REVIEW: Exiled Hope & Steel Forge - Realm Of The Exiled

If you’re looking for a cinematic soundtrack to motivate and launch you into the new year, Exiled Hope and Steel Forge have come together to deliver the answer for you with a six track long melodeath EP full of worldbuilding.  

The release follows a story built by Exiled Hope that centres on protagonist Hope who's undertaking a journey through the underworld - all represented perfectly through the ups and downs of the music, with each song representing a different part of her journey. Soloist Sofia Frasz of Exiled Hope uses this EP to collaborate with the band Steel Forge in order to explore new genres she hasn't been able to before. Through this process, she has managed to perfectly blend the two bands, keeping the essence of them both very present in each song.  

The EP starts off strong with ‘A Light In The Darkness’ which blends folk influences as well as a unique song structure to create a truly cinematic sound, full of adventure and drama. Sofia's guttural vocals play a big part in this song, with brutal lyrics written by Danny Hell, the lead vocalist of Steel Forge.  

The next two songs - ‘The Calling’ and ‘Fate’s Design’ - carry on this story. One particular section we enjoyed is the monumental guitar solo in the last half of ‘Fate’s Design’, accompanied by a bass heavy breakdown making for what feels like a grand climax for the character. ‘The Calling’ contrasts excellently by being much heavier, with the guitar riff having an almost nostalgic sound, reminiscent of a boss fight in a fantasy game. 

‘Beyond The Veil’ gives room for a break on the EP, where Sofia flaunts her impressive vocal range. The song ends on a haunting blend of layered vocals, enough to give the listener chills. The strengths of this song contrast heavily with the rest of those present, with a much more symphonic, nigh orchestral feel to things. This is our standout track on the EP, with its seven minute plus runtime being more than worthwhile!

The last full song on the EP ‘Approaching Resurrection’ picks back up and leads to a tremendous climax with a fast paced, riff heavy number. The finale, ‘Epilogue’, is a complete instrumental, full of orchestral rhythms that guide you through this two-minute journey. Though short, it leaves a great impression and begs the question of where is this character going to go next?

All in all, this EP is an impressive display of an array of talents coming together, both in genre and structure; the music is experimental and exciting, always keeping the listener on their toes. Fans of melodeath, black metal and doom metal are sure to enjoy the story of this EP. The genre-bending blend can fabricate fantastical imagery, and even if you haven't followed either band before it will transport you right into the creator's story. As for the future of these two acts, Exiled Hope’s next album ‘Apocrypha’ is due to release on April 11th, so be sure to keep an ear out for that!

'Realm Of The Exiled' will be released independently on January 10th.

Words: Amy Smyth

Photos: Me