Crafting their sound from various metallic elements old and new, UK heavy metallers Forged in Black have created an extremely strong and enjoyable second album in Descent of the Serpent. Let’s find out a bit more…
Introduce us to Forged in Black
Hi all at Wonderbox Metal, my name is Stoz, lead singer of Forged in Black. We have Andy on lead guitar, Boney on Rhythm, Kieron on bass and Kev on drums. We all come from Southend in England.
What are your influences?
We each have our own influences, my own would be Dio, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Iron Maiden, but also a very large variety of acts like Steeleye Span to Dizzy Rascal. As a “Band Sound” I would say a hybrid of Black Sabbath doom, Pantera aggression, Metallica’s thrash blended with Priest and Maiden.
Name five things you’ve listened to recently that you’d recommend:
Ummm tough one. Well obviously I’ve had our new album “Descent of the Serpent” spinning, as it’s just been released via Fighter records, so that definitely comes highly recommended and you should check it out. I don’t keep too up-to-date with new releases as I like what I like and revisit artists and songs. Some tracks I’ve had playing recently on my iphone are, 1) Rocking Chair/Rocking Roll Blues – Elf – Love the early Dio on this track. 2) Alexander the Great – Iron Maiden – a belter of a song and love Bruce on this. 3) Beast in the Light – Tribuzy featuring Bruce Dickinson, Bruce blowing everyone away on this collaboration. Oh, and I listen to a wrestling podcast weekly called “Something to Wrestle with Bruce Prichard” if you like your old school wwf/wwe wrestling then I recommend that.
Tell us about your latest release:
As mentioned it’s called “Descent of the Serpent” released via Fighter Records on March 5th. It was produced by Mr Romesh Dodangoda, who has worked with bands such as Motörhead, Sylosis and most recently Bring Me the Horizon. For the artwork, we collaborated with the very talented Dan Goldsworthy who boasts working with bands such as Alestorm, Hell and Accept. It has been a privilege to work with some of these giants of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal on the tracks we worked so passionately on.
What’s the process you use for writing songs?
We all try to write the songs together in the same room, but the initial “seeds” of the songs come from individual band members which we encourage each other to bring to the table. For instance, “When Hell Is Done” off the new album, was just a chorus vocal melody and lyrics I took to Andy and we started working on, then took to the writing sessions for everyone to work on, journey through and flow their idiosyncratic talents into.
How did you decide on the order of the tracks?
We just tried to make the album dynamic, with a fast opening number and a big anthemic closer, to keep everyone entertained and enjoying their journey through the album.
What’s your favourite song on the album and why?
Oooh tough one! I am very proud of them all and we all worked so hard on them. I’d have to say that the one I seem to listen to the most would be “Shadowcasters”. I just love the dynamics and the flow.
As the album has been out for a little while now, what are some of your reflections about the album and how it has turned out?
I’d say it turned out great!! But I would say that! It’s been really great to see and receive some incredibly positive feedback from reviewers, international press and our fans. We are so proud of our work and it makes it all worth it when you know the fans are enjoying the fruits of our labour, as they are the ones we do it all for and want to please and entertain. We are very grateful for their support and love.
What lessons have you learned from Descent of the Serpent that you will take forward for your next recording?
I think just the same lessons we have learnt and are all still learning along our journey, to try our best and put our hearts and passion into each song and performance to be the best we can be for us, the song, and the audience.
What’s your local metal scene like, and where do you think Forged in Black fit in with the global metal scene in 2019? Also – playing live – essential or pointless?
The local scene in Essex is very strong, there are some great metal and hard rock bands coming through who we are enjoying checking out. We are currently the Guest Judges at Bloodstock’s Metal 2 The Masses Essex competition, which we are so very honoured to be doing, and it has shown us the amazing new blood talent on its way and cutting their teeth. Oh and playing live is essential in my mind and an amazing part of what we are about!!
What are the next steps for Forged in Black?
We are looking forward to starting our live shows around the UK to support the album, the live dates can be found on our Facebook page. We are hoping to grace some festival stages across Europe this year, but any gigs news we get we’ll of course let everyone know.
Any final words?
I hope not, we are full of life, energy and ready to hit the stage with “Descent of the Serpent” the new album out now via Fighter Records – downloads also available through all major online retailers.
Wonderbox Metal 