Rockshots Records will be releasing Fortis Ventus’ debut album “Vertalia” on June 3rd, 2022. Combining symphonic and cinematic elements along with soundtrack influences, today the Greek trio unveils their first single off the forthcoming record.
Entitled “My Death is My Devotion”, the song captures the pain and faith behind the sacrifices for the ones we care about from the emotions driven by love and loyalty.
“An epic orchestral intro brings us to stormy seas only for the rhythmic triplets to ground us as the catchy melody gets stuck in your head. The vocals sing long notes while the band and orchestra keep a groovy rhythm going. Then it quiets down to a somber voice that is filled with emotion only for it to return even stronger than before”, adds the band.
Check out the lyric video for “My Death is My Devotion” below.
Sentimental, dramatic, grand, cinematic, and imaginative, “Vertalia” is a concept album based on a novel-fairytale written by keyboardist George Halliwell.
“Twelve chapters for a total of twelve tracks”, says Halliwell.
The theme of this fairytale focuses on an imaginary planet called “Vertalia”, where the main character starts their journey to discover their inner truth and the truth of life itself. Through the challenges they face during their journey back to Earth, they connect with their higher self and take a path to eventually achieve inner peace back towards their homeland of “Vertalia”.
“The audience will be surprised at the intricate orchestrations that hide behind complex melodies on this album. Each person hearing it, will find a glimmer to empathize in every track. We wanted to tell a story and give the listener a variety of feelings and a journey alongside the lyrics”, adds the band.
Fortis Ventus is recommended for fans of Hans Zimmer, Two Steps From Hell, Epica, Nightwish, and Kamelot.
Pre-order “Vertalia” here and pre-save it here.
Tracklist:
1. Between Love and War
2. Birth of Sadness
3. Vertalia
4. Cave of Glass
5. Living Thorns (prelude)
6. Gothecia
7. Unveiling Path
8. My Death is My Devotion
9. Door to the Unknown (prelude)
10. Reflections of Myself
11. The Eagle’s Chase
12. Homeland
Fortis Ventus formed in 2015 and self-released their first EP “Haunted Heart” in November 2017. In early 2018, due to creative differences, the band underwent significant changes. The driving forces that remained were composer, arranger, keyboardist George Halliwell and vocalist, lyricist Nancy Mos. Breathing new life into their work, the duo met Gregory Koilakos, who would take on the role of guitarist. Together, the three musicians started recording their first full-length “Vertalia” with Gregory taking on both guitar and bass duties for the album, which also changed the band’s metal sound with its film score music elements.
Album Credits:
All music written & arranged by George Halliwell
All lyrics & vocal lines written by Nancy Mos, except “Vertalia” co- written by Nancy Mos & George Halliwell
Produced by George Halliwell
Co-produced by Yiannis Petroyiannis
Recorded & Edited at iCave Studio by Dee “K.man” Theodorou
Mixed & Mastered at Matrix Recording Studio by Yiannis Petroyiannis
Artwork & booklet’s adjustments made by Gogo Melone
Page layout by & Band photography by Fani Karatza
Line-up:
Nancy Mos – Vocals
George Halliwell – Keys, Programming
Gregory Koilakos – Electric, Classical & Bass Guitars
Guest Musicians:
Drum Recordings – Gregory Giarelis
Male & Choir Vocals on “Between Love & War” – Dee Theodorou
Backing Vocals on “Reflections of Myself”- Michalis Artz
Violin on “Birth of Sadness” & “The Unveiling Path” – Phedon Vriniotis
Cello on “Reflections of Myself”- Maria Mazaraki -Ainianos
Choir parts on “Between Love and War” & “Gothecia” – Nancy Mos, George Halliwell
Additional Male vocals on “Reflection of Myself” – George Halliwell
Weblinks:
facebook.com/fortisventusofficial
twitter.com/fortis_ventus
