The enchanting and charismatic folk metal ensemble FORGOTTEN SHRINE have unveiled their new single "Halo". Comprised of Josh Alexander and Sofia Frasz (EXILED HOPE), the dynamic duo embrace country and pop elements as they explore an emotive narrative of wanting to see the best in someone despite witnessing a darker reality.

Josh Alexander shares: "When Sofia brought me this song in its demo form I was both excited and surprised at the melodic and lyrical structure. It's beautiful simplicity brings a breath of fresh air after a very dark and heavy part of our upcoming album, in a way that almost gives you whiplash. On another note, folk metal bands aren't exactly commonplace in the USA where we're from - and much in the way that European bands like Eluveitie have ballads that call back to their own folk traditions, 'Halo' is a callback to the Appalachian folk tradition here in America."

Sofia Frasz comments: "Last May, I got 'If I Die Young' by The Band Perry stuck in my head at random while out on a walk. When I got back, I played around with different melodies and finally landed on the chorus. I thought it might be fun to try out a style I'd never touched before, and hilarious to put a country/folk/pop song right next to some of the heaviest songs on the album; my approach to songwriting is very playful and goofy even when the subject matter is serious. I'd had the idea for the lyrics and the song title for a while, and they finally found a home in the lighter, softer melodies you hear on this song. Lyrically, 'Halo' is about seeing the worst sides of someone, and hoping that you're wrong about what you see. Even if they show you their true colors over and over again, it can be hard to accept that and see reality."

In "Halo", an array of string and folk instruments provide a bright and textural backdrop to the lead vocal melodies. Both Frasz and Alexander perform clean vocals on this song in a delivery that feels intimate and personal, and aptly conveys the lyrical theme. The genre influences of country, folk and pop are incorporated seamlessly into FORGOTTEN SHRINE's characteristic sound. From the catchy chorus hook to the dynamic instrumental arrangement, the band showcase their more experimental side in this new release.

FORGOTTEN SHRINE is:
Josh Alexander (Pennsylvania, USA) - Guitar, Bass, Hurdy Gurdy, Irish Bouzouki, Additional Instruments, Backing Vocals, Composition.
Sofia Frasz (Maryland, USA) - Lead Vocals, Guitar, Lyrics, Composition.

Connect With FORGOTTEN SHRINE :
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555238025771&mibextid=ZbWKwL
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgottenshrineband
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForgottenShrineBand
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0q7rFp0yxvWoxGWqIt21nI?si=p5jz0YOOROOHFy5jxHAW6A
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/forgotten-shrine/1734698132