EPIC DOOM FOR METAL SOULS
June 2004
FORSAKEN - ANIMA MUNDI
Forsaken’s latest metal foray is both an expansion and an extension of their Iconoclast album. This new collection of songs – 7 in total – still reflects the vintage metal with doom trimmings that has long been a Forsaken trademark and Leo’s vocals are as crucial as ever, lending the music a versatile perspective that enhances the overall result significantly. The scattered stoner inflections will surely help the band’s appeal to spread wider, but Anima Mundi’s apex arrives halfway, with the weighty build-up and the pronounced vigour of Whispering Soul, simultaneously unleashing Leo’s vocals and the band’s thrash stash in a two-pronged metal onslaught.
Elsewhere, The Poet’s Nightmare, inspired by HP Lovecraft’s poem of the
same name, reveals a brief and rare experimental side to the band; The
Eyes of Prometheus takes doom to epic levels, and Carpe Diem - easily
one of the best tracks on offer here - transforms its retro-Goth sheen
into one of Forsaken’s most memorable songs to date. The closing track,
All Is Accomplished, portrays the band at its most expressive, its eight
minutes of classic doom accompanied by gripping keyboards, dictating
guitar riffage and above it all, Leo at his most passionate, truly
capturing the essence and atmosphere of the band’s live performances,
and reflecting why Forsaken remain Malta’s top metal band!
Recommended weblink: www.forsakenmalta.com
