REVIEW: Exiled Hope - Apocrypha

Maryland-based solo act Exiled Hope returns with Apocrypha, a sprawling, ambitious concept album that marks the third chapter in a dark fantasy saga built entirely by multi-instrumentalist Sofia Frasz. Fusing blackened power metal with folk, melodic death, symphonic elements, and cinematic storytelling, Apocrypha is both a showcase of Sofia’s artistic evolution and a testament to her unwavering creative vision.

Opening track 'The Summoning' begins with a foreboding piano melody, soon layered with string arrangements that aim for grandeur but feel slightly underwhelming in execution. The vocal effects early on give the impression of a voice echoing through a vast, empty cathedral - atmospheric, but not fully gripping. That all changes once the guitar crashes in. Suddenly, it’s a proper metal track, with growling vocals that immediately elevate the

mood. From that point forward, Frasz’s confidence behind the mic and her flair for dramatic arrangements start to shine.

'The Day Will Come' follows with an occult rock sensibility - think early Ghost - before falling back into the sweeping theatricality that defines Exiled Hope’s sound. Clean vocal melodies balance the heavier instrumentation, and the track finds a nice midpoint between intensity and melancholy. There’s a strong melodic core here, proving that even amid sonic excess, the heart of the song remains intact.

Further into the album, 'Dreamwalker' (featuring Metal Matt) marks a notable shift in tone. A two-part ballad nestled among heavier offerings, the track brings a necessary breath to Apocrypha’s dramatic pacing. Matt’s guest appearance adds a warmth that plays beautifully against Sofia’s more ethereal delivery. The song unfolds gently, with soft acoustic passages and shimmering synths that evoke a dreamlike state. While it never fully abandons the darkness that permeates the record, 'Dreamwalker' offers a glimpse of hope and introspection - like a lull in the storm before the next battle.

Later, 'The Silence Is Deafening' brings things back into conflict, thematically and sonically. It’s structured like a lovers’ quarrel, with two distinct perspectives clashing throughout the track. The instrumentation reflects this tension - sharp, dissonant guitar lines tangle with haunting keys and aggressive drums. The track’s emotional chaos is palpable, and its unpredictability stands out as one of the more complex and layered moments on the album. There's a very human pain buried within the theatrics here, grounding the fantastical narrative in something achingly real.

Finally, 'Forbidden Majesties' brings the saga to a satisfying close. Acting as the grand finale, it weaves together the sonic palette of the entire record: orchestral swells, furious riffs, and delicate vocal harmonies coalesce into something both cinematic and heavy. There’s a sense of culmination in its arrangement, echoing themes from earlier tracks while still pushing forward. It doesn't feel like the end of the story entirely, but it’s a powerful chapter marker - an exhale after a long, tumultuous climb.

Throughout Apocrypha, it’s clear how much growth Sofia Frasz has undergone as a musician. The record is the product of years of development, experimentation, and perseverance, as she balances law school with relentless artistic drive. Her work ethic and passion are embedded in every note, and while the album isn't without its flaws - some early production moments feel unrefined, and a few transitions stumble - there's a strong, clear voice behind it all. Every song feels like a world, every lyric a fragment of a much larger mythos.

With Apocrypha, Exiled Hope cements itself as more than just a solo project - it’s a fully-realized universe in progress. Fans of Kamelot, Nightwish, Avantasia, or even the narrative ambition of Cradle of Filth will find much to enjoy here. It’s dark, theatrical, deeply personal, and boldly unafraid to wear its ambition on its sleeve. For those willing to immerse themselves, Apocrypha offers not just a collection of songs, but a journey. And in Exiled Hope’s world, the journey is far from over.

Score: 7/10

Apocrypha will be released on April 11th 2025.

Words: Jason De Mendonca

Photos: Exiled Hope