EPK – Forsaken Rite – The Forgotten West (EP) (2024) – Out Sept 27th
Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com
“The upcoming EP is an evolution of the Forsaken Rite sound with new creative members. We want this EP to be a continuation of our full-length album “The Northern Saga” where every song, though unique, and listenable on its own, is still very much part of the whole story, the adventure. We want our listeners/fans to join us once again on our adventures and feel like they are every part of the Warparty contributing to its success.” – Forsaken Rite
For fans of Eluveitie, Nightwish, Faun, Ensiferum, Blackbriar
Band: Forsaken Rite
EP Title: The Forgotten West (EP)
Release Date: September 27, 2024
Label: Self-Release
Facebook.com/ForsakenRite | Youtube.com/@ForsakenRite | Instagram.com/forsaken_rite
Forsakenrite.bandcamp.com | Spotify | Apple Music
““The Forgotten West” really does invoke in us some very primeval and basic human instincts which then allows us to reach out across the vast swathes of history and time to reconnect with our long since departed ancestors once again. If you like me love a bit of folk metal, then you will absolutely love “The Forgotten West” and the raw sound of FORSAKEN RITE, so make sure you check it out when it drops. Highly recommended.” – Female Fronted Power
“Forsaken Rite do not offer classic Folk Rock. On the contrary, it’s metallic and hard-hitting… 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. 8.5/10″ – Metalheads Forever Magazine
“The band have returned with a vengeance, and if they build on this release and momentum, can easily be pushed high up in the genre pretty soon. For now, this EP gets another easy 8/10″ – Overtone Magazine
“a nice balance of melody and aggression, all tinged with Folk elements, and they pull you into their fairytale world with their brand of songwriting.” – Metal Temple
“A fresh and invigorating listen, with lots of melodic and Celtic heart; ‘TFW’ brings an atmospheric connection and a strongly evocative audio-scape…. a refreshingly escapist listen.” – Rock Queen Reviews
“Each track on the EP flows into the next to lay out the story of the war party’s voyage west and the challenges that they face along this journey. The whole composition becomes an epic piece of music that has highs and lows as the adventure progresses and works best when listened through in order. My personal favourite track on this EP though has to be ‘Fire Circle’ which takes the form of a jovial celebration. The sound of the accordion and the upbeat melody it portrays invokes images of drunken revelry around the firepit bringing an element of light after the previous track, ‘The Storm’. ‘Fire Circle’ is a song of reflection on the challenges that have been faced by the warparty to this point and engaging in celebrated remembrance of those who have been lost along the way.” – Uber Rock
“‘The Forgotten West’ is a great example of epic folk metal that captures the wild and unforgiving nature of some of the deeper parts of Canada. This continuation of the adventures from 2017’s ‘The Northern Saga’ will easily appeal to fans of folk metal with the similarities to Eluveitie being hard to ignore. Not that there’s anything wrong with this, the Eluveitie formula is fantastic and if you can produce something similar whilst remaining true to your own cultural roots, then have at it! It may have been my first exposure to Forsaken Rite but it certainly won’t be my last and I’ll be keeping an eye out to see if the band ventures out of Canada to hit the shores of the ÜK, and if that doesn’t happen then I have no problems returning to Canada for another adventure of my own!” – Uber Rock
“North American Combo, European Sound.” – PowerMetal.de
“Forsaken Rite’s blend of metal and folk continues to evolve, showcasing a sophisticated integration of genres. The EP balances aggressive metal riffs with traditional folk instrumentation, creating a dynamic and rich sonic landscape. Expect powerful guitar work and driving rhythms paired with acoustic elements, and rich vocals. Favorite Track- Call To War ” – Queen Metal Radio
““Call to War” is a heavy war song led by the power of unclean vocals as clean vocals build the narrative. The song’s bridge is a grand battle speech and a march towards victory climaxing in a multi-layered instrumental and vocal breakdown to round out the EP.” – She Makes Music
“I didn’t know Forsaken Rite before, but their folk metal immediately captivated me…. With this EP, the Canadians gave me the taste to listen to the older releases.” – Keep On Rocking Germany
“Melodies that run loosely into the ear, sensitive singing, hotter death growls and powerful, irresistible pagan folk merge into a compact unit. In terms of content, the Canadians led by lead singer Ursa appeal to a wide range of fans between BATTLE BEAST, ENSIFERUM, ELUVEITIE, NIGHTWISH and FAUN.” – FFM-Rock.de
“We get to hear five pretty nicely constructed songs where power and melody are brought together in quite uplifting songs. The pure folky element lies in Ursa’s voice, which contrasts sharply with the deep growls of Emrys Faol, and the use of a flute. 84/100” – Musika
““The Northern Saga” is definitely worth checking out as it has some solid songs, strong performances and catchy tracks. Another epic album from north of the border.” – Folk-Metal.nl (2017)
“…The conquest based on riffs warriors and vindictive is launched, no prisoners and drink in the skull of our enemies tonight! But FORSAKEN RITE is not just a fight, it’s also a real passion for Scandinavian shamanic atmospheres that are inserted in small touches along the tracks…” (Translated from French) – kaosguards.com (2017)
[Downlod EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]
Band: Forsaken Rite
EP Title: The Forgotten West (EP)
Release Date: September 27, 2024
Label: Self-Release
Track Listing:
1. The Forgotten West – 5:01
2. How Long is Forever? – 4:14
3. The Storm – 4:29
4. Fire Circle – 4:19
5. Call to War – 4:12
EP Recording Credits:
• All songs performed by: Forsaken Rite
• All songs written by: Forsaken Rite
• Produced, Mixed and Mastered by: Diego Fernandez, Oracle Recoding Studios
• Album Artwork by: Renee Robyn Photography and Digital Art
• Member of SOCAN
• Music is Canadian Content (MAPL)
EP Recording Band 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
Live Lineup:
Paige Patenaude (Adaria Ravencroft) – Drums
Daniel Brown (Räv Dagdrömmare) – Keyboards
Scott Schulthies (Ulfbjorn Weirsson) – Bass
Connor Pylypa (Peregyr) – Guitar
William Hubbs (Emrys Faol) – Vocals
Ursula Acuña Kuchenbecker (Ursa) – Vocals, Flute
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About EP Artwork:
Depiction of a hooded figure in a broad landscape running to the distance with buildings and mountains in the background.
About the EP as a whole (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)
The Forgotten West as an EP is a collection of songs that tell a grand adventure story spanning multiple regions, times, and events. Building upon the sounds and ideas established in The Northern Saga (2017) it serves as the relaunch of Forsaken Rite and the world they intend to build intertwining metal and folk music and fantasy-inspired storytelling.
Each song features distinct and unique folk and metal elements throughout that give each member of the Warparty an opportunity to shine and showcase their musicianship.
Soaring, versatile, and expressive clean vocal melodies, harmonies, and lyrics build the Warparty’s world and stories.
Hard-hitting distorted vocals display anguish, anger, and power and support the emotive expression of the songs and stories.
Forsaken Rite’s iconic accordion-inspired sound is accompanied by inspiring and distinctive flute and medieval flute lines. The instrumentation is further supported through epic and expansive orchestral and folk elements including various horns, harps, and strings.
Striking and virtuosic guitar solos and leads shine through while providing rhythmic and heavy support throughout.
Driving bass guitar lines are distinguished with multiple leading bass lines and otherwise supportive and establishing rhythms.
Thundering and widely varied percussive elements throughout the songs establish and fortify the direction of each song.
Although the songs are loosely interconnected, each song is intended to stand alone by capturing the listener in the unique sounds and stories of Forsaken Rite.
Track by track (LYRICALLY & MUSICALLY)
1. The Forgotten West
Story: The Forgotten West is the start of a new adventure. Once content living a simple life in their town, everything changed on the night of reckoning when the town was attacked and everyone lost their land and home. Legends whisper of new lands to the West that are prosperous and free, so now the Warparty has begun their quest.
Despite great successes so far on this quest and new stories to be told, they can’t help but remember, and long for what they once had, but was lost. Who will remember where it all began?
Music: The Forgotten West is an epic adventure song that features multiple different folk, orchestral, and metal elements. It serves as a beacon to the listener to join the Warparty on their adventure and sets the stage for the successes, the failures, and the overall diversity that is going to be experienced throughout The Forgotten West.
The introduction is an ominous flute introduction that builds the stage for the story that is to ensue throughout The Forgotten West’s journey. The song features multiple vocal verses led first by clean vocals and later distorted vocals that build the world and narrative of the Forgotten West capturing the magnitude and scale of Warparty’s journey and the emotions behind it all. The song’s chorus soars high and captures the heart of the journey.
The bridge is abrupt and fills the soundstage with an epic orchestral composition over a chant enticing the listener to remembrance of what was once had, and the sacrifices that it took to get where they are now.
2. How Long is Forever?
Story: Descend into madness. An immortal being starts the story by questioning the meaning of its existence. The melancholic voice of Sanity is represented by clean vocals, which describe the internal struggle associated with the meaningless passing of time. Madness, represented by distorted vocals, slowly takes over until there is no trace of Sanity left.
Music: How Long is Forever was first developed as an original work for another project by Ursula (vocals). Bringing it to Forsaken Rite, it was quickly reworked to fit with the new direction of the band. It’s easily one of the most diverse songs on the EP bringing darker and dynamic elements to the band’s sound. The song is bass and clean vocal driven, starting dark and haunting and, in line with the story told, progresses heavier and heavier ending with a grand multi-layered outro incorporating unclean vocals, accordion, flute, guitar, syncopated percussion, and other orchestral elements.
3. The Storm
Story: The adventurers are traveling West and encounter a terrible storm. As if something greater has other plans for their journey, they must weather its forces in order to survive and continue on their path.
Music: The Storm is a catchy sing-a-long with clean and distorted vocals and multi-layered folk elements. The instrumental section is percussive and brings together multiple folk instruments and melodies.
4. Fire Circle
Story: Fire Circle tells the story of the night directly after the events of The Storm. All gathered around the fire, festivities ensue in remembrance of those who have been lost and the challenges that have been faced.
Music: Fire Circle features several distinct musical elements and sections including a medieval flute intro, ominous and reflective clean vocals that build the song’s narrative and entice the listener to join in the festivities and remembrance, and several folk instrumental sections giving a lead to dancing rhythms and melodies on accordion, flute, and guitar. The song sends off the listener with a soaring guitar lead as the festivities continue.
5. Call to War
Story: Call to War is the finale of The Forgotten West’s journey. The Warparty has made it to their destination… for now.
They have found villages and life isn’t so bad, it’s different than before, but yet… oh so familiar.
But as if destiny had other plans, peace lasts only so long before history begins to repeat itself as new enemy forces move in to take what little the village has left.
Call to War is a battle speech and a rallying cry, because this time, we all stay to fight, unlike so long ago, before the journey of The Forgotten West.
Music: Call to War is the finale of The Forgotten West’s journey. The drums of war front the final rally cry as the war party leads warriors into battle.
Call to War is a heavy war song led by the power of unclean vocals as clean vocals build the narrative. The song is directed at listeners enticing them to join the Warparty in the final battle.
The song’s bridge is a grand battle speech and a march towards victory climaxing in a multi-layered instrumental and vocal breakdown to round out the EP.
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Fun Facts – Story Angles
1. Paige never heard folk metal before 2011, ended up going to a Cradle of Filth concert that year, and met someone who showed her folk metal starting with Eluveitie, Tyr, Ensiferum, Amon Amarth, etc. Immediately she was like “I wanna start a band like this”. Coming off a 5 year drum hiatus she began working towards starting the band.
2. The band name came from one of those band-name generators. Looked up some starting names and Forsaken came to mind, then worked to come up with what sounded good/cool with the word Forsaken. Eventually settled on Rite. “Forsaken Rite”
3. Back in 2016 there started a festival called Metalocalypstick Fest. A festival celebrating women in metal. Every band that played had to have, a least one female in the band. We had 3. The festival started with warm weather but quickly turned to rain. The stage, thankfully, was covered by a huge canopy. We were the very first band on the very first day on stage, effectively Christening, the festival. We played our 45-minute set, and shortly after we had completed and torn down, it started to rain. It continued to rain most of the weekend. The festival’s headliner was, none other than, Nervosa
L-R – Forsaken Rite – Räv Dagdrömmare (Keyboard) | Ulfbjorn Weirsson (Bass Guitar) | Adaria Ravecroft (Drums) | Ursa (Female Vocal/Flute) | Emrys Faol (Male Vocal) | Peregyr (Guitar)
Photo Credit: VOH Photography
Forged in the cold northern plains of Edmonton, AB, Forsaken Rite has been crafting tales of ancient lore and heroic feats since their formation in 2012. Drawing inspiration from their northern ancestry and the wild landscapes of Canada, the band has built a reputation for delivering electrifying live performances and transporting their audience into fantastical realms.
Weaving intricate tales of adventure, battles, and travels with each song they create. Their upcoming EP “The Forgotten West” out on September 27th, 2024 is a continuation of 2017’s “The Northern Saga”, and sees the band/war party heading West.
They are recommended for fans of Eluveitie, Nightwish, and Faun.
Discography:
2024 – The Forgotten West – EP
2017 – The Northern Saga – Album
2015 – For the Honour of our Fathers – EP
Shared Stage with: The Agonist, Mortillery, Hibria, Lost Nebula, W.M.D.
Tours and Festivals:
2022 – Hyperspace Metal Festival (attended, but unable to play due to half the band having Covid)
2021 – Loud As Hell
2020 – Loud As Hell
2019 – Metalocalypstick Fest
2018 – Saskatoon Screamfest – Night #2
2018 – Armstrong Metal Festival
2018 – Metalocalypstick Fest
2018 – March of The Frozen North Tour
2017 – Metalocalypstick Fest
2017 – The Northern Saga Canada Tour
2016 – Metalocalypstick Fest
2016 – Albertilation Festival
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