Forsaken: Thirty-Five Years of Epic Doom Metal Majesty (1991–2026)
- Noel Mifsud
- Aug 31
- 6 min read
Part 3 – A legacy carved in stone: the enduring power of Forsaken
Pentateuch: a testament to endurance
After nearly three decades of existence, many bands would have been content to simply celebrate their past achievements. Forsaken, however, have always been driven by creativity rather than nostalgia. Their 2020 album Pentateuch demonstrated that the band still possessed the ambition and artistic vision that had defined them since their earliest days.
The title itself offered a clear indication of the album’s conceptual direction. Drawing inspiration from ancient religious texts and themes that have fascinated humanity for centuries, Pentateuch continued Forsaken’s exploration of mythology, spirituality, morality and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.
The album was another example of the band’s ability to create music that feels timeless. While the modern metal landscape has changed dramatically since their formation, Forsaken’s approach has remained consistent: powerful riffs, memorable melodies, dramatic structures and lyrics that encourage reflection.
Rather than chasing modern production trends or attempting to fit into contemporary movements, Forsaken continued to create music on their own terms. This artistic independence has always been one of their greatest strengths.
The musicianship displayed throughout Pentateuch confirmed the exceptional chemistry that had developed between the members. Leo Stivala’s commanding vocals continued to provide the emotional centre of the music, delivering performances filled with both power and expression. Albert Bell’s bass work and songwriting remained fundamental to the band’s identity, while guitarist Sean Vukovic and drummer Simeon Gatt contributed the precision and intensity required to bring the compositions to life.
The album represented not only another chapter in Forsaken’s catalogue but also a reminder of why the band had survived for so long. Their music was never dependent on fashion or trends; it was built on conviction.
The musicians behind the legend
While Forsaken’s history is often discussed through their albums, the story of the band is equally a story about the musicians who have carried its vision across three and a half decades.
Bassist and songwriter Albert Bell has been one of the central figures in Forsaken’s development. His contribution extends far beyond his instrumental role, with his songwriting and lyrical concepts becoming a defining element of the band’s identity.
Bell’s fascination with history, philosophy and spirituality has given Forsaken’s music an unusual depth. Many metal bands explore darkness, but Forsaken have always approached darkness from a broader perspective, examining the reasons behind human suffering and the search for meaning.
His bass playing has also been a crucial part of the band’s sound. Rather than simply providing a rhythmic foundation, Bell’s bass lines often interact with the guitars, adding melody and movement to the compositions.
Vocalist Leo Stivala has likewise become inseparable from the Forsaken sound. His powerful and expressive voice has given the band many of its most memorable moments. Epic doom requires a vocalist capable of delivering both strength and emotion, and Stivala’s performances have consistently provided that balance.
His ability to move between dramatic intensity and melodic sensitivity has allowed Forsaken’s songs to achieve their full impact.
Guitarist Sean Vukovic, widely regarded as one of Malta’s finest guitar talents, together with drummer Simeon Gatt, have played pivotal roles in shaping and preserving Forsaken’s musical identity. Their combined contributions have helped maintain the delicate balance between crushing heaviness, melodic depth and atmospheric grandeur that has become a defining characteristic of the band’s sound.
Together, this line-up represents one of the longest-standing and most recognisable formations in Maltese metal history.
The Forsaken sound: more than doom metal
To describe Forsaken simply as a doom metal band would be accurate but incomplete.
Their music belongs firmly within the epic doom tradition, yet their influences and ambitions extend much further. Throughout their career, they have incorporated elements of traditional heavy metal, progressive music, classical arrangements and even the atmosphere of historical and cinematic music.
The band’s strongest influences include pioneers such as Black Sabbath and Candlemass, but Forsaken have always added their own personality to the formula. Their Maltese heritage, Mediterranean perspective and intellectual approach to songwriting have helped create something distinctive.
Epic doom metal is often characterised by grandeur and Forsaken embody that quality completely. Their songs frequently feel like journeys through forgotten kingdoms, ancient civilisations and philosophical landscapes.
The atmosphere created by their music is one of the reasons they have earned such respect internationally. Their albums reward repeated listening because there are always new details to discover: a subtle bass movement, a carefully constructed guitar harmony, a lyrical reference or an emotional shift within a song.
This attention to detail has allowed Forsaken’s catalogue to age remarkably well.
Forsaken and the Maltese metal scene
The importance of Forsaken within Maltese music cannot be measured solely through album sales or festival appearances. Their greatest achievement has been proving that musicians from Malta can create work of international significance.
When the band began in the early 1990s, Malta was not considered a major destination within the global metal community. The island had passionate musicians and dedicated fans, but international recognition was limited.
Forsaken changed that perception.
Their success showed that talent could emerge from anywhere and that commitment could overcome geographical limitations. They became ambassadors for Maltese heavy metal, opening doors for future generations of bands.
Many Maltese musicians who followed were inspired by Forsaken’s example. The band demonstrated that underground music could achieve international respect without compromising artistic integrity.
Alongside other important Maltese acts, Forsaken helped establish the island as a place capable of producing world-class metal musicians.
Their influence can be seen in the continued growth of Malta’s metal scene, from doom and traditional heavy metal to death metal, black metal and progressive styles.
Thirty-five years of international respect
By 2026, Forsaken’s achievements are remarkable.
Few bands maintain relevance for thirty-five years. Even fewer manage to preserve their identity while continuing to receive international respect. Forsaken have achieved this through consistency, dedication and a refusal to compromise.
Their discography represents a journey rather than a collection of isolated releases. Each album forms part of a larger story, documenting the evolution of a band that has always viewed music as an artistic expression rather than a product.
From Requiem to Virtues of Sanctity, from Evermore to Anima Mundi, from Dominaeon to Pentateuch, Forsaken have created a body of work that stands proudly within the history of epic doom metal.
Their music has reached listeners across continents, proving that a band from a small Mediterranean island could stand alongside the most respected names in the genre.
The international doom community has embraced Forsaken not because of where they come from, but because of the quality and sincerity of their music.
The meaning of legacy
A thirty-five-year anniversary is not merely a celebration of longevity. It is an opportunity to reflect on influence, achievement and endurance.
Forsaken’s legacy is built upon several remarkable accomplishments. They are pioneers of Maltese heavy metal. They are one of the few bands from the island to achieve sustained international recognition. They are respected contributors to the epic doom genre. They have inspired musicians and fans around the world.
But perhaps their greatest achievement is that, after thirty-five years, they still sound like Forsaken.
In a music industry where trends change quickly and many artists constantly reinvent themselves in search of attention, Forsaken have followed a different path. They have remained committed to the music that inspired them while allowing their songwriting to naturally evolve.
Their career proves that authenticity has lasting value.
Looking towards the future
As Forsaken celebrate their 35th anniversary in 2026, their story remains unfinished.
The band’s journey from a small Maltese rehearsal space to international doom metal stages is already extraordinary, but their continued creativity suggests that there are still chapters waiting to be written.
Their influence extends beyond their recordings. They represent perseverance, artistic independence and the belief that passion can overcome limitations.
For thirty-five years, Forsaken have carried the flame of epic doom metal with pride. They have transformed personal experiences, historical reflections and philosophical questions into music that resonates with listeners around the world.
From Malta to the global metal community, their name has become synonymous with dedication and excellence.
Thirty-five years after their formation, Forsaken remain not only survivors of the underground metal world but one of its most respected ambassadors.
Their story is the story of a band that refused to be forgotten.
A band that turned isolation into inspiration.
A band that proved that even from a small island in the Mediterranean, monumental music can be created.
Thirty-five years on, Forsaken still reign among the masters of epic doom.
Comments