ALBUM REVIEW: Aether – Forlorn

March 25, 2025 Scott Wilson

Folk horror is thriving in the 21st century, with even those who usually avoid scary stories showing up for the Wicker Man-indebted Midsommar in their millions. It’s no surprise this renaissance is inspiring a new generation of rockers: Ben Wheatley’s A Field In England has influenced modern riff masters GREEN LUNG, for example, who sing of rituals and pagan gods. Now, FORLORN pay tribute to the elements on Aether, blending the old ways of the world with the metallic intensity of the new.

What’s most surprising is just how far Aether strays from preconceived notions of folk influenced metal. Coming hot on the heels of SPIRITBOX’s Tsunami Sea, both bands could easily trade riffs on a song like Funeral Pyre, FORLORN’s ode to fire. It is groovy and downtuned, sounds that are in vogue rather than eternal. The band lean on this juxtaposition to find their voice, describing themselves as fusing paganism with crushing soundscapes. Folk rock purists might turn their noses up at musicians taking influence from the present, but in doing so, the band find ways of preserving tradition by presenting it in a fresh way. More of the same this ain’t.

For the record’s more contemporary passages, singer Megan Jenkins puts on a ferocious performance. Her screams bring Angela Gossow of ARCH ENEMY fame to mind, infused with the depth and agony so few of her peers were capable of. Jenkins has a monstrous growl, but she’s as comfortable in Aether’s more ethereal moments, when the dense fog clears and her voice acts as an anchor among the maelstrom. She is our guide over the metalcore breakdowns and through gothic choruses.

Just like the elements, the vibe here is changeable. Creatress has a progressive structure, on which thick power chords give way to symphonic black metal style blast beats, fusing unpredictable ingredients that mimic the untameable organic – and the spiritual – world. This is a record that begins with an incantation, ‘praise Hecate of the underworld’, keeping a foot in the mythical even when, say, Keeper Of The Well’s hellishly low riffs sound very 2025.

Fans who have followed FORLORN up till now may be a little disappointed with how little is new on Aether. Of its eight tracks, three are interludes, and four of the others are available on streaming ahead of the record’s release. The Wailing, the most substantial new track here, is a highlight, finding creepiness both in atmospheric dread and in just how horrifying distorted instrumentation can sound. But as it is, Aether could have benefitted from keeping a few more tricks up its sleeve.

Still, Aether is a heck of a debut, and a proper introduction to a band who appear to have found their voice among both folk and metalcore acts in quick fashion. Already, a FORLORN song stands out on any playlist thanks to the way they command everything at their disposal to cast their unique spell. It’s another win for Church Road Records with FORLORN, who on the strength of what’s offered up on Aether, will have so much more to say, and all of it worth hearing.

Rating: 8/10