The metal legends that shaped Ghost frontman Tobias Forge
Similar to numerous hard rock and metal groups, Ghost embraces intense theatrics through elaborate gothic attire, complemented by the revered corpse paint often associated with black metal. Beyond the frontman, Papa Emeritus, flawlessly portrayed by the band’s creator, Tobias Forge, Ghost has cultivated a culture that mirrors the hardcore imagery established, refined, and reinvented by enduring icons within the metal genre.
During his upbringing, Forge encountered the diverse and captivating facets of metal thanks to his brother’s fascination with the genre. Introducing the budding star to prominent names in the field, such as Metallica, The Rolling Stones, Iron Maiden, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, Mötley Crüe, and Faith No More.
James Hetfield, in particular, had a profound impact on Forge from an early age. Luckily for the musician, Hetfield became a close musical partner and personal friend later in life. When asked his opinion on the Metallica frontman, Forge only has words of praise: “Everything he’s done, basically… He was a very early influence for me and keeps on being one,” he told Blabbermouth.
He added: “And going from a childhood hero to now a mentor and friend and colleague, if you will, and then having that sort of receive back in the form of that flattery is amazing, of course. That humbles you.”
As a huge fan of pyrotechnics, Forge also points to Rammstein as a significant source of inspiration. Having frequented many concerts by the esteemed German metal icons, Forge appreciates the showmanship of the band and the commitment to providing a genuinely good live spectacle. Regarding personal goals within Ghost, Forge explained how he wishes to one day “reach Rammstein Levels”; definitely an achievable goal, given the rapid ascent of the band’s popularity.
Of course, in metal circles, discussions revolving around masks and theatricality inevitably bring Iron Maiden to the forefront. This band holds significant influence for Forge, with their track ‘Blood Brothers’ ranking as a favourite for the Swedish musician.
When asked if they have impacted Forge’s work, he admits: “Absolutely. Both musically and also stage production-wise. But also when it comes to work ethics and just the sheer volume of work you have to put into your job [and] in your craft has always been inspiring to me.”
He continued: “When I was a kid, I was sitting with [Iron Maiden’s 1985 live album] Live After Death record and I was dead set on wanting to become a professional musician and I wanted to tour. I knew about the concept of touring, but a lot of my knowledge or my preconceived notions of what I thought touring was about was looking through Live After Death and seeing all those dates that they were playing everywhere.”
Drawing from a variety of sources both within metal and outside of it, it seems somewhat restricting to label Ghost as metal icons, especially considering Forge’s appreciation for artists like ABBA, Kate Bush, Tommy Nilsson, and more — the allure of Ghost appears to stem from Forge’s talent in harnessing the magic found across various music genres. At times, their tracks evoke the weighty tones reminiscent of Candlemass’s doom metal, while at others, they prompt thoughts of buoyant Swedish pop sensations.
