Napalm Records is proud to announce the signing of Eye Of Melian – the Tolkien-inspired symphonic project founded by Martijn Westerholt (Delain) and Finnish vocalist Johanna Kurkela (Auri). Alongside this exciting partnership, the band unveils their new studio album, “Forest of Forgetting”, set for release on February 20th, 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 about “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”.
Watch the official video for “Blackthorn Winter” below.
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.
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 lineup 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. Mesmerizing from the first gentle notes of opening track “Of Willows and Shadows”, “Forest of Forgetting” weaves otherworldly piano melodies and epic strings around angelic vocals worthy of the powerful Valar themselves. “Child of Twilight” deepens Eye Of Melian’s dreamy and bombastic Hollywood movie score approach, carefully building up an exceptionally enchanting atmosphere that carries on into the equally cinematic “Blackthorn Winter”, ever so elegantly broadening the view into the alluring realms the band is melodizing. “Dawn of Avatars” features Nightwish multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley on flute and uilleann pipes, as well as hurdy-gurdy fairy Patty Gurdy, before Eye Of Melian turns in the direction of heavy metal with a charming rendition of Bruce Dickinson’s anthem “Tears of the Dragon” (originally released on “Balls to Picasso” in 1994 after the singer had left Iron Maiden). “Forest of Forgetting” also comes with all its tracks as instrumental versions to dwell in the impressive orchestrals alone.
“Forest of Forgetting” will be available in the following formats:
• 2-LP Gatefold Vinyl MARBLED TRANSLUCENT REPTILE, incl. 24’’ Booklet – strictly limited to 150 copies worldwide (Napalm Mailorder exclusive)
• 2-LP Gatefold Vinyl MARBLED CRISTALLO GOLD – strictly limited to 150 copies worldwide (Napalm Mailorder exclusive)
• 2-LP Gatefold Vinyl BLACK
• 2-CD Digipak
• Digital Album
Pre-order & pre-save “Forest of Forgetting” here.
Tracklist:
1. Of Willows and Shadows
2. Symphonia Arcana
3. Child of Twilight
4. Elixir of Night (feat. Patty Gurdy and Troy Donockley)
5. Blackthorn Winter
6. Lady of Light
7. Dawn of Avatars (feat. Patty Gurdy and Troy Donockley)
8. Forest of Forgetting
9. The Buried Well
10. The Mirror
11. Nepenthe
12. Tears of the Dragon (Bruce Dickinson Cover)
Album Release Show 2026:
20.02.26 NL – Zwolle / Hedon
Finland Tour Dates 2026:
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
Line-up:
Martijn Westerholt – Keys and Orchestral arrangements
Johanna Kurkela – Vocals and Violin
Robin La Joy – Backing Vocals
Mikko P Mustonen – Keys and Orchestral arrangements
Weblinks:
eyeofmelian.com
www.facebook.com/eyeofmelian
