Band: Exiled Hope w/ Steel Forge
Label: Independent
Release Date: January 10th, 2025
Genre: Black Metal/Melodeath

To create a realm for the unwanted and scorned, the exiled and unsanctioned, Steel Forge joins forces with none other than Exhiled Hope to open the gates with “The Calling“.

Exiled Hope’s multi-instrumentalist Sofia Frasz has united with melodeath great Steel Forge to unveil a place for even the greatest outcast to call home. Realm of the Exiled is a 6-track EP filled with tales of Hope’s path through the underworld after she is executed for raising rebellion in her city. Touching upon the journey brought on from Exhiled Hope (2020), and during the journey through Angel of Greytown (2021) and Apocrypha (2025) it’s an EP filled with imagery, intensity, and hope.

Sofia mentions:
“On the musical side, this EP was cathartic and challenging at the same time. I love melodeath as a genre, but I don’t make much of it in EXILED HOPE, even though I’ve wanted to for a long time. Realm Of The Exiled became my way of exploring new songwriting and playing styles, while trying to keep the sound consistent with what listeners can expect from both STEEL FORGE and EXILED HOPE.”

Danny adds “Sofia wrote the music to the EP, which surprised me as she managed to capture not just the Exiled Hope sound but also, my band, STEEL FORGE’s sound as well for an amazing blend of both bands while maintaining consistency throughout. I had the dream job of creating and visualizing the world in my head of what we would create whilst staying true to Sofia’s character/mascot I.E. Hope and mine, The Forger, which led to me writing the majority of the lyrics, apart from a verse in “The Calling” and the song “Beyond The Veil.“”

Our journey begins via “A Light in the Darkness” that creeps in with intrigue before brutal vocals reach out and heavy riffs begin. It’s dark and broading, with a sense of madness creeping up from behind. You get the Black Metal intensity, as expected when it involves Exiled Hope, while the Melodics come through on delicately placed instrumentals, aching to come through. It’s the ever-looming darkness against lantern light, the threat of rain clouds over a sun-filled afternoon, plagued by the endless sense of dread. A gnarly guitar solo slides its way through this track, really cranking up the Metal before it tapers off, to lead deeper into the cavern depths. It’s a brilliant and intense introduction to the EP, offering us bits of hope while an ever-present shadow lurks behind.

“The Calling” is heavy, and melodic, exactly as expected from Steel Forge’s dynamic as it tapers off from the overwhelming guitars into something eerie yet tranquil. It has that story-like feel, something that reminded me of Berserk for its sense of endless pain and suffering, that still has filters of good shining through. The melody to this track is smooth and unwavering, really becoming a highlight for me as it pushed forward. It was strangely uplifting, despite the grey pitted against it, as if we know this isn’t the path to the end, merely another step toward our destination with a soul that’s still prepared to fight, and a hoard of Demons ready for the slaughter.

“Fate’s Design” follows up with a killer guitar solo intro that goes into a heavy metal sound. It’s got those vicious, harsh vocals that chime in, welcomed and seamless, while transitioning through the ever-flowing melody.  As it moves on, it becomes a strange, unwinding track that becomes twisted and puzzling, much like our grasp of fate and its path paved for us. Those seeking menacing vocals and unyielding riffs will adore this lengthy track for its repetition and simplicity. It doesn’t over-extend, rather, allows for the melodics to encompass this track to guide listeners forward.

The somber feelings arise on “Beyond the Veil” as a Siren-like song begins, ferrying us toward the unknown. It’s bass heavy, with a grinding riff that picks up at the perfect moment. Steady drums keep pace as Sofia’s vocals flow in low and ominous. It’s as if the 3 Fates sit before us, awaiting our protagonist’s questions but giving nothing more than roundabout answers. My favourite from this EP, it’s raw and slow, still holding that Black Metal power while touching upon a Myrkur-like vibe in its dark and bleak composition. The longest on this EP at 7 and a half minutes, there’s emotions to explore and reflect upon. A life, and the choices made. The consequence, and the what if’s that plague the wandering mind. It’s beautiful and filled with passion, the untainted reflection of regret and oaths broken that, even if simple, can put a weight on our heart we can never lift away.

“Approaching Resurrection” winds up that melody, shifting from the shadows to one with a light at the end of the tunnel. We breach the surface, hope still in hand as we cling to our purpose. Harshes once more emerge to conquer the ambiance of this track as rigid riff work lines the back. It’s a track with impact and power, one that doesn’t seek for redemption nor forgiveness but to return to the world anew, filled with unwavering purpose, and the desire to conquer all.

As the EP winds down, we are faced with the inevitable “Epilogue”. It gave me instant Castlevania vibes with its classical melody and oldschool sound. I felt as if I’d been pulled into the backrooms of an old video game, the sheer anxiety of what awaits me pressing on my every nerve. It’s soft and sturdy, a bridge between our journey so far and what still waits around the corner. It’s the perfect compliment to this EP’s rabid heaviness and intensity, bringing our minds down a few notches but still putting on the pressure.

Overall, this EP is a magnificent piece that ties the lore of Exiled Hope together. It’s that revival arc that awaits, the one wrought with emotion and the will to fight. It’s the spirit unfit for death, that wanders, waiting for their time to return and strike. There’s a rigidness to this tale that is adorned with heavy riffs, darkened melodies, and powerful vocals that binds us to the sense that there is no peace, no end to this journey, merely another chapter to be told.

It’s palpable and filled with imagery that lingers on the Black Metal noise, and embraced by the instrumentals that carry it forward. A dark opera, it’s one meant to be followed from beginning to end, and Exiled Hope brings Steel Forge into its ranks to keep the momentum going.

For more on this upcoming release, you can follow Exiled Hope and Steel Forge socials to keep up-to-date on releases, news and more!

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