For fans of heavy music, the four stars of Meridian Veil are easy to spot. Guitarist Danny Marino, vocalist Matt McGachy, drummer Dylan Gowan and cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne are known not only across their native Canada but around the world as members of The Agonist, Cryptopsy, Seven Spires and Leprous. Now, together, they’re pushing themselves to even greater emotional extremes with their new progressive metal band’s inventive debut album. At once bold, blistering and beautiful, Forgotten Sun is a timely reminder of everything that makes us human.
“From the beginning, more than 20 years ago, I wanted Meridian Veil to be deeply emotional”, Marino says. “Even though Forgotten Sun gets heavy, there’s a deep longing that runs through the cautionary tale at the album’s core”.
Today, Meridian Veil are officially announcing Forgotten Sun by premiering its thrilling music video for the album’s epic opener and lead single. “The Watcher” with Metal Injection.
Watch the music video for “The Watcher” over at Metal Injection.
https://metalinjection.net/news/premiere-hear-meridian-veils-debut-single-the-watcher
Forgotten Sun comes out January 22, 2027 on Season of Mist.
Pre-order & Pre-save
https://orcd.co/meridianveilforgottensun
Available formats
Digital download
CD Jewel case with 12-page booklet
12″ Vinyl Gatefold (Black)
12″ Vinyl Gatefold (Transparent with crusher effect in black and white)
Meridian Veil is two decades in the making. Marino and McGachy first met during the early 2000s while the two were growing up in Montreal, Québec. But the concept behind Forgotten Sun has never been more pressing. Unlike conventional dystopian epics, the album is told from the perspective of an Artificial Superintelligence that’s programmed to serve the greater good, albeit, to disastrous results.
“Technology is evolving far faster than the actual evolution of our species”, Marino comments. “It’s going so fast that soon we’ll be at the point where we are completely disconnected from it”.
Lead single “The Watcher” signals the moment that the A.I. is welcomed into our world. “I am afraid”, McGachy declares in an awe-inspiring scream that’s met by a rush of Gowan’s blast beats. While each band member is well-known for their metallic strength, Meridian Veil prides itself on emotional feats. Like a flutter of excitement in the pit of one’s stomach, Marino’s deep aching melodies leap into piercing leads. Stroking and shredding on his cello, Raphael Weinroth-Browne raises the tension until the song reaches it cathartic finish.
“There’s so much to take in”, McGachy sings, polishing off his raspy cleans. “Now I’m eager to see everything”.
“Singing on this album was freeing for me”, McGachy shares. “I’m happy to show that side of myself”.
“When you have a band that involves writers from different styles, you get something really unique”, Gowan adds.
Weinroth-Browne agrees. “I believe Forgotten Sun captures the best aspects of 2000’s death and prog metal with a distinctly modern approach”.
The video for “The Watcher” was written and directed by Christopher Kells. Kells played bass and contributed backing vocals in The Agonist alongside Marino.
“I’ve known Chris for almost 30 years”, McGachy says. “It’s been very nice for me to watch him blossom into such a great director”.
Additional video credits
Director of Photography – Jonathan Beaton
Gaffer – Franz Stapleberg
Key Grip – Dan Carne
Art Direction – Giuseppe Calvanisti
Makeup Artist – Ruby Pearls
Producers – Christopher Kells & Jonathan Beaton
Editing – Christopher Kells
Color – Chritopher Kells & Jonathan Beaton
Background – Simon McKay & Corey Croisier
Location – Dock 619
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