Ghost is a popular metal band from Sweden that formed in 2008, and quickly became popular around the world. The bands macabre theme, costumes, lyrics, gothic sound, and artwork make for the perfect Halloween band. The vocalist “Papa Emeritus” is dressed as a Satanic Pope, and the instrumentalists all wear black clothing and devil masks, and go by the name “the nameless ghouls”. Adding to the band’s theme is an air of mystery. No one knows exactly who any of them are. Even when signing autographs, the vocalist signs with his stage name, and the nameless ghouls use stamps with their individual alchemical symbols, allowing people to focus on the art instead of them as individuals.. Despite their dark and often satanic lyrics, members of the band have stated that they are religious in some form, and have said in interviews that they are all “tongue-in-cheek”, it’s all for the entertainment and artwork.

Realistic Papa Emeritus by Paul Acker at Seance Tattoo Parlour in Bensalem PA.

Black and grey photo realistic Papa Emeritus by Salva Navalon.

Another Papa Emeritus by Micke Bayman at True Heart Tattoo in Sweden.

American traditional take on Papa Emeritus by Vince Genois in Quebec.

Adorable cartoon version of Papa Emeritus by Stacey Martin at Golden Age Tattoo in Texas.

Creepy caricature of Papa Emeritus by Ver Rou Ven in Berlin.

Surrealist Nameless Ghoul by Ron Russo at 570 Tattooing Co in Wilkes Barre, PA.

Black and grey Nameless Ghoul by Tim vonEvil at Evil Eye Tattoo in Stockholm, Sweden.

What is your favorite Ghost song?