Exiled Hope and Steel Forge have just dropped their collaborative, symphonic melodeath EP, Realm Of The Exiled, on all streaming platforms. In celebration, they have come together to share a lyric video for the song “Approaching Resurrection.” Check it out below and read more from both bands below.
Buy Realm Of The Exiled here: https://steelforge1.bandcamp.com/album/realm-of-the-exiled
Sofia Frasz of Exiled Hope comments about the EP, “Story-wise, the EP is a “midquel” in the EXILED HOPE universe, taking place after the events of Exiled Hope (2020) and during the events of Angel Of Greytown (2021) and Apocrypha (2025). It follows Hope’s journey through the underworld after she is executed for inciting a rebellion in her city at the end of Exiled Hope (2020)”
Danny Hughes, vocalist of Steel Forge comments of the song,
“This is the final track on the album. The song represents Hope and the Forger charging through Charon’s gates—the entrance to the underworld. The only way out is through, and after cutting down demons and monsters with weapons and magic, the Forger stays behind to allow Hope to escape. Their plan succeeds, and Hope reawakens back in the mortal realm. Meanwhile, the Forger manages to escape as well, defeating a wounded Charon in the process. However, not all stories need to be neatly tied up; a touch of mystery is always intriguing, leaving room to wonder where the Forger’s journey will lead next. As the final track—and also the shortest—it had to be everything: fast, melodic, and explosive. We wanted the listener to feel as though they were there, watching and escaping alongside the Forger and Hope. Additionally, this song features spoken-word clean vocals, which I haven’t used since the Gods of War track, “Operation Engage,” near the song’s conclusion.”
Realm Of The Exiled tracklisting:
01 A Light In The Darkness
02 The Calling
03 Fate’s Design
04 Beyond The Veil
05 Approaching Resurrection
06 Epilogue
Multi-instrumentalist Sofia Frasz established Exiled Hope in 2019, and draws musical inspiration from the likes of Avantasia, Nightwish, Kamelot and Cradle Of Filth to name a few. Exiled Hope’s releases all take place in the same fictional universe and combine to form a dark fantasy metal opera. Each album centers on a character dealing with both an internal and external conflict in this world, and the lyrics explore how they navigate those conflicts. This is intended to provide some kind of escapism through the lyrical worldbuilding, while still keeping the songs grounded in real, relatable emotions despite their fantastical setup. Exiled Hope is working towards the next album, Apocrypha, due to be released April 11th, 2025. Through Exiled Hope, Sofia has composed music for two short films, Hallowed Paths and What Happens After Midnight, and has collaborated with UK melodeath outfit Steel Forge.
Born in Liverpool, UK, Steel Forge have been drawing inspiration from the likes of Amon Amarth, Wintersun, Ensiferum, King Diamond, Children Of Bodom, and Iron Maiden. Since their creation in 2015, Steel Forge released their debut EP Forged from Darkness in 2019 and their album As Nightmares Descend in 2023. With a passion for live performances, Steel Forge have played festivals like Metal 2 The Masses, toured cross-country in the UK, supported the likes of Battle Born, Aephanemer, and Tailgunner, as well as headlining multiple shows in the UK.
Check out our previous interview with Sofia Frasz of Exiled Hope:
Exiled Hope is:
Sofia Frasz – All instruments and all vocals
Follow Exiled Hope:
https://www.instagram.com/legally_metal/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdZNNjK9ieVITFmcplPs1hA
https://exiledhope.bandcamp.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/024Bd5ViU3F8gRFe9lnCth
https://www.bonfire.com/store/exiled-hope-virtual-merch-booth/
Steel Forge is:
Danny Hell – Vocals
Ryan Thomson – Guitar backing vocals
Sean Roberts – Drums
Follow Steel Forge:
https://steelforge1.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/steelforgeband/
https://www.instagram.com/steelforge_band/
https://x.com/steelforgeband?lang=en-GB
https://www.youtube.com/@steelforge8934
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3CNLoVLW2SVhYxd6aZsGyR