Forlorn – Aether | Album Review

Transporting you into the heart of unrivalled expression, Forlorn deliver a debut overflowing with vibrant identity and a thunderous prog metal score.

Aether is a testament to complete devotion. A vibrant sonic ritual celebrating the magnificent elemental forces, forging attributes found in Rolo Tomassi and Sikth to give us technical proficiency to match its emotional sonic core. 

Beginning with the otherworldly vortex of dissipating voices in ‘Mother of Moon’ as atmospheric swells set the sacrificial tone with emphatic tribal drums and voices of command leading the rite. The album flows more as one single experience with interludes of possessed whispers and sinister instruction providing powerful linkway between the tracks. Forlorn are Instrumentally at home with all the hallmarks of modern prog metal with guitars tuned devastatingly low and drums orchestrating wild chaos. A whiplash is served in ‘Creatress’ as vocalist Megan Jenkins is possessed by a multitude of spirits, from divine chorus to the wounded howls she roots her place as a convincing conductress.

Forlorn deliver musically with just as much conviction as they do with their ideology as they soar in glittering tributes to water in ‘Keeper of The Well’ which ends in wonderful group chants which gives a nordic quality to the albums fabric. On closer and album highlight ‘Spirit’ you’ve got a finale which combines the albums most heavenly moments with Jenkins singing “all around us connected, to above and below’ before a tense and unforgiving build into its most ferocious djenty breakdown reminiscent of Jinjer. In the wake of metalcore production discourse special mention must go to Sam Bloor (Graphic Nature, Dream State, etc) who’s production has walks the tightrope to capture the impact of modern production without stripping it of careful human endeavour.

Beyond the album is where Forlorn are going to have staying power as initiates will latch onto their profoundness. Bringing the imagery from the album into the real world will help cement Forlorn in the minds of listeners as a truly unique spectacle which is clearly catching on with their first ‘Pre Rite Gathering’ selling out. These events add authentic elements like smoke cleansing and spell craft workshops to help build Forlorns already fascinating architecture. Their live show is littered with theatrical presentation from dried flowers and limitless expressionism on stage to emphasise a carefully curated experience and although discussion may turn to their ideology and imagery the music is an equally powerful conduit with a message of strength born of sacrifice. At 26 minutes it may feel short but all decisions are brimming with purpose and genuine inspiration, every corner of Aether is built to be believed beyond the music.

A powerful spirit has been born here with Forlorn capable of capturing the imagination of the mainstream metal audience as well as those dedicated to the ideology. Folk Horror is no trend this is an identity which flow through every fibre of Forlorn so be sure to witness greatness at Noizzefest as they headline downstairs at Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff on April 26th.