Ghost, Umbra | Wacky Wednesday

In the 53rd edition of Wacky Wednesday (2025), we break down the unique “Umbra,” performed by Grammy-winning Swedish metal/hard rock band, Ghost. 

[nx_dropcap]D[/nx_dropcap]o you know what day it is? It is Wednesday, folks! Do you know what that means? Why, it is Wacky Wednesday! In the spirited column Wacky Wednesday, we analyze, break down, and explore songs from various musicians of various genres that can be considered unique, unusual, or ‘wacky.’  These songs can be new or old; the only requirement is that they ‘catch the ears’ because of their distinctiveness.  With the background established, in the 53^rd edition of Wacky Wednesday (2025), we break down the unique “Umbra”, performed by Ghost. Wacky Wednesday vibes commence!

[nx_pullquote]“In the shadows, pale and cold / In the shadows, lay my soul / In the shadows, death becomes your lover.”[/nx_pullquote]That sounds damning, dark, and morbid, Ghost. It’s also darkly romantic, given the word, lover… It’s on brand for the Grammy-winning Swedish 🇸🇪 metal/rock band.  The keyword in those three lines from the first verse of “Umbra” is shadows. It makes sense considering that the word umbra is a Latin word that means shade or shadow.  “Umbra,” the song, is the ninth and penultimate track from Ghost’s 2025 album, Skeletá. It runs five-and-a-half minutes in duration. Tobias Forge (b. 1981) has a lot to say! Forge wrote “Umbra” with Fat Max Gsus (Max Grahn). Gene Walker produced it.

“The chapel of the holy one

In the presence of the chosen son

I see your light shine through

In the temple of the Godly scene

In the shadow of the Nazarene

I put my love in you.”

I put my love in you??? Holy shit! It feels proper in the context of “Umbra” and its blasphemous spiritual references mixed with love/sex. “Umbra” commences enigmatically, with ominous, sharper synths. The record features an intriguing and striking sound palette comprised of keys, guitar, bass, and drums. The guitars enter the mix just before the one-minute mark. The distorted, juicy guitars solidify the hard rock/metal vibes 🤘💪. Beyond the instrumental introduction, there are some additional kick ass instrumental moments, including dizzying, soaring guitars (with pedal effects), and organ. The verses are set in G minor. Interestingly, the chorus (excerpted earlier) sounds much brighter than the verses, with more major chords. Throughout, Tobias Forge delivers solid vocals, bringing this spiritual, love-driven metal track to life (“In the shadows, stripped of sin /… In the shadows, I will make you my angel”). “Umbra” is one of a kind, and we wouldn’t have it any other way from a Ghost track!