Forgotten Shrine released their debut album, “Nox Aeterna”, independently on 6 November 2026. The American folk metal duo, formed by Sofia Frasz and Josh Alexander, build the seven-track record around traditional folk instruments, medieval-inspired melodies and heavy metal, with further influences from power metal, southern gothic and cinematic music.
Three acts of darkness
“Nox Aeterna” tells the story of two guardians defending an ancient shrine dedicated to art, creativity and freedom. The narrative begins as they prepare for their journey, follows their confrontation with the forces threatening their world, and ends with the consequences of that struggle.
The album moves through themes of adventure, revenge, loss and the need to preserve creativity and wonder. “Gods Of War” takes inspiration from fantasy role-playing games, while the title track uses folk and power metal to present the darker viewpoint of a servant of the darkness. “Dearly Departed” focuses on revenge and the damage caused by surrendering to anger, and “End Of The Dream” closes the guardians’ story.
The tracklist opens with “Where Shadows Lie” and a new version of the traditional Scottish song “The Parting Glass”, followed by “Gods Of War”, “Nox Aeterna”, “Dearly Departed”, “Halo” and “End Of The Dream”. “Halo” brings country and pop influences into the album’s fantasy setting.
Sofia Frasz co-wrote the debut
Sofia Frasz is a member of Forgotten Shrine and co-wrote “Nox Aeterna” with Josh Alexander. She is also known for her work with Exiled Hope. The album is the duo’s first full-length release.
Ember Belladonna plays flute on “The Parting Glass”, while guitarist Kevino contributes a solo to “Nox Aeterna”. Joshua Dalviken produced, mixed and mastered the album and provides the spoken voiceover heard on the record. Forgotten Shrine released the album independently.
