[ALBUM REVIEW] EYE OF MELIAN opened the gates to a different world with their latest offering “Forest of Forgetting”.

Published on 19 February 2026 at 17:00

By Shaun Payne.

(Image: PHOTO CREDIT: TIM TRONCKOE]

Created by Delain’s Martijn Westerholt and featuring Auri’s Johanna Kurkela as a lead vocalist, as well as Nightwish’s multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley and the ‘Hurdy Gurdy’ fairy Patty Gurdy. This fellowship of 4 musicians from around the world have come together to take their listeners on a journey through the ethereal realms of J.R.R Tolkien through thematic lyrics fantastical melodies and an orchestral score that makes you feel like you are wandering through the plains of Valinor itself.

The album starts with a light touch, pulling you in with simple melody and angelic vocals, you can feel the movie-esque stylings the group have poured into this release. This is the kind of album where you put it on and let yourself drift away either when you want to feel peaceful or to accompany you as you take on your daily tasks.

It's hard to point to specific tracks as standout as it feels the intention of this album is to feel like one continuous journey filled with highs and lows as the strings sway and the drums beat, lasting just over an hour. I would say this is definitely something you make sure you have the time to enjoy in full.

The last slot of this album has been taken by the bands own tribute to Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden, Samson) in the form of a unique take of his song 'Tears of The Dragon' in which they also released a beautiful music video for(attached below), if you're a fan of the legend then don't skip this.

If you are a fan of symphonic styling in music then let 'Forest Of Forgetting' carry you into an enchanting realm of peace as the band and this album take on quite the opposite of its name: unforgettable. As well as angelic vocals which offer a stunning contribution to the cinematic atmosphere, Forest Of Forgetting will also be offering an instrumental version to dwell on their impressive orchestral masterpiece alone.

Forest of Forgetting — Tracklist (CD 1)