was inspired by bassist Cam Mesmer‘s darkest and scariest dreams, which they transformed into a hypnotic and beautiful melody. This hypnotic track from Spell is the perfect blend of retro-metal and psychedelic rock!
Witch Hazel: Spirit and Fire (III: Pentecost, 2020): When retro rock awakens the passion of medieval warfare
If you’re planning an epic crusade in the future, Witch Hazel is the perfect soundtrack for you. It offers a great blend of retro rock while embracing themes of religious valor in contrast to the demonic energy of British band Ghost. Spirit and Fire features classic 70s-style guitar riffs, anthem-style choruses, and medieval glory, making it a warrior’s battle hymn. A bit unusual? Perhaps. But one listen to this will make you feel ready to pick up your sword and jump into the battlefield!
