Forte Ruin hails from Lathi, Finland. Originally formed in 2011, they faced some line-up changes. In 2014 the recent line-up was complete and the bands was renamed. There's three brothers in this six-piece, something which always makes me curious. There has to be something about sibling-bands, a deeper and better connection between the members, creating a well-attuned band. But let's forget about the other members as well. Together they created something very interesting.
According to their biography, Forte Ruin plays melodic death metal, influenced by a variety of genres and bands. Their facebook page says 'The Beatles, Abba and Iron Maiden', but I think bands like Dimmu Borgir, Fear Factory, Children Of Bodom, Arch Enemy and In Flames have had a bigger impact on these youngsters. At least, that's what I hear when I listen to the three songs on this e.p. With very strong riffs, a heap of keyboards and both grunts and clean vocals, Forte Ruin has written and recorded some solid songs.
The e.p. opens with the brilliant 'Alienated Humanity', an epic piece of melodic death metal that immediately shows a band that knows very well where they want to go to and are on the right track to get there as well. Put this on a stage and you'll definitely see a headbanging frenzy in the audience. '45 Days' even goes a bit further. This song is a blast and probably the best one on this album. There's even an intermezzo in the songs that brings back memories of old school blues rock, showing that these guys know something about decent music.
Closer 'Enter The Masquerade' isn't in any way inferior to the other songs. In fact, the level of variation is quite a bit higher than on the other songs, regularly changing rhythm, vocals and intensity. By now, I'm actually getting sad that it's already over because what this e.p. does: it makes you hungry for more and craving to see a live performance soon. Let's keep an eye on these guys. I truly believe they're on their way to death metal stardom, if that exists...
Serge