Morbid Episode 654: Diving into SKELETA with Tobias Forge of GHOST

Release Date: March 7, 2025
Host: Ash and Elena
Guest: Tobias Forge, Frontman of GHOST

1. Welcome and Guest Introduction (01:53 - 03:18)

Ash and Elena kick off this special episode by introducing Tobias Forge, the prolific songwriter and charismatic frontman of the band GHOST. They highlight Tobias's impressive achievements, including 10 billion streams, five Grammy nominations, American Music Awards, and iHeartRadio Music Awards. Elena exclaims, “You just put out the highest-grossing Hard Rock Cinema event in North America. No big deal” (03:18), setting an enthusiastic tone for the conversation.

2. Reflecting on the Epic Tour and Hard Rock Cinema Event (03:19 - 05:28)

Tobias shares his experience of managing a two-year-long tour, describing it as “something like that” in duration (03:07). Elena expresses amazement at his stamina, saying, “I have no idea how you did two full years of a tour and did all the things you did afterwards, I would be gone” (05:10). Tobias discusses the challenges of juggling multiple creative projects simultaneously, emphasizing the importance of focusing on one endeavor at a time to maintain mental acuity.

3. Analyzing the Jack the Ripper Case (05:28 - 16:52)

Elena brings up the recent claim that Aaron Kosminski has been identified as Jack the Ripper, sparking an in-depth discussion:

• Elena's Skepticism: She expresses strong doubts about the identification, questioning the authenticity of the shawl purportedly found at the crime scene (06:57 - 07:22). “Aaron Kosminski is not Jack the Ripper” (13:16) becomes her definitive stance.

• Tobias's Agreement: Tobias concurs, stating, “I definitely don't think it's Aaron Kosminski” (13:20). He critiques the reliance on mitochondrial DNA, which can only eliminate suspects rather than identify them conclusively (12:00).

• Broader Insights: Tobias expands on the misconceptions surrounding serial killers, noting, “We know now that serial killers are not necessarily an eccentric weirdo openly” (15:03). He highlights the rarity of definitively solving historical cases like Jack the Ripper’s and cautions against accepting sensational claims without robust evidence.

4. Transition to the Latest Tour and "Imperator" Album (16:52 - 28:00)

Elena shifts the conversation to Tobias's latest album, "Imperator", which accompanied the extensive tour:

• Album Success: Elena praises the album as a “masterpiece” and shares her excitement, mentioning, “Each one... feels like a little mini movie” (26:34).

• Creative Process: Tobias explains his shift towards a more introspective and personal approach with the new album. “I'd rather make a more introspective record that deals with evergreen feelings and basic human sentiments” (25:15). He discusses the challenges of maintaining thematic coherence while ensuring the album remains entertaining.

• Collaborative Efforts: He emphasizes the importance of working with trusted collaborators, stating, “We were working with... a certain amount of rapport and background, which was very comforting” (28:35). This collaborative environment helped avoid the common pitfalls of creative conflicts.

5. Deep Dive into the "Satanized" Music Video (28:00 - 42:07)

The discussion delves into the thematic elements of the "Satanized" music video:

• Character Portrayal: Elena inquires about Tobias's character in the video, to which Tobias confirms he is heavily made up to portray a priest. “I want people to focus on the priest” (33:07).

• Narrative Elements: Tobias explains the storyline, where a love-stricken monk confuses his infatuation with demonic possession. He elaborates on integrating biblical references, mentioning Corinthians 6:19, which emphasizes the sanctity of the body: “It belongs to God” (39:58).

• Easter Eggs and Symbolism: Elena points out an Easter egg in the video—crossed-out words like “masturbate” and “suicide” in a notebook (40:31). Tobias clarifies these were intentional to add layers to the narrative, enhancing the song's message without overtly stating them.

• Cultural Influences: Tobias briefly touches on Scandinavian folklore, mentioning the character Nikken, a deceptive figure who lures and drowns victims with his fiddle playing (49:46). This folklore influences the eerie and supernatural themes prevalent in his music.

6. Scandinavian Folklore and Personal Influences (42:07 - 50:35)

Elena asks Tobias about the influence of Swedish folklore on his music and creativity:

• Folklore Influence: Tobias discusses his childhood exposure to folklore tales about trolls and forest creatures, which have subtly shaped his thematic choices in music. “Scandinavian folklore had a lot about trolls and various creatures that live in the forest” (47:52).

• Personal Reflections: He reflects on his upbringing near a stream in Linköping, Sweden, describing fond memories and the natural beauty that inspired him. Tobias shares, “There's this character in Swedish folklore called Nikken... he will drown you” (50:07), highlighting how these narratives infuse his creative work with dark, mystical elements.

7. Surprise Guest and Heartfelt Congratulations (50:35 - 53:17)

In a heartfelt and unexpected segment, a surprise guest, Doug Douglas, joins the conversation to congratulate Tobias:

• Reconnecting with Fans: Doug reminisces about past interactions, mentioning challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and shared experiences with Tobias. “Congratulations on the movie” (52:09), Doug praises Tobias’s achievements.

• Personal Milestones: Elena shares her excitement about her novel’s success, receiving congratulations from Doug, which adds a warm and personal touch to the episode.

• Closing Remarks: The hosts and Tobias express mutual appreciation, with Elena emphasizing the release date of the new album and promoting related merchandise. “The album comes out on April 25th. It's incredible. Everybody go get it” (54:07), she urges listeners.

8. Final Thoughts and Episode Wrap-Up (53:17 - 54:20)

Ash and Elena conclude the episode by reiterating their support for Tobias and reminding listeners to check out the latest releases:

• Album Release: Tobias’s new album is set to release on April 25th, with singles like "Satanized" and the "Sister and Predator" comic already available.

• Merchandise and Support: The hosts encourage fans to visit ghost-official.com for merchandise and additional content, fostering a strong community around Tobias’s creative endeavors.

• Community Engagement: Elena and Ash highlight Tobias’s contributions and express their excitement for future tours and projects, ensuring listeners feel connected and informed about his ongoing journey.

Notable Quotes

• Elena (03:18): “You just put out the highest-grossing Hard Rock Cinema event in North America. No big deal.”

• Tobias Forge (05:10): “If I do two book signings in like a week, I'm like toast for three weeks.”

• Elena (06:57): “Aaron Kosminski is not Jack the Ripper.”

• Tobias Forge (13:20): “I definitely don't think it's Aaron Kosminski.”

• Alena (25:15): “I'd rather make a more introspective record that deals with evergreen feelings and basic human sentiments.”

• Tobias Forge (33:07): “I want people to focus on the priest.”

• Elena (54:07): “The album comes out on April 25th. It's incredible. Everybody go get it.”

Conclusion

In this engaging episode of Morbid, Tobias Forge offers a deep dive into his creative processes, the challenges of balancing extensive tours and album releases, and his perspectives on historical mysteries like Jack the Ripper. His discussion intertwines personal experiences with professional insights, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of his artistry and the band's evolution. The episode concludes with heartfelt interactions and exciting announcements, making it a must-listen for fans of true crime, music, and dark storytelling.

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