Anima Mundi not only knows how to convince with a surprisingly powerful and driving production, but also in matter of songwriting talents. Every, mostly very long single track is coherent and has a well done dramatic tension. Interesting riffs, epic or mystic melodies alternate with crispy power chords. Also the keyboards are very skillfully integrated. The voice of singer Leo is most time clean and ranges within mid- and mid-high pitches and shows much of a talent and skills. Just when one look at his photo, one might think he is a to date unknown brother of Smeagol … Additional variety one will get with choirs and passages with classical narration, which are placed on the right point.

So it’s not really surprising that every track is a direct hit! Apart from the opener Kindred Veil I really like Sephiroth and the Doom crusher Carpe Diem. The Eyes Of Prometheus is with almost 11 minutes the longest running track on Anima Mundi, mostly well done, but lengthy at times though.
Altogether I have to say: FORSAKEN don’t bring any new impulses into this genre. But on the other hand, they make the best out of it. So there is no reason to risk an ear. Fans of Candlemass and Solitude Aeternus should definitely try out Anima Mundi. But attention: don’t mix FORSAKEN with The Forsaken (Swedish Death Metal) in your CD store …