Forgotten King is a Norwegian Heavy Psych/Stoner and Doom band, started as a solo project by Azul (Kal-El). The new album “The Seeker” was released on September 06, 2024 via Majestic Mountain Records and contains 6 tracks ranging from 4 to over 10 minutes in length. The opener “Deadbeat” immediately shows the band’s different and original approach, especially in the very distinctive vocal parts. Heavy and gloomy sounds permeate the song, with interesting electric guitar inserts in the instrumental sections, alternating with the enveloping vocal parts. A Heavy, dark guitar riff opens “Lost,” a granitic track with a solid, slow-moving rhythm section. The restless vocals give an original touch to the sound, resulting in a dark and penetrating doom metal track. The hypnotic bass lines are deep and driving, while in the instrumental sections the guitar offers scratchy solo inserts. The vocals return for the last verses and the track closes. “Around The Corner” is the shortest track on the album, still clocking in at over four minutes. An energetic rhythm section with engaging guitar riffs characterise the structure, giving the track a more Rock feel. Without losing the good mixture of Stoner/Doom atmospheres, the track alternates between more heavy and rhythmic passages and openings that enhance the original vocal interpretation. A pachydermic rhythm section and intertwining piercing guitar and bass riffs open “Drag.” An elaborate, sombre track with hypnotic sounds that envelop the listener, guiding them on this more than 10-minute journey through the dark atmospheres created by the band. Dynamic and restless vocals characterise the sound as always, alternating also with more harsh inserts, which add aggression to a distinctly Doom sound. A granitic Doom Metal characterises “The Sun,” which combines just the right amount of Heavy Rock with Doom, with typical dark atmospheres and dynamic vocals. Deep, distorted riffs characterise the track, creating a hypnotic melody together with repeated bass lines. Solid drumming adds power to the sound. Successful blend of modern Doom Metal sounds mixed with their own personal touch and distinctive vocals. The album ends with “The Watcher,” which opens with atmospheric guitar sounds, with arpeggios joined by warm, expressive vocals. In the middle part, the piece evolves by incorporating the rhythm section, which is granitic and pachydermic, and Doom Metal traits with an energetic and gloomy sound. A restless vocal inserts itself perfectly into the musical contrast, accompanying us until the finale. A band that shows they have original ideas, creating a Doom Metal sound with refined and dynamic vocal parts that fit into a more Heavy context. The tracklist is well constructed, keeping the intensity high from beginning to end and involving the listener with a sound with personal traits. A recommended listen for lovers of Doom Metal sounds with a gloomy touch, and with personal and original traits.
Tracklist
01. Deadbeat (6:07)
02. Lost (7:13)
03. Around The Corner (4:14)
04. Drag (10:07)
05. The Sun (6:21)
06. The Watcher (7:46)
Lineup
Azul Josh / Guitar and Vocals
Svend / Guitar
Nils / Bass
Erik / Drums