With some Witcher essence and Lord of the Rings feel, folk metal duo Forgotten Shrine cast their spell upon the world with “Where Shadows Lie“.

“‘Where Shadows Lie’ is about facing the forces of darkness head-on, even though it seems like the world is falling apart, and all of our heroes aren’t who we had thought they were.” Josh explains.

He continues, “I wrote the main hook of ‘Where Shadows Lie’ when I was a teenager, and have played it on various instruments since then. It wasn’t until the end of 2022 that I really started getting into music production and started working on WSL. At that time Amazon’s Rings of Power was releasing, and I felt very passionate about the lack of a faithful adaptation the show was. I stopped working on it for a long time after the final episode released, and the end credit song coincidentally shared the title of the song I had already written and started recording.”

Forgotten Shrine first connected when Josh Alexander (Guitar, Bass, Hurdy Gurdy, Irish Bouzouki, Additional Instruments, Backing Vocals, Composition) and Sofia Frasz (Lead Vocals, Guitar, Lyrics, Composition) began contact over social media in 2021. Sharing an interest in what some call ‘bardcore’, their journey into the world of Folk/Medieval style music soon began. Birthed at the end of 2023, Forgotten Shrine now emerges in the Spring of 2024, eager to share their music with the world.

Heavily drawing influence from bands like Nightwish, Eluveitie, and Avenged Sevenfold, Forgotten Shrine delves deeply not only into the Metalverse but the world of Cinema and Gaming as well, touching upon favourite soundtracks from a multitude of films, and a variety of games. With a passion for the traditional/pagan folk genre in its entirety, the band pulls the essence from each of their inspirations, building a unique experience all their own.

“Where Shadows Lie” begins on sounds of familiarity and fantasy, taking those first footsteps onto the dirt path that leads deep into the forest’s veil. Beating drums and the hum of the hurdy-gurdy dances on the mind before the beat picks up and we begin to sway.

Sofia’s vocals shift from low and entrancing, to harsh and foreboding, as if turning from a guiding prophet, to a mischievous witch, eager to ensnare her next victim. Josh’s backing vocals are light, like the flicker of candlelight on a blanket of dusk as the chorus picks up.

I adore the instrumentals of this track, as they seem to stand alone yet shine through in unity, adding an Eluveitie vibe to its core without the heaviness. It’s airy, fun, and whimsical with the hint of metal fitting in just right. I’m excited to hear more from this band, as they’ve already captivated me with a single song that I simply cannot stop replaying.

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