EXILED HOPE Joins Forces With STEEL FORGE for Powerful New EP Realm Of The Exiled,

23rd September 2024 0 By Jon Deaux

Multi-instrumentalist Sofia Frasz of EXILED HOPE has partnered with UK melodeath artist STEEL FORGE to reveal their new EP Realm Of The Exiled, available December 20th, 2024. The first single, “The Calling” is out now.

Sofia comments “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).

On the musical side, this EP was cathartic and challenging at the same time. I love melodeath as a genre, but I don’t make much of it in EXILED HOPE, even though I’ve wanted to for a long time. Realm Of The Exiled became my way of exploring new songwriting and playing styles, while trying to keep the sound consistent with what listeners can expect from both STEEL FORGE and EXILED HOPE.”

Danny adds “Sofia wrote the music to the EP, which surprised me as she managed to capture not just the Exiled Hope sound but also, my band, STEEL FORGE’s sound as well for an amazing blend of both bands while maintaining consistency throughout. I had the dream job of creating and visualizing the world in my head of what we would create whilst staying true to Sofia’s character/mascot I.E. Hope and mine, The Forger, which led to me writing the majority of the lyrics, apart from a verse in “The Calling” and the song “Beyond The Veil.””

Listen here: https://steelforge1.bandcamp.com/track/the-calling

About EXILED HOPE:

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.

EXILED HOPE is:

Sofia Frasz – all instruments and all vocals

Social media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/legally_metal/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdZNNjK9ieVITFmcplPs1hA

Bandcamp: https://exiledhope.bandcamp.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/024Bd5ViU3F8gRFe9lnCth

Merch: https://www.bonfire.com/store/exiled-hope-virtual-merch-booth/

About 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.

STEEL FORGE is:

Danny Hell – vocals

Ryan Thompson – drums

Sean Robson – bass

Luke Hanvey – guitarist