In April 2001, the band enters the studio to record their first album entitled The Promise with the Quebec sound engineer : Pierre Remillard. The album will be mixed at the very reputable Victor studio in Montreal. In October 2001, the band officially releases their first album on the Canadian market. A few months later, one can read excellent reviews in important international metal magazines : Heavy oder was !? (Germany), Dark City (Russia), Burrn! Magazine (Japan), Hard Rock magazine (France), etc. In less than a year, the album is distributed in Japan by M&I, in Russia by CD Maximum, and in Europe by Just for kicks music.
This group made up of fervant musicians, Sonia Pineault (vocal), Martin Desharnais (guitar), Patrick Vir (bass), Mike Bélanger (drums) et Frédérick Desroches (keyboards) display some daring in producing a sound coming from the old countries. The outstanding talent that dwells within them along with the originality of a female vocal in a world dominated by men, gives them a sound that is very much their own, which propels them to the ranks occupied by bands of international calibre. Forgotten Tales music offers, the heavy metal enthusiasts as well as those fond of whatever is new, a musical performance with hints of classical, baroque and, at times, progressive influences. It stands out with its energy and rapidity without neglecting musicality. The power of its catchy refrains simply makes you want to sing them.
Following the large number of positive reviews found in various types of media (web sites, fanzines, radio stations, specialty magazines) from around the world, the band tackles the composing of music for their second album. In May 2002, the group has once again proved its worth in concert by doing the opening act for the German group Edguy on a visit to Quebec City. In November 2002, the group has returned on stage with the legendary power metal group: Gamma Ray. They made the fans vibrate to the sound of their energetic music.
The year 2003 marked the group’s return to the studio to record their second album entitled All the Sinners at the end of October of that year. With the assistance of the sound engineer, Pierre Talbot, Forgotten Tales has spent six months at Menzo studio, recording, refining and putting the finishing touches to their music. The result is not waited upon. The Japanese record company M&I announces the official release of the album in August 2004; the 18th, to be more precise. This, two weeks before the release in Canada. Already, reviews start coming out from everywhere, and the list of collaborators for large scale distribution does not stop lengthening…
In 2005, original drummer Cédric Prévost left the band, replaced by Mike Bélanger. At the beginning of the following year, the band opened for Finnish power metallers Sonata Arctica. In February 2007, the band announced their new keyboardist William Simard replaced, Frédérick Desroches. In February 2009, Desroches rejoined.
Their third album, We Shall See the Light, was released in 2010. This album was received well, reviews claiming that despite being an independent release, listeners "would not be able to tell". The drumming of Mike Belanger was praised, along with the strong vocal work of Sonia Pineault.
Today, it is with great pleasure that Forgotten Tales, a Canadian power metal band, continues their relentless work toward the attainment of their objectives. And this, to the great pleasure of the fans here and elsewhere.
Be part of the tale...
The Calling
Forgotten Tales Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Deadly pain that forever lasts.
Prayers merely misunderstood.
Unheard voices that someone should.
This message however so clear.
Softly roaming at my ear.
Tells the story long concealed.
Their eyes forever open wide.
Witness to their death denied.
All the memories of hopeless living.
For help they're waiting
Hear, hear the calling of those who once have lived.
Oh hear, hear the calling of these wandering souls.
For whom the bell tolls
Helpless cries, forgotten song.
Break the silence they are among.
Feeling helpless, awfully blind.
Us who cannot... cannot glance behind.
Eternal sleep is their last wish.
To put an end to the anguish.
Since their death, living in pain.
And now they call in vain.
Their eyes forever open wide.
Witness to their death denied.
All the memories of hopeless living.
For help they're waiting
Hear, hear the calling of those who once have lived.
Oh hear, hear the calling of these wandering souls.
Oh hear, hear the calling of these who once have lived.
Oh hear, hear the calling of these wandering souls.
For whom the bell tolls
The lyrics to Forgotten Tales's song The Calling paint a haunting picture of spirits whose voices have gone unheard. The first few lines describe the pain of the departed, who have been forgotten by the world, and whose memories have faded into nothingness. The song talks about the anguish of these wandering souls, who are desperately trying to communicate with the living, to tell their stories, to share their experiences, but are unable to do so.
The chorus of the song stresses on the urgency of hearing their calling. The bell tolls for the living to pay attention to the voices of the departed. The lyrics suggest that it is not only important, but also our duty to listen to these voices, to hear the whispers of their anguish, and to help them find the peace they seek. The words "eternal sleep" and "last wish" indicate that the souls trapped in this limbo are tired of their existence and want nothing more than to be left to rest.
The song brings to light the idea that there is a deeper connection between the living and the dead, and that by listening to the voices of the departed, we can bridge the gap between these two worlds, and perhaps find a way to ease the pain of those who are caught in this transitory state.
Line by Line Meaning
Whispers from times that have passed.
Hearing faint sounds from long ago.
Deadly pain that forever lasts.
Experiencing excruciating hurt that never fades.
Prayers merely misunderstood.
Requests for help that have been wrongly interpreted.
Unheard voices that someone should.
Unrecognized cries that someone should pay attention to.
This message however so clear.
This communication is distinctly unambiguous.
Softly roaming at my ear.
Gently traveling through my hearing sense.
Tells the story long concealed.
Relates the narrative that has been hidden for a long time.
Of souls whose fate is sealed.
About spirits whose destiny has been determined.
Their eyes forever open wide.
Their eyes are always wide open.
Witness to their death denied.
Not permitted to bear witness to their passing.
All the memories of hopeless living.
Recollections of a life without hope.
For help they're waiting.
They are waiting for assistance.
Hear, hear the calling of those who once have lived.
Listen to the cry of the departed.
Oh hear, hear the calling of these wandering souls.
Listen to the plea of these lost spirits.
For whom the bell tolls
A sign of impending doom.
Helpless cries, forgotten song.
Desperate screams, ignored melody.
Break the silence they are among.
Interrupt the quietness that they are a part of.
Feeling helpless, awfully blind.
Feeling powerless, extremely unaware.
Us who cannot... cannot glance behind.
We cannot look back.
Eternal sleep is their last wish.
Their final desire is everlasting rest.
To put an end to the anguish.
To terminate the suffering.
Since their death, living in pain.
Suffering since the time of their passing.
And now they call in vain.
Their cries go unheard.
Oh hear, hear the calling of these who once have lived.
Listen to the plea of the deceased.
Oh hear, hear the calling of these wandering souls.
Listen to the cry of these lost spirits.
For whom the bell tolls
A sign of impending doom.
Contributed by Owen O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.