“We’ll all drown together.”
Self proclaimed folk-horror group Forlorn have been slowly building a well deserved reputation as one to watch in the metal scene. With just a couple of singles from Aether bridging the gap since Forlorn‘s fantastic 2023 EP, Sæl, they have clearly focused on defining themselves, which Aether has gone on to encapsulate brilliantly. Having seen Forlorn live a couple of times in the previous year or two, the new material was something I have personally been anticipating with much enthusiasm.
Combining ethereal soundscapes with massive riffs, entwined with ritualistic chants, Forlorn have established a unique identity. With a wide range of influences present in their music, evoking elements of artists from Angelo Badalamenti right through to Sleep Token, Forlorn blend the ethereal, creepy and crushing, and do so in a familiar, but extremely unique fashion. Aether commences with a rite on the track “Mother of Moon”, initiating you into Forlorns “circle”. Theatrical and unsettling, this is an opening track that perfectly solidifies a clear tone and atmosphere for the album.
Tracks such as “Creatress”, the lead single for Aether, and “Funeral Pyre” showcase how Forlorn effortlessly blend groove-laden heaviness and delicate shoegaze sections with epic choruses. A real standout element is the wide array of heavier sections that Forlorn experiment with, and the cohesive nature in which Aether flows between big chugging riffs, through to chaotic blackened blast beat sections. Vocalist Megan Jenkins moves between haunting falsetto into piercing screams, and devastating growls, complementing the dynamic shifts happening instrumentally.
For all their prowess in excellent heavy sections, Forlorn’s softer sections are no less exemplary. Tracks such as “Keeper of the Well” showcasing more industrial elements, as well as post-rock, reminiscent of bands such as Type O Negative, and Sigur Rós. It’s the album’s lightest moment until it culminates in an epic, ritualistic crescendo.
The only real criticism I have regarding Aether, is that after releasing four of the tracks prior to its release, and having listened to them all, there is not too much new music on Aether to delve into, excluding the intro track and interludes. Regardless of that, the unreleased “The Wailing” was actually one of the standout tracks on Aether. Fans of groovy, Meshuggah-esque grooves, balanced with awesome atmospheric instrumentation will certainly enjoy this one.
Overall, Aether is a real statement from Forlorn, establishing their sound and image assuredly. Usually, a debut album is from an artist still finding their voice, but Forlorn have created something that exhibits their craft exceptionally. Aether certainly establishes them as one of the most exciting upcoming bands in the UK scene, and with such a strong debut, the future is looking extremely bright.
8/10
Aether is released on March 28th via Church Road Records and can be pre-ordered here.