METAL’S DEN

Reviewed by Rick

Forgotten Tales - The Promise

Finally, here is the very first album from our prodigious Quebecers, the guardians of power metal in Canadian ground. We can't say that they took too much time because at approximately the same period last year, FORGOTTEN TALES appeared for the first time in public at the CEGEP Limoilou's auditorium to interpret only covers of the major figures of this style that are Helloween, Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian, Labyrinth, Edguy, Rhapsody and Stratovarius. This enumeration should help you to figure out FORGOTTEN TALES's style. The use of keyboards is inspired by Stratovarius, the powerful hymns are in the vein of Edguy's, the technical rhythmics are alike Labyrinth's and the feminine vocals just as charismatic as Timo, Tobias and Fabio are a part of our Quebecer power metal emblem.

" The Promise " is an album that abounds in incredible hymns of the style that we all love. From the introductory track " Word of Truth " to the four acts concept " The Tale of Neeris " then " Cold Heart " and the wink to Rush to the magnificent ballad " Far Away ", you'll see that there are no dull moments. The compos are solid, lively, hard-hitting and of an incomparable technical level. They have absolutely nothing to envy from the European masters. As for the lyrics, they are about true values, liberation, loss of a dear being, some heroic fantasy and a quest for a better world. FORGOTTEN TALES even dares to include a concept in four parts dealing with the transformation of a young and peaceful woman into a queen of darkness thirsting for vengeance to those who murdered her.Pierre Rémillard's production (Cryptopsy, Obliveon) is as high as the expectations that the fans of a very melodic and technical metal could have. The challenge is lifted and the result is surprising.

To have seen FORGOTTEN TALES at least five times live, I can say that their material pass very well on stage and the six members know how to raise a crowd. Cédric Prévost (drums) and Pat Vir (bass) compose a most feverish and subtle rhythm section whereas Frédérick Desroches knows how to put his keyboard parts effectively leaning in the symphonico-classic and atmospheric. The pair of guitarist Martin Desharnais (who played everything on the album) and Alex Therrien (who joined the band later) are absolutely not handicapped and will make some bands that are only plagiarizing go green . And the soul of the band is doubtless the charismatic Sonia Pineault (vocals). She has a really powerful and moving voice and during a show, she manages to put the public in her pocket, interacts and gives the impression that you are assisting comfortably a private performance in a lounge. FORGOTTEN TALES managed to realize in a short period of time what numerous bands attain with their third album, i.e. finding their own sound and their path. Yes this style knows numerous weak copies but we are in the presence of a phenomenon, so be part of the tale and get yourselves " The Promise ".

Note : 6/6