Ghost Rockets to the Top, with 'Skeleta' Debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200
- The Rock Arena
- May 8
- 2 min read
With the latest album 'Skeleta,' Ghost proves rock is far from dead
Ghost’s new album, Skeletá, has taken the music world by storm, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Released on April 25, 2025, the album sold 86,000 units in its first week, securing the coveted top spot. This marks a monumental achievement for the Swedish band, demonstrating that rock is far from dead. With its blend of catchy melodies, dark theatrics, and gothic-rock elements, Skeletá continues to prove that Ghost is one of the most innovative and compelling forces in modern rock and metal music. The album’s success signals a resurgence for the genre, with Skeletá being the first hard rock album to hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 since 2020.
Not just limited to the U.S., Skeletá has made waves internationally. It landed at No. 1 in the band's native Sweden, Germany, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, and Finland. In other European territories, such as the UK, Netherlands, and Norway, it secured the No. 2 spot, while in France and Ireland, it charted in the top 10. Skeletá has also broken records in terms of sales, including the largest vinyl sales week for a hard rock album since the Luminate era began in 1991. It's also had the biggest sales week for a rock, hard rock, or alternative album in 2025, signaling a broader resurgence of interest in physical formats, especially vinyl. Beyond the Billboard 200, Skeletá also topped several other charts in the U.S., including the Rock, Alternative, Hard Rock, and Vinyl Albums charts, solidifying its place in rock history.
The build-up to Skeletá was marked by the release of three singles—“Satanized,” “Lachryma,” and “Peacefield”, all of which made a significant impact on music platforms like YouTube and TikTok. “Satanized,” in particular, was described as a “catchy goth-rock epic” by VICE, while “Lachryma” was praised for its “vicious” energy with a nod to '80s influences, earning it a spot on Spotify's viral charts worldwide. The final single, "Peacefield," has become a live favorite, setting the tone for the band's 2025 Skeletour World Tour. The album’s success has been further bolstered by these singles, drawing listeners to Skeletá’s rich, theatrical soundscapes.
With more than half a million tickets already sold, the Skeletour 2025 is well underway, and the band is gearing up for its most ambitious tour to date. The tour kicks off on July 9 in Baltimore and culminates with Ghost’s historic first-ever headlining show at Madison Square Garden on July 22, 2025. This is a monumental moment for the band, who have steadily grown their fan base since their inception. The Skeletour promises to be an immersive experience, bringing together both die-hard fans and newcomers to witness the band’s unique blend of rock, theatrics, and ritual.
Skeletá has proven that Ghost is not just another band—they are pushing the boundaries of rock and redefining what it means to be a modern rock band. Their success on the charts, coupled with their commitment to creating an unforgettable live experience, shows that Ghost is here to stay. Rock is far from dead, and Skeletá is the proof we needed.
Tickets for Ghost's upcoming tour are available through TicketMaster
