Ghost's Tobias Forge Says There Will Be A Papa Emeritus IV

Last week, Ghost mastermind Tobias Forge announced that the band won't be touring in 2020 to focus on writing and recording the follow-up to Prequelle.

He went on to reveal that the follow-up to 2018's Prequelle will be released in 2021, ahead of an epic 18-month touring cycle.

Now, speaking exclusively to Kerrang!, Tobias has discussed his feelings towards Ghost's upcoming fifth album, and where their Papal storyline will go...

“I look at many fifth albums as a guide as to the urgency for what that record will need to be, with [Iron Maiden’s] Powerslave being a great example," says Tobias. "By the fifth album you’re at a point in your career where you have this momentum built up, and you have the expectancy of people depending on you, so you have to put something special in those many spotlights.

"You need to step up and make a record that’s worth it and justifies all of these things."

But will the current incarnation of Cardinal Copia lead the charge, or will be see someone new fronting Ghost?

“I just know that person will have the name Papa Emeritus IV," reveals Tobias. "It will be the fourth Papa Emeritus. But who that is, we don’t know yet."

READ THIS: The 10 moments that made Ghost superstars

Ghost recently released a special edition boxset of Prequelle, which includes their 1969 single Seven Inches Of Satanic Panic – featuring a younger Papa Nihil. Those who've kept up to date with Ghost lore will know that Nihil and Sister Imperator have known each other since the sixties, although the full details of their relationship are yet to unfold.

You can read our full, in-depth interview with Tobias in the new issue of Kerrang! magazine – in stores Wednesday October 2. Or you can your copy now.