As a music tragic, there is nothing quite like the sweet ecstasy derived from stumbling upon an exciting new sound — the kind that treats your mojo to a jackhammer jolt.
That’s the exact feeling I experienced upon first hearing Danish rock act Forever Still, who on their third and latest independently released EP, Save Me, prove the underground is very much alive and well.
The second in a series of bite size releases that will eventually form their debut full-length album, Save Me features three smashing shots of metallic excitement.
The music is a mix of pounding rock, complete with a distinct industrial edge, and the slightest whiff of goth styling thrown in for good measure.
Leader of the outfit, vocalist Maja Schonning, boasts pipes that produce sounds that could easily be described in equal parts ethereal and down-right scary.
EP opener, Awake The Fire showcases the former, with Maja flying effortlessly over a pacy pounding backbeat and some tasty fretwork.
Near impossible to refrain from singing along, the track is completely addictive.
The follow-up, Breathe In, starts with a mosh which gives way to voice and bass. Once again, the chorus hook is meaty.
Of special note is Maja’s impressive deathly scream, which certainly sets her apart from those with whom she could be compared — Evanescence’s Amy Lee, Tarja Turunen and even Within Temptation’s Sharon den Adel.
The final track, Save Me, builds with some cool electro elements adding to the rock.
Again, Maja is simply dreamy. There is a delicate sorrow in the vocal which is simply intoxicating.
As a follow on from the Scars EP, Save Me adds to the solid foundation and serves to enhance the need in the listener for more.
Forever Still is beyond question one of the most exciting acts I’ve heard in some time, and they certainly give me the urge to stand atop the mountain and scream their name for all to take heed.
Check their music out at their official Bandcamp page here.
