Hello. I'm new to Ghost fandom and I'm trying to learn everything I can lol. Can you help me? How do you know which ghoul is which?? Are there any certain interviews I should watch? Anything that I need to know, please tell me. Thank you. :)
Well hello there!
Well, I know how it was being confused on which ghoul was which when I first really acknowledged myself to be into the band. So, shall we get started? I am still learning new things here and there, so this is the best I can personally give to you as anon. However, you should know I’m one of the blogs here that won’t post unmasked pictures or anything personal of the band’s lives. If you want to chat about that, then message me off anon.
Ghost is a type of heavy-metal band that was formed in Linköping, Sweden actively in 2008. They have three studio albums and in between they have had two EPs (extended plays). Fans often seperate the studio album releases as eras for the band, due to their theatrical change in “Satanic-themed” costumes and stage performances based on the music itself. The creation of the band itself was done out of the admiration and inspiration of horror films and classic songs.
Opus Eponymous was the first studio album released in the year 2010. With a 70s-early 80s vibe, these songs mainly had Satanic themes. There is one song called “Elizabeth” which references murderer Elizabeth Báthory. Two songs, “Con Clavi Con Dio“ and “Genesis“ happen to be sped up waltzes. In the Japanese release, it came with a bonus cover of The Beatles Song, “Here Comes the Sun.” This album was nominated for Grammis.
The line up for the first era had a quick change, as rumored, for bass players. Throughout the era’s, the characters of Ghost have kept their given nicknames, mainly due to fans. This was the era Papa Emeritus I played as Ghost’s lead singer. Often seen most in black and red robes, his voice was deep and haunting. The Nameless Ghouls wore black cloaks with their faces completely covered, until a few had cut holes out for their eyes for better vision. In the summer time, everyone’s robe colors changed to white. There has also been a rare occasion of their robes being red.
Infestissumam was the second studio album released on April 10, 2013. This album is viewed to be the largest reference to the devil in lyrics and tongue-in-cheek stage performance. In 2014, it won a Grammi Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Album. Papa Emeritus II, a much younger singer, came to stage. A few versions have been released afterwards with bonus songs, including the ones from their EP, If You Have Ghost.
If You Have Ghost was their first EP released November 20, 2013 that served as a continuation and summary of Infestissumam. These songs are all covers done of Roky Erickson, ABBA, Army of Lovers, and Depeche Mode.
Meliora was the third studio album, making it the third era for Ghost. Papa II was fired from the band, and his younger brother took over, claiming title as Papa Emeritus III. Along with the newest Papa, two ghouls were replaced for drums and bass. It won not only Best Hard Rock/Metal Album at the 2015 Grammis Awards but also the Lead single “Cirice” won the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.
Popestar is the most currently released EP from Ghost, which took place on September 16, 2016. It includes their newest single hit, “Square Hammer”. It includes cover songs of Echo & The Bunnymen, Simian Mobile Disco, Eurythmics, and Imperiet. A line up change has taken place again. The rhythm guitarist has gone from the band (which most assume will return) and was replaced by the bass player. The newest bass player in this in between era time is the first known female Nameless Ghoul.
Era IV…. Not a whole lot has been revealed about the upcoming era, other than mentioning it will be darker than Meliora, as a response to the post-apostolic world. A deity of sorts may return….But we’ll see.
Papa Emeritus I (era 1)
Papa Emeritus I was the first anti-pope figure to ever sing for the band Ghost, found back in era 1. He seems to be a very old monster-like man. His voice is deep and chilling. His signature robe color is red.
Papa Emeritus II… (era 2)
Papa Emeritus II is the second singer for the band Ghost, a much younger Papa in appearance. His face paint does homage to the classic horror films. He is more lively on stage than the first Papa and can hold a powerful sensual glance. Without his face paint, he is often seen wearing his beloved sunglasses (we can’t guarantee pants though). His signature robe color is green.
Water ghoul
(of era’s 1-2)
There were a couple who ere hard to tell apart during this time. One who stood out on stage more than the other, enjoyed playing the bass sultry during some songs and have spooky glances. Water ghoul is seen with the alchemy symbol for water on his sash, being an upside down triangle. Some refer to him/them as old Water.
Earth ghoul (of eras 1-2)
Although he stayed longer than the early bass players, this ghoul was very talented at his drumming speed, favoring the cymbals. His eyes were said to be very large and were clear bluish green. His alchemy symbol for earth can be found also on his sash. It is an upside down triangle with a slash through it. Some refer to him as old Earth. He is rarely found in interviews.
Papa Emeritus III (era 3-now)
Firing his older brother, Papa III took stage. His much more flirtatious and energetic on stage than any Papa we have seen yet. He has shown himself to be very intelligent of many things, including music itself and is deeply kind to all fans. Outside of his longer robes, he adorns himself in his acoustic clothes, which are actually a tribute to a Swedish king. He was played a yellow kazoo a number of times. Many refer to him as just Papa. He has only done a couple of interviews. His signature robe color is purple.
Earth ghoul (era 3-now).
The newest drummer of the band, Earth can be told apart from the other ghouls being second shortest but the also the thinnest ghoul. He is crazily talented with holding the drumsticks, often twirling them as he plays. He has kept the same alchemy symbol as old Earth. There has been only one interview found.
Water ghoul (era 3) Aether ghoul (current)
One of the newest bass players, Water/Aether has been a great joy to the band. At first being shy, he has greatly opened from his shell. He has on tour, replaced Omega and Alpha when they were unable to attend. Taking Omega’s place with the current era, many fans disagreed on renaming him Omega. So instead, they have opted for using Aether, which is another alchemy name for quintessence. He has kept the alchemy symbol for water from old Water ghoul, and now has adopted the one Omega formally used. The bass can be told apart, because the darker curled design is of a ocean wave. He is also seen playing a number of other guitars, including a Flying V. His eyes are pale ice blue. Sometimes he wears a ring. As with Earth, only one interview has been found.
Alpha ghoul (formally nicknamed Fire) (all eras)
Alpha is the lead guitar player for Ghost. Alpha was formally called Fire. He has been one of the few ghouls who have stayed since the band’s beginning. He plays quickly on his beloved Gibson and also plays an acoustic at times too. His eyes are a soft baby blue. He can be told apart form the other ghouls by his hand tattoos, which are a broken heart. Alpha is the same height as Papa. The symbol for fire can be found on his lead guitar. He also wears a few rings at times and has recently been wearing a white rose. He is present in a number of interviews.
Air ghoul (all eras)
Air ghoul is the keyboardist for Ghost. He has played upon a few different models over the years, even playing a white Roland Ax Synth keytar for the long “Mummy Dust”. He seemingly the quietest of the ghouls, but very warm and kind. He can be easily told apart from the other ghouls being the tallest of any member of Ghost. He also is the only one with brown eyes. Sometimes he is seen wearing finger less gloves to warm his hands. It is known he is quite the sharpie thief at meet & greets. His alchemy symbol is for air, which is a triangle with a slash across it.
Omega ghoul (eras 1-3)
Omega ghoul is the beloved rhythm guitarist. He is energetic on stage, often stomping to the beat of many songs. He is also seen playing an acoustic guitar. Omega can be told apart from the other ghouls by a few things. He is taller than Papa, but shorter than Air. He wears multiple silver rings on his fingers. The guitar has the symbol for Omega, hence, where fans gave him the nickname. His other nickname is Quintessence. His alchemy symbol is a circle with a wavy end. Besides Special, he is found in numerous interviews. He likes ABBA a lot. He may like Peeps. The last few times he was seen, he has worn a red rose.
Water ghoul/Little Ghuleh/Water droplet/Mist ghoul/etc (current era 3.5)
Taking the place as the newest bassist, she is the only known female Nameless ghoul. She can be told apart from the others being the shortest of any member of the band after Earth. She has pale blue eyes with long lashes. Instead of wearing the same dress shoes as the other ghouls, she has heels. Her nails are often painted. There is much debate around her real nickname, so fans have made up many of their own.
Special ghoul (all eras)
Although he plays no instruments, he is the main songwriter and helps compose all other instruments for albums. He loves music on vinyls, cats, pasta, and Satan. He likes to steal Alpha’s cassock.
Cowbell ghoul (skipping around in era 3.5)
This pesky ghoul loves to sneak onto stage and play his blessed cowbell. Often annoying Papa, he is soon shooed away off the stage. His popularity has made him appear in more than one show. He made up his own symbol to look liek a Cowbell. He too is a stealer of Alpha’s clothing.
Sister Imperator (all eras)
A so-called member of the “Clergy” of Ghost, she is the advisor. She often scolds the ghouls but always pushes everyone to be greater to reach what goals they really want.
Sisters of Sin
These are the sisters making up the Clergy. At concerts, they often help Papa bring out offerings of food and gift. The Sisters of Sin on stage are mostly fans.
Interviews!….I could be here for a long time if I summarized each one so here are 6 of my favorites hail Satan in no particular order:
( X )
( X )
( X )
( X )
( X )
( X )
I see people still finding this post, and honestly it won’t help you with the newest ghoul line up. But enjoy this anyway! 🙏🏻
