Album Review: Forlorn World – Umbra (Self Released)

Forlorn World was formed in July 2019 by frontman and founding member of Bloodshot Dawn, Josh McMorran, with the intention of weaving an epic narrative plot together. Drawing influences from melodic death metal bands new and old, the likes of Scar Symmetry, Soilwork and many more, Josh added his own signature brutality to the mix.

Forlorn World is a narrative backdrop, the story of a man forced to take a dark path, finding revenge and redemption. The epilogue of a great saga in a fictional universe, based on the world we live in and trials we all face together.

The album entitled, Umbra (meaning ‘shadow’ in Latin) is a solo project comprised of 7 new melodic death metal songs. Which includes guest solos and vocals from Francesco Paoli (Fleshgod Apocalypse), Morgan Reid, Yo Oniytan and many more, with bass duties covered by Giacomo Gastaldi (Bloodshot Dawn, Darkend).

The album will be released worldwide October 13th, 2020 on all major platforms in physical and digital format.

Creative people need an outlet, often more than one, which in the case of Josh McMorran has resulted in Forlorn World and the debut album, Umbra. Clearly defined as different to his main focus, Bloodshot Dawn by delivering grandiose and crushing melodic metal.

You can hear the Swedish scene influences throughout but happily, it doesn’t come across like a tribute. From the larger-than-life start of Moving Mountains (the drumming is insane) to The Shadowmancer’s impressive guitar sharpness. The balance of ferocious verses and cleaner choruses working very well together.

A brief guitar solo and soft melodic effects makes the intermission of Before the End somewhat memorable. Before March into the Void bursts forth with hostile and concentrated life. An overwhelming heavyweight of melodic metal that gets so wild at the end, leaves everything smouldering.

A smouldering that turns into a destructive inferno on the following Traveller and Pillars of Eternity. The latter is one of the best tracks on offer as the guitars squeal like a stuck pig and the clean singing in the chorus is really up-lifting.

Kept tight and concise, Forlorn World comes to an end with the title track and it’s another absolute rager. Josh McMorran having temporarily expelled these melodic metal demons in remarkable fashion.

Forlorn World – Umbra Full Track Listing:

1. Moving Mountains
2. The Shadowmancer
3. Before the End
4. March into Void
5. Traveller
6. Pillars of Eternity
7. Umbra

Links

Bandcamp | Facebook