EYE OF MELIAN unveils their new album, Forest of Forgetting, via Napalm Record
Rockfiend • 20 February 2026
EYE OF MELIAN Invites You Into The Forest of Forgetting – The Tolkien-Themed Brainchild of Martijn Westerholt (Delain) and Johanna Kurkela (Auri)
EYE OF MELIAN open the gates to a different world with their new album Forest of Forgetting, out February 20th, 2026 via Napalm Records. Named after a powerful primordial singing spirit from the world of J. R. R. Tolkien, EYE OF MELIAN draws inspiration from the master of fantasy and expands on his ethereal concept. Created by Delain’s Martijn Westerholt and featuring Auri’s Johanna Kurkela as a lead vocalist, EYE OF MELIAN’s Forest of Forgetting is a masterclass in symphonic songwriting so whimsical the real world fades away.
Completing the all-star lineup on their debut with Napalm Records are orchestral arranger Mikko P. Mustonen and backing vocalist and lyricist Robin La Joy, blessing twelve lush compositions with immortal life. Mesmerizing from the first gentle notes of opening track “Of Willows And Shadows”, Forest of Forgetting weaves otherworldly piano melodies and epic strings around angelic vocals worthy of the powerful Valar themselves. “Child Of Twilight” deepens EYE OF MELIAN’s dreamy and bombastic Hollywood movie score approach, carefully building up an exceptionally enchanting atmosphere that carries on into the equally cinematic “Blackthorn Winter”, ever so elegantly broadening the view into the alluring realms the band is melodizing. “Dawn Of Avatars” features Nightwish multi-instrumentalist Troy Donockley on flute and uilleann pipes, as well as hurdy-gurdy fairy Patty Gurdy, before EYE OF MELIAN turns in the direction of heavy metal with a charming rendition of Bruce Dickinson’s anthem “Tears Of The Dragon” (originally released on Balls To Picasso in 1994 after the singer had left Iron Maiden). Forest Of Forgetting also comes with all its tracks as instrumental versions to dwell in the impressive orchestrals alone.
With this opulent album, EYE OF MELIAN extends an invitation to faraway lands full of wonder. Forest of Forgetting unfolds as quite the opposite of its title: utterly unforgettable.
Forest of Forgetting tracklisting:
Forest of Forgetting tracklisting:
Of Willows and Shadows
Symphonia Arcana
Child of Twilight
Elixir of Night (feat. Patty Gurdy and Troy Donockley)
Blackthorn Winter
Lady of Light
Dawn of Avatars (feat. Patty Gurdy and Troy Donockley)
Forest of Forgetting
The Buried Well
The Mirror
Nepenthe
Tears of the Dragon (Bruce Dickinson Cover)
Forest of Forgetting will be available in the following formats:
2-LP Gatefold Vinyl MARBLED TRANSLUCENT REPTILE, incl. 24’’ Booklet – strictly limited to 150 copies worldwide (Napalm Mailorder exclusive)
2-LP Gatefold Vinyl MARBLED CRISTALLO GOLD – strictly limited to 150 copies worldwide (Napalm Mailorder exclusive)
2-LP Gatefold Vinyl BLACK
2-CD Digipak
Digital Album
EYE OF MELIAN Live 2026
20.02.26 NL - Zwolle / Hedon - album release show
Forest of Forgetting Over Finland
10.03.26 FI - Kitee / Kiteesali
12.03.26 FI - Espoo / Sellosali
13.03.26 FI - Kouvola / Pato-klubi
18.03.26 FI - Rovaniemi / Korundi
19.03.26 FI - Kuusamo / Kuusamo-talo
20.03.26 FI - Oulu / Kaupunginteatteri
21.03.26 FI - Raahe / Raahesali
24.03.26 FI - Helsinki / Aleksanterin Teatteri
26.03.26 FI - Turku / Turun Linnan Kuninkaansali
27.03.26 FI - Kuopio / Maxim
28.03.26 FI - Tampere / Tuulensuun Palatsi
EYE OF MELIAN are:
Martijn Westerholt – Keys and Orchestral arrangements
Johanna Kurkela – Vocals and Violin
Robin La Joy – Backing Vocals
Mikko P Mustonen – Keys and Orchestral arrangements