The Ghoulstars Announce ‘The Dark Overlords of the Universe’

Evil teachers, a pet werewolf, cutting class for joyrides in the Cadillac that once belonged to late, great Children of Bodom vocalist and guitarist Alexi “Wildchild” Laiho. Meet The Ghoulstars, a fresh – and frightening – blast from the past. Since rising from beyond the pop-culture graveyard in 2021, this skeletal group of horror punks have captivated press and tantalized crowds in their native haunt of Finland without releasing a single bloody track. Until now!

Today, The Ghoulstars are delighted to announce their blockbuster debut album. The Dark Overlords of the Universe conjures a monstrously catchy mash-up of headbanging heavy metal, fist-pumping punk rock and cult classics. Lead single “Too Ghoul for School” is jam-packed with more antics and attitude than Saturday afternoon detention.

“The Dark Overlords of the Universe is a love letter to everything that blew our minds as kids”, The Ghoulstars mastermind Markus “Daddy Ghoul” Laakso says. “The album is loaded with huge riffs, big choruses, surprising curve balls and Easter eggs from old horror, sci-fi and coming-of-age movies. Holding it all together is our sheer joy in watching all the pieces fall into the right place.

Watch the fun and freaky retro video for “Too Ghoul For School” on the Season of Mist YouTube channel.

https://youtu.be/D-0NgmXelQk

The Dark Overlords of the Universe comes out May 15, 2026 on Season of Mist.

Pre-order & Pre-save

https://orcd.co/theghoulstarsdarkoverlords

Available formats
Digital Download
CD Digipack
12″ Vinyl Gatefold (Black)
12″ Colored Vinyl Gatefold (Yellow, red and white marbled)

Despite their ghostly appearance, The Ghoulstars are a collection of real talent. The band features an all-star cast of current and former members of death-doom royalty and Season of Mist labelmates Hooded Menace, stoner rockers Thermate and Finland’s Top Ten charting Kuolemanlaakso.

What bands these ghouls together on “Too Ghoul for School” is their straight A acumen for all things ‘80s. Like a crossover TV episode, the song mashes together horror and punk into a Super 8mm high school romp. From the high-risers at the back of the classroom, drummer Toni “Ghoulio” Ronkainen pounds his desk with surf beats. Axeman Laakso impresses the ghoulies with his collection of spooky tremolos and righteous riffs. Markus “Hellaghoul” Makkonen causes a scene with rough and rowdy bass lines, freeing rebel yeller Arthur “LL Ghoul A” to slip out back. “Don’t give me sass, I’ve got the gas”, Thure howls as the band punch into a chorus that will have nerds, jocks and principals all raising horns.

“Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Lost Boys and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off are some of my favorite movies”, Laakso grins. “I love the cliched characters: the nerds, the jocks, the cool kids and rebels. They remind me of my junior high school days”.

While spun off from his real-life schooling, “Too Ghoul for School” recalls the records and VHS tapes that The Ghoulstars hoarded as young skeletons. Mötley Crüe’s pomp, the can’t-do attitude of Twisted Sister and nods to ‘80s coming-of-age comedies all haunt its hallowed grounds. Though whipping around in Alexi Laiho’s Cadillac was beyond the band’s wildest dreams.

“There’s a collector nearby who’s come to possess Alexi’s Cadillac. He let The Ghoulstars borrow it for some after school fun. It was a blast”, Laakso remembers. “We can’t wait to unleash The Dark Overlords of the Universe upon the world. As my long-time collaborator and the album’s producer V. Santura told me: ‘The record is unique, catchy and a really fun listen’”.

The video for “Too Ghoul for School” was directed, filmed and edited by Sam Jamsen.

Additional video credits

Written by Sam Jamsen & Markus Laakso

Production assistants: Roope Paaskoski & Kalle Ovaskainen Principal: Timo Kokko

Teacher: Ninnu Huikko

Hypewolf: Mikko Matilainen

Extras: Hilda Hyvönen, Simo Tolvanen, Iida Korhonen, Wicktoria Polock, Nestori Hirvonen, Teemu Savonlahti, Teemu Holopainen, Veerti Saastamoinen, Kalle Ovaskainen, Anni Valokorpi, Pauliina Heikkinen, Kira Kylävainio, Tinja Korhonen, Katariina Laukkanen, Mila Fichtchenko.

The Ghoulstars would like to give a special thanks to Ingmanedu and Kuopion klassillinen lukio for the opportunity to film the video on their premises.

Too Ghoul for School (3:57) The Dead in Purgatory (4:04) Zombie Apocalypse (2:52) The Dark Overlords of the Universe (3:43) The Brain That Wouldn't Die (3:16) Graverobbers from Outer Space (3:46) The Wolfman (2:48) The Ballad of the Cursed Bandits (2:19) Vampire (2:58) They Dance Upon Our Graves (3:52)