Folk metal duo FORGOTTEN SHRINE have released their brooding new single „Dearly Departed“ and announced their debut concept album Nox Aeterna, set for independent release on November 6, 2026. The record follows two guardians protecting an ancient shrine devoted to art, creativity, and freedom as darkness threatens to extinguish the human spirit.Folk metal duo FORGOTTEN SHRINE, the transatlantic project of Josh Alexander and Sofia Frasz, have unveiled their latest single „Dearly Departed“ alongside the announcement of their forthcoming concept album Nox Aeterna, scheduled to arrive independently on November 6, 2026.
The album weaves a dark fantasy narrative centred on two guardians charged with protecting an ancient shrine dedicated to art, creativity, and freedom. As a creeping darkness dampens the collective spirit of the people, the shrine begins to lose its power — a metaphor for the fragility of imagination and wonder in the face of despair.
„Dearly Departed“ arrives as one of the heavier, more emotionally charged chapters in the album’s story. Lyrically, the track follows a protagonist who, upon discovering newfound power, chooses to wield it in acts of revenge rather than preservation — foreshadowing the wider album theme of individuals succumbing to darkness and hastening the destruction of their world.
Frasz’s vocal performance draws influence from FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, leaning into cavernous, mournful death metal tonalities, while Alexander built upon her original demo to craft an arrangement rich in instrumental detail. A piano outro brings an unexpected tenderness to the track, juxtaposing the black metal-inspired guitar work and offering what Alexander describes as a „let the past die“ catharsis for the listener.
Nox Aeterna was produced, mixed and mastered by Joshua Dalviken. The album follows previously released singles including „Halo“, „Terror! At The Ballroom“, „Where Shadows Lie“, „Hero“, „The Parting Glass“, and a cover of BREAKING BENJAMIN’s „Crawl“.