Napalm Records is proud to announce the signing of Eye Of Melian – the Tolkien-inspired symphonic/folk project founded by Martijn Westerholt (Delain) and Finnish vocalist Johanna Kurkela (Auri). Alongside this exciting partnership, the band announces their new album, Forest Of Forgetting, set for release on 20 February 2026.
Named after a powerful primordial singing spirit from the world of J.R.R. Tolkien, Eye Of Melian draws deeply from his mythic lore and incorporates it into their breathtaking musical universe. Forest Of Forgetting presents a spellbinding masterclass in symphonic storytelling, so immersive and dreamlike that reality gently drifts away. As a first glimpse into this enchanted world, the band releases the single "Blackthorn Winter". Ethereal and cinematic, the track captures Eye Of Melian's signature movie score-like sound: lush orchestration, elegant melodies, and an otherworldly atmosphere that invites listeners to step beyond the veil and into realms of pure imagination.
Johanna Kurkela on "Blackthorn Winter": "'Blackthorn Winter' ended up becoming a very personal song to me after writing the lyrics about living here in Finland, where winter feels like it never ends and summer is the best day of the year".
With this opulent album, Eye Of Melian extends an invitation to faraway lands full of wonder. Forest Of Forgetting unfolds as quite the opposite of its title: utterly unforgettable. The album also comes with all its tracks as instrumental versions to dwell in the impressive orchestrals alone.
Martijn Westerholt about Forest Of Forgetting: "This album has been a really inspiring process – both for me as a songwriter and in what each of us brought to it. It has a lot of what Eye Of Melian is known for: cinematic, score-like arrangements, minor chords, and those epic, mysterious atmospheres. The lyrics tie everything together; they bring out the worlds and stories that the music hints at and make the whole thing feel complete. The collaboration between us on this record felt very natural. We've really found our way of working as a team, and I'm proud of what we created together".
Completing the all-star line-up on their debut with Napalm Records are orchestral arranger Mikko P. Mustonen and backing vocalist and lyricist Robin La Joy, blessing twelve lush compositions with immortal life.
The band will hold the album release show on 20 February in Hedon, Zwolle, Netherlands, and soon after embark on a Finnish tour (see the tour dates below). Link
Forest Of Forgetting tracklist:
01. Of Willows and Shadows
02. Symphonia Arcana
03. Child of Twilight
04. Elixir of Night (feat. Patty Gurdy and Troy Donockley)
05. Blackthorn Winter
06. Lady of Light
07. Dawn of Avatars (feat. Patty Gurdy and Troy Donockley)
08. Forest of Forgetting
09. The Buried Well
10. The Mirror
11. Nepenthe
12. Tears of the Dragon (Bruce Dickinson cover)
* Eye Of Melian - Forest of Forgetting Over Finland:
10.03.26 FI - Kitee / Kiteesali
12.03.26 FI - Espoo / Sellosali
13.03.26 FI - Kouvola / Pato-klubi
18.03.26 FI - Rovaniemi / Korundi
19.03.26 FI - Kuusamo / Kuusamo-talo
20.03.26 FI - Oulu / Kaupunginteatteri
21.03.26 FI - Raahe / Raahesali
24.03.26 FI - Helsinki / Aleksanterin Teatteri
26.03.26 FI - Turku / Turun Linnan Kuninkaansali
27.03.26 FI - Kuopio / Maxim
28.03.26 FI - Tampere / Tuulensuun Palatsi
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