Forsaken from Malta have existed since 1991, but it took this long to get their sophomore full length album out. Doomy heavy metal is Forsaken's trade, so there's no need to hurry. And above that, this album is really something good! And as I believe, has been worth the wait.

Forsaken have mastered their craft of epic and mysterious heavy metal. 'Kindred Veil' is a HUGE song, which never gets boring, thanks to its small yet dramatic changes. After this crushing monument, 'Sephiroth' offers even more atmosphere. It's crunchy and heavy, but also so creepy and mystic. 'The Poet's Nightmare' is an intro to 'Whispering Soul', with a fantastic narration of H.P. Lovecraft poem. In 'Whispering Soul' the true Lovecraftian vision becomes sound. And now I'm out of words! It is simply so fantastic. Actually the album is perfect from the beginning to the end of 'Whispering Soul'. Then, enter Black Sabbathesque vibrations. It might be manna for some, but I personally see it as more faceless thing on this album. It also gives a big mental image of vintage Cathedral. Maybe it's just groovier element, but it somewhat breaks the mystic feel of 'Anima Mundi'. It continues on 'Carpe Diem', which is the weakest song on offer, but still strong enough because of its faster part towards the end. Both of these songs also include similar stuff included on first 4 songs, but still they can't stay next to those perfect songs. 'All Is Accomplished' is faster song, featuring some double kick drum stuff, too. The song closes the album in a good way and saves the second half of the album.

The production is just about right. The sound is heavy, everything is well balanced in the mix and nothing sounds modern (e.g. triggered drums and such). Guitars go from crunchy to heavy to atmosphere-lifting leads. The doomy atmosphere is increased by huge synthesizers, varying from organ sounds to choir voices to weirder effects. Vocals are usually sung in mid-range, with some ascending lines and some more silent whispering. Growl and demonic, inhuman effects are utilized to a good measure.

Forsaken gave me a revelation. I really must check out all those classic doom metal bands now, which I still haven't but a few. After 'Anima Mundi', all gothic metal bands sound even more pussy than ever before. Even if the second half of the album doesn't feel too good when compared to the first, perfect, one, this shouldn't be left without closer inspection. Might be a classic in the making.

Rating: 8½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
09/17/2004 15:04