Forever Still
Save Me EP
Release Date: Out Now
Independent
Review by Cameron Cooper
Moving away from the more straight-ahead heaviness of last year’s Scars EP, Denmark’s Forever Still – now whittled down to a three-piece – have adopted an alternative rock approach to their latest release.
That said, it’s not like the band have completely thrown metal out the window. A rumbling production and some experimental tendencies ensure the record remains ferocious. Live drumming is interwoven with EDM drum loops as a thunderous, thick wall-of-sound assault from guitars and bass ring out across the 10 minute rocker, reminiscent of HIM or POISONBLACK in production, but with less Gothic overtones.
Speaking of Goth, the band’s comparisons to Evanescence and Lacuna Coil aren’t without merit, but the group are hardly a carbon copy. Vocalist Maja Schønning’s voice is a lot rougher around the edges than what has come to be expected of “female fronted” rock bands. While this translates well to the band’s heavier tracks, some softer moments suffer from vocal lines that could use a little bit of polish.
The band are at their strongest on EP opener ‘Awake the Fire’: the heaviest tune on the album and most satisfying. Layers of vocals and absolutely stomping rhythms keep the song pummelling forward from beginning to end, with Children of Bodom-esque guitar riffs littered about, while the band’s foray into ballad-territory on ‘Save Me’ is a candid look at a band trying something new – the tune might not be as consistent as the rest of the EP, but is a promising nod to what the band could achieve on a more thought-out, full-length release.
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