GRAVE FORSAKEN are a four piece band all the way from down under in Perth, Australia, they are categorised as a Christian death/thrash metal band, amazingly they have been together for about two decades now since 2004, so of course they have a pretty impressive collection of releases. The band themselves has four members, including two talented musicians who went on to form a side project in 2015, they are VAUGHN GREGORY on vocals/guitars as well as guitarist/backing vocalist ELIAS SALMELA, on bass guitar is MATT SKIPWORTH as the trio has had three different drummers on previous releases. Their first demo and debut EP release were both self-titled arriving in 2005 as they went on to release their debut album titled BESIDE THE RIVER OF BLOOD in 2006. For their debut album they had drummer TIM STEADMAN played on their EP in 2007 HORROR AND SADNESS as well as two albums; DESTINED FOR ASCENSION (2007) and THIS DAY FORTH (2009). They had drummer DAVE KILGALLON for their next album FIGHT TO THE DEATH in 2010 and for their next album in 2012, they had their current drummer LUKE GALLAGHER for which the album was titled REAP WHAT YOU SOW. The same drummer continued on with them for their EP titled PLUGGED IN THE SYSTEM released in 2013, so the story continued on with three more albums in 2015, was THE FIGHT GOES ON, 2017 was IT HAS BEGUN and more recently was THE FOOTSTEPS OF GOD in 2020.

So now after a few years since their previous release, the band are back with a brand new album titled MOMENT IN TIME which has now been out since the end of March this year containing eleven new tracks. The album itself begins with “Back To The Start” as we jump right into the deep end with melodic guitar riffs, gripping vocals and in depth drumming, doubling up on time on certain points in the track. There is a lovely guitar solo in there too as the track really gives the listener a great introduction to the band, simple and not over complicated. “Metal Message” has stunning guitar riffs, as drums are not as loud but they still remain in play in this second track, vocals are moved around with panning which has a great impact on the tracks tone. Another guitar solo in the mix, as this one has more character and creates an identity in this track. Vocals do have a lot of time to show they have no time for messing around but expressing their hunger for more airplay as they are present in the mix but not exceeding the track's volume. “Win The Day” with drums playing a slightly different rhythm as guitars follow along with gentle riffs as well some ringing and vibrato effects in there. The tempo and drum pattern does deviate throughout the track but the main pattern being played is very suitable to the track's presentation. “There is Only God” as we hear more melodic riffs from guitar with a reverb and a second guitar line finds its way in.

Those same lead guitar riffs become fatter and thicker with a sort of grunge or post-punk style, as vocals also join speaking of religious themes and drums are very proactive, with a lot of basic patterns plus some creative fills. Lead guitar has a short solo also but vocals intervene after a short guitar solo as we are venturing into the next track which is “Arise O God”, as we hear soft drumming as well as sustained lead guitar notes being held. Drums do pick up the pace and start to become more vigorous as well as ambitious, lead guitar let off some steam with solo riff playing as drums accompany them so well. Vocals do return after this solo section for lead guitar, not too much variation just some lead guitar vibrato before the closing outro. “Mindless” is up next with some wild and sensational guitar riffs as well as hardcore drumming and vocals really turning up the volume, as well as there being a more ecstatic atmosphere. Lead guitar and drums do work so well together and form a great correlation with one another, feeding each other's hunger for heavy metal, but not overexaggerated to say the least. This track was certainly a lot more lively and heavier as well, so we can now go into the next track which is “Moment In Time” as we are just over halfway through the album itself. Bouncing guitar riffs as they flow very nicely with ease and determination, the main sections of this track are not overpowering to say the least, which is actually a positive I would say. The band know their limits maybe as they define themselves as a christian metal band.

The next track which is “Power Of Salvation” has the similar guitar riffs form before, vocals are certainly contributing in a big way but as the previous tracks have given food for thought, the band have their ways of not forcing themselves into any real heavy metal madness. A short enough track now this one, but nothing to be alarmed by, the band are eager enough to show off their hunger for lots of fun filled tracks in this album. There are some really nice guitar shredding and solo notes being played along the way, these solo parts do fill in the non vocal section, so there is something for any guitar player to listen to and enjoy. The closing section is really well done and arranged, so into the next track we go, which is “No One Way Is No Way”. There is a good contrast of guitar riffs here with there being a more rhythmic guitar line carrying the melody from the main guitar riff when vocals are present in the mix. The drums and bass are very settled in the production of this track but not as far forward as previous tracks, so they are a bit more distant, but still being heard in the background. Another short enough track so we can head into the next track being “Strong Conviction” has more guitar and bass fitting into the audio spectrum, as well as a more motivated and driven drum palette, as well as lovely guitar solo riff notes. Drums are constant but noticeable too, there is definitely a garage rock and classic rock feel to this track as well as other tracks on the album.

A section where the drums pull back is where we feel the need to clap the hands and really acknowledge a headbanging section where we can feel the drums will come back anyway. So in saying that we go to the final track which is “Night Warrior”. As we hear ecstatic lead guitar riffs, drums giving a great final impression now and vocals swinging into action now with such attitude and conviction too. This is a real belter of a track and certainly a great way to give closure to this album, aside from this track, a few stand out, but I would say there would have been room for a lot more experimentation. The band of course seem to hold back in a small way, perhaps this isn’t that we don’t want to over do it in terms of dynamics, but not seem too heavy, this could be down to the production process also. But nevertheless, it’s still a great album, the lead guitar and vocals really speak up more, the bass guitar and drums provide some warmth as well as the overall atmosphere. There is definitely a real thrash guitar vibe going with vocals portraying the death metal aspect of the band, but it’s just about right here with how the vocals project. I enjoyed this album and I will certainly keep an eye out for these guys, they can be seen in a really positive light, I would like to hear more though, that is for sure.