Tobias Forge needs a break. In the 20 years since he started Ghost, he hasn't had much time off. After all, the band is truly just a solo project, so success or failure fell fully on Forge. He did well, though. Ghost is one of the more popular metal bands in the world. But, according to recent comments, he wants to get back to his family.
In a discussion with Full Metal Jackie, Forge said, "I’ve had two kids waiting at home with my wife for 15 years. And maybe that says something about me that it wasn’t a pushing enough factor during those years. Believe me, I felt bad, but I’ve definitely come to a point where I feel, physically and mentally, I need to be home...I have tons of stuff lined up (for) the coming years (though)."
That implies that Ghost is about to take a long break. Or, rather, Forge isn't going to bring us much Ghost in the near future. He also mentioned that the "tons of stuff" included hobbies like scuba diving, not creating music with other people.
Ghost may be in for a long break, based on recent Tobias Forge comments
Still, not all is negative. New sounds might be coming from Forge with a non-Ghost project, but whatever that entails was recorded before his band's latest tour, which started last year. The icon will also be working on two film projects, one of which could be another concert film featuring Ghost, a follow-up to 2024's Rite Here Rite Now.
After all that is over, fans of Ghost might be waiting a while for new work. We have gotten a bit spoiled. Almost every 2-3 years, a new album has arrived, and it has never disappointed. In between, Forge has created a video series called Chapters, the last of which appeared four months ago and was titled, tellingly, "What's Next?" EPs mostly full of covers have entertained us, too.
Of course, anything is possible with an artist with an urge to create. Possibly, Tobias Forge takes a few months off from Ghost-related activity and then decides he wants to dive back in. Based on his latest comments, however, that appears unlikely.
Maybe Forge takes the Jack White route and does new music with different quality side projects. That would mean not taking a true break, though.
The most hopeful part is that Forge didn't say Ghost was done, only taking an extended break. When the band returns, maybe the sound is slightly different and exciting. It just might be some time before we get to hear that.