Forsaken Rite – The Forgotten West

Forsaken Rite
The Forgotten West
Out: September 27th, 2024
Playing time: 22:20

Forsaken Rite were founded in 2012 in Edmonton, the capital of the Canadian province of Alberta. In their lyrics, they tell stories about ancient lores and heroic feats. At their live performances, they transport fans to fantastic worlds. So far, they have released one EP and one studio album. The latter was released seven years ago (‘The Northern Saga’, 2017). So, it was about time again. The current EP ‘The Forgotten West’ is the sequel to the 2017 album, so to speak.

‘The Forgotten West’ starts with strings and flute.  But Forsaken Rite do not offer classic Folk Rock. On the contrary, it’s metallic and hard-hitting. With double bass attacks and the interplay of clear female vocals and sometimes angry male growls. A calm bass line can be heard at the beginning of ‘How Long Is Forever’. The song also remains calm later on. Despite the powerful bass and drums. Ursula Acuña Kuchenbecker’s ethereal vocals are a perfect match. And the growls (William Hubbs) are also used discreetly for the most part. Later, the guitar and flute lead the melody. In ‘The Storm’, pattering raindrops and the sound of thunder can be heard, in keeping with the title. Ursa again leads the vocals, but her partner Emrys Faol is not neglected either. The whole thing is underpinned by keyboard carpets, but they don’t take centre stage. The Folk flavour is brought in by flute and keys. The double bass also strikes again. ‘Fire Circle’ starts ballad-like and is initially dominated by the flute before the drums and guitar kick in powerfully. Later there are continual tempo changes between ballad-like and fast folk-rocking. The drums set the rhythm. Together with guitar and flute. Are those fast war drums and horns at the beginning of ‘Call To War’? Yes, I would say so. Harsh growls and, of course, clear vocals alternate again and again.

I didn’t know Forsaken Rite before. But the Folk Metal immediately cast a spell over me. Fortunately, it’s far removed from the ‘Horn Rock’ that you usually hear. With this EP, the Canadians have given me a taste for listening to their older releases.

Forsaken Rite – The Storm: https://youtu.be/o8qp-l83nAI?si=DC2ksFhoqgOuXsse

Lineup:

Paige Patenaude (Adaria Ravencroft) – Drums
Daniel Brown (Räv Dagdrömmare) – Keyboards
Scott Schulthies (Ulfbjorn Weirsson) – Bass
Alex McPhail (album only) – Guitar, Flute
William Hubbs (Emrys Faol) – Vocals
Ursula Acuña Kuchenbecker (Ursa) – Vocals

Track list:

• The Forgotten West
• How Long Is Forever?
• The Storm
• Fire Circle
• Call To War