Forgotten Shrine, the folk metal duo of Josh Alexander and Sofia Frasz, have reimagined Skillet’s “Hero” with a creative twist that blends their formative rock influences with the grandeur of folk and symphonic metal. The result is a cover that retains the energy of the original while taking it into uncharted territory.
This version of “Hero” stands out with its striking fusion of male and female vocals, giving the song a dynamic interplay that feels powerful and fresh. Josh’s soaring delivery and Sofia’s ethereal harmonies create a vocal synergy that enhances the track’s emotional weight. Combined with folk instrumentation and symphonic layers, the song evolves into something far beyond a straightforward cover; it’s a full reinvention.
As Josh notes,
“Growing up listening to Skillet really formed my music taste, the blend of male/female vocals, powerful lyrics, and crushing rock riffs really resonated with me from the beginning. But as I grew up my taste went more in the symphonic/epic/folk metal direction and now here we are bringing those worlds together in a way I’m confident nobody has heard before.”
And Sofia adds,
“Like Josh, I was into more straightforward rock music when I was younger, and my tastes grew more elaborate as I got older. But I still love all the music I was into as a kid, and this cover is a way of combining my more current music taste with the elements that formed my music taste to begin with.”
As the duo bridges two musical worlds, they also embrace nostalgia and growth. By injecting folk metal flair into Skillet’s iconic hit, Forgotten Shrine crafted a version of “Hero” that appeals to fans of both the original and the broader metal genre. It’s a powerful homage with a distinctive identity that underscores the duo’s ability to merge past influences with their present creative vision.
