Grave Forsaken is a Melodic Thrash Metal band from Perth, Australia that formed back in 2004. It's nice to see Thrash Metal alive and well in many countries around the world. In 2005 Grave Forsaken released a 4-track self-titled demo which, in that same year, turned into a self-titled 5-track EP on an indie label. On these two first offerings, the band began developing their signature Death Metal sound. In 2006 G.F. released their debut full-length album titled 'Beside The River Of Blood' on Rowe Productions. With their debut release, the band establishes themselves as a Thrash, Doom, Death Metal band. Tracks "Buried Alive" and "Harder To Hate" received rave reviews from both fans and critics. In 2007 the band released another 5-track EP titled 'Horror And Sadness' on Rowe Productions.

              In 2008 Grave Forsaken released their follow-up full-length album titled 'Destined For Ascension' on Rowe Productions. The production on this sophomore album is spot on, however, who could expect anything less from Rowe Productions. This critically acclaimed release is the band's follow-up to their 2006 debut and even includes 2 tracks with label boss-Steve Rowe(Mortification) on vocals. Some of the genres we find on 'Destined for Ascension' include Thrash, Speed, Death, Viking, and Doom Metal all of which make for an interesting and awesome listening experience.          
       One song that stands out on their 2008 release is track-6 "Horror and Sadness" which was originally a single release that found its way onto the band's 2007 EP. The song starts off with some cool drums lines and flows into some sweet Thrash Metal riffs which help set the mood for the song. The keyboards add some additional atmosphere creating an uneasy feel to their arrangements. The atmosphere helps set up for the subject matter of the lyrics which is an evil ritual that was witnessed by a Christian where he is relaying what he thinks about what he is witnessing. 

Lyrics are evangelical and overtly Christ centered as one can see in the following excerpts:

"Warriors of Light"
Christian metal warriors of light 
Forging forth the truth of Christ 
Spreading to all his gospel of peace 
Fully prepared and trained for the quest 

"Eternal Destiny"
Eternal destiny, our hope is with the lord 
He paid for all our sins on that day on the cross 
Risen lord, one true ood, forgiveness through his name 
We will praise him 

The time is now to enter his grace 
Ask for him to dwell in your heart 
Confess your sin to our great god 
From this day forth be born again 

 (In the following lyric excerpt, we find just where
​the band takes the idea for their moniker)
"Celebrity Judge and the Sinners Pt. II"
They crucified him on a cross 
They killed him without cause 
They buried Him inside a tomb 
But three days on, He rose 
Now Judas met a grisly end 
Because of his betrayal 
But Jesus comes to judge the world 
For his grave is forsaken 
​

"Punishment"
Unbelief, this will reap punishment 
It is sin to reject forgiveness 
Forgiveness shows the great love of God 
Punishment shows the justice of God 

Sacrifice done for our salvation 
Punishment taken by god’s own son 
We deserve punishment for our deeds 
Jesus Christ paid the price, set us free 

(See Site Info for Sword Scale meaning)

      Grave Forsaken's 'Destined for Ascension' release is energetic, to say the least, yet it sounds as if the band is just simply having fun. All the hooks and diversity presented on their 2008 offering, time and again, will draw one back for repeat listens. Grave Forsaken is highly recommended to Metal fans who are looking for some Thrash that is a bit more melodic and accessible to add to their collection.​

Musicians:
Tim Steadman - Vocals
Elia Salmela - Lead Guitars & Death Metal growls
Vaughn Gregory - Guitars
Matt Skipworth - Bass
Dave Kilgallon(Scourged Flesh) - Drums