“I was always called a dictator”: Ghost Frontman Talks Artistic Control + Collaboration

Ghost
Tobias Forge photo: Andreas Lawen, Fotandi (Wikimedia Commons)
Published on:

The Swedish rockers of Ghost have become one of the most theatrical acts in music today. Let alone the ghoulish and gothic stage performances they bring to their live shows, the group has consistently delivered rocking tunes that exude a playful air of occult energy.

There is much anticipation regarding the band’s upcoming fifth studio album, Impera. As reported by Blabbermouth, band leader Tobias Forge recently discussed the songwriting process behind the new record with St. Louis Post-Dispatch. In the interview, Forge talks about how he works on creative projects – which sounds somewhat intense.

“In every band I’ve ever had,” Forge says,  “every song I’ve ever written, I was always called a dictator, a control freak who couldn’t work with anyone else. And I am a dictator and control freak. But I can work with people.”

In the same interview, Forge talks about his collaborations with producer Klas Åhlund and Opeth’s Fredrik Åkesson; Åhlund is acting as producer on Impera and Åkesson was brought in to assist with guitar. “I found that I can work really well with someone I respect, who is always pushing for the best. They make me want to write better, to get my game up a little.”

We trust Forge has created a killer record and we are looking forward to Impera‘s release when it arrives March 11th via Loma Vista/Concord. Ghost are currently on tour with Volbeat and Twin Temple. You can find the remaining tour dates and locations below.

Feb. 18 – Chicago, Ill. @ Allstate Arena
Feb. 19 – Cincinnati, Ohio @ Heritage Bank Center
Feb. 20 – Milwaukee, Wis. @ Fiserv Forum
Feb. 21 – St. Louis, Mo. @ Chaifetz Arena
Feb. 23 – Independence, Mo. @ Cable Dahmer Arena
Feb. 25 – Houston, Texas @ Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land
Feb. 26 – Dallas, Texas @ Fair Park Coliseum
Feb. 28 – El Paso, Texas @ Don Haskins Center
March 01 – Phoenix, Ariz. @ Footprint Center
March 03 – Anaheim, Calif. @ Honda Center

***

Words by: Michael Pementel