Forsaken’s Dominaeon: A Monument of Doom Metal
- Noel Mifsud
- 4 hours ago
- 4 min read
Forsaken’s Dominaeon is a testament to the band’s ability to blend heavy, atmospheric instrumentation with profound theological and existential themes. Released on November 1, 2005, under Golden Lake Productions and reissued on vinyl by Immortal Vinyl Records in 2006, the album showcases the band’s maturity and innovation within the doom metal genre. 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of this monumental record, which was Forsaken’s third full-length album and a follow-up to Anima Mundi, released the previous year. The album paved the way for their next offering, After The Fall, which arrived four years later.
A few days after the album’s release, Forsaken performed at the highly acclaimed Keep it True festival in Lauda-Königshofen, Germany, on November 5, 2005. Sharing the stage with renowned acts such as Virgin Steele and Raven, the band delivered a performance that solidified their standing in the international metal community. In Malta, the album was officially launched on January 15, 2006, at The Alley in Paceville, with support from local metal band Deluge of Sorrow.
Forsaken’s approach on Dominaeon sets them apart, as they delve into abstract concepts such as divine punishment, redemption, and existential suffering, creating a narrative framework that alternates between despair and salvation. The lyrics, written by bassist Albert Bell, are rich in symbolic imagery and elevated language, engaging listeners on both intellectual and emotional levels.
The band’s musicality draws influence from genre giants like Candlemass and Solitude Aeternus while carving out a distinct niche. Guitarist Sean Vukovic’s rhythm work, paired with melodic solos, shines on tracks such as “Daylight Dies” and “Kenosis.” Drummer Simeon Gatt delivers dynamic and steady performances, while Albert Bell’s bass lines provide a powerful anchor to the album’s sonic landscape. Vocalist Leo Stivala’s delivery, featuring both cleans and haunting whispers, adds emotional depth. The production by David Vella at Temple Studios in Malta enhances the raw and immersive quality of the record, while the choir arrangements in tracks like “The Celestial Alchemist” and “Blood of the Son,” performed by the St. Monica School Choir, elevate the album’s epic scope.
Michael Bugeja, writing for The Malta Independent on January 11, 2006, praised the album as one of Forsaken’s most accomplished releases to date. He highlighted the band’s ability to craft a more reflective tone beneath its elaborate lyrics, noting the imposing title track and the epic choral accompaniments in “Obsidian Dreams” and “The Celestial Alchemist.” Bugeja remarked on the cohesiveness of tracks like “Daylight Dies,” the acoustic depth of “Blood of the Son,” and the climactic power of “Resurgam,” which he described as “packing equal parts rolling guitar attacks and blistering arrangements.”
While the album has its highlights, it is not without its imperfections. Tracks like “Obsidian Dreams,” “Kenosis,” and “Wretched of the Earth” stand out for their cohesion and intensity. However, interludes such as “Blood of the Son” and “The Abscondant God” have been critiqued for disrupting the album’s flow. Despite this, the slower pacing and introspective moments offer depth and contrast, particularly in the context of the album’s overarching narrative.
The journey of Forsaken, which began in 1990 under the name Blind Alley, reflects a trajectory of consistent evolution and refinement. The band’s lineup on Dominaeon includes Albert Bell on bass, Simeon Gatt on drums and percussion, Sean Vukovic on guitars and choir arrangements, and Leo Stivala on lead vocals. Guest contributions, such as the St. Monica School Choir’s vocals on “The Celestial Alchemist” and “Blood of the Son,” along with additional effects and arrangements by David Vella, further enrich the album’s texture. The artwork, photography, and design elements, crafted by Jowita Kamińska, Stefan Glas, and Chris Zarb, add a visual dimension to the album’s themes.
Forsaken’s Dominaeon is an intricate exploration of the duality of light and darkness within the doom metal tradition. It is an album that challenges, uplifts, and enthrals, cementing its place in the genre's canon. Recorded and mixed at Temple Studios in Malta and mastered at Skyline Tonfabrik in Germany, it stands as a powerful representation of Forsaken’s unique approach to doom metal. The record’s thoughtful blend of abstract imagery and heavy instrumentation ensures its enduring relevance for fans of the genre.
Bibliography
2Eagle333. "Deus Absconditus, Deus Revelatus," July 5, 2016.
Nightrunner. "Some filler, some killer!" April 6, 2009.
ImmortallyInsane. "Forsaken - Doom Masters," June 13, 2007.
Michael Bugeja. “Dominaeon Album Review.” The Malta Independent, January 11, 2006.
Credits
Band Members:
Albert Bell: Bass
Simeon Gatt: Drums, Percussion
Sean Vukovic: Guitars, Arrangements (choirs), Vocals (additional)
Leo Stivala: Vocals (lead, additional)
Guest Artists:
David Vella: Effects (additional), Arrangements (choirs)
St. Monica School Choir, Malta: Vocals on tracks 4 and 5
Choir Members:
Jean Paul Attard, Mario Attard, Bernard Bezzina, Mark Scicluna, Lino Azzopardi, Ray de Bono, Nathanael Caruana, Vince Mercieca
Production Team:
David Vella: Engineering, Producer
Kai Blankenberg: Mastering
Chris Zarb: Sleeve Design
Visual Artists:
Jowita Kamińska: Cover Art, Photography
Stefan Glas: Photography
Recorded and Mixed:Temple Studios, Mistra Bay, Malta, July 2005
Mastered:Skyline Tonfabrik, Düsseldorf, Germany
Comments