Forever Still
Danish modern rock band formed in 2013 by Maja Shining and Mikkel Haastrup.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Forever Still is a Danish modern rock band formed in 2013 in Copenhagen by Maja Shining and Mikkel Haastrup. The duo has been central to the band's songwriting and production, handling recording, mixing, and artwork independently for much of their career. Their debut album, Tied Down, was self-produced and re-released after signing with Nuclear Blast in 2016.
- formed
- 2013
- origin
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- field
- Modern rock
- nationality
- Danish
- known_for
- Self-produced music, signing with Nuclear Blast, and touring with Lacuna Coil and Children of Bodom
Lore & Background
Forever Still was founded in 2013 in Copenhagen by Maja Shining and Mikkel Haastrup. Their first EP, Breaking Free, was released in 2014, followed by Scars in 2014 and Save Me in 2015. The band handled all aspects of production themselves, including recording, mixing, cover art, and music videos. Their album Tied Down was self-produced. After signing a worldwide contract with Nuclear Blast in August 2016, Tied Down was re-released.
The band toured extensively, including a European tour with Lacuna Coil in fall 2016 and with Children of Bodom in spring 2017. They played the Sophie Lancaster Stage at Bloodstock Open Air in 2017 and also performed at festivals such as Sabaton Open Air and Summer Breeze Open Air. In 2019, they released their second album, Breathe in Colours, and toured it with Cellar Darling and Beyond the Black. Later that year, they joined the Female Metal Voices Tour with Leaves' Eyes and Sirenia. Their third album, The Line, was written during lockdown, inspired by Joy Division, Nine Inch Nails, and The Cure, using old drum machines and analog synthesizers.
Reader's Guide
Forever Still's significance lies in their independent, self-produced approach to modern rock, which earned them a contract with Nuclear Blast and critical acclaim for their debut album. Their ability to handle all aspects of their music—from recording to tour organization—demonstrates a DIY ethos within a genre often dominated by major-label production. The nomination of Tied Down for a Metal Hammer Award highlights their impact in the metal and rock community. Their evolution from early EPs to a more minimalist sound on The Line, influenced by post-punk and industrial acts, shows a willingness to experiment. The band's tours with established acts like Lacuna Coil and Children of Bodom, as well as festival appearances, solidified their presence in the European rock scene. Their legacy includes a discography of three albums and multiple EPs, all produced without external interference until the collaboration with Rasmussen.
Did You Know?
- Forever Still's debut album Tied Down was self-produced.
- The band signed a worldwide contract with Nuclear Blast in August 2016.
- They played the Sophie Lancaster Stage at Bloodstock Open Air in 2017.
- Their third album, The Line, was written during lockdown using old drum machines and analog synthesizers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Forever Still?
Forever Still is a Danish modern rock duo that came together in Copenhagen in 2013, built around the partnership of Maja Shining and Mikkel Haastrup.
What are Forever Still known for?
They are recognized for producing their own music entirely in-house, landing a deal with Nuclear Blast, and sharing stages with established acts like Lacuna Coil and Children of Bodom.
What is Forever Still's debut album and what recognition did it receive?
Their first full-length record, Tied Down, earned a nomination for the Metal Hammer Award for best debut album and was later re-released in 2016 following their signing with Nuclear Blast.
How does Forever Still handle their production and creative work?
Rather than relying on outside studios or designers, Maja Shining and Mikkel Haastrup have personally managed recording, mixing, and visual artwork for much of the band's output.
Why do fans consider Forever Still significant in the Danish metal scene?
They demonstrated that a self-sufficient two-person outfit from Copenhagen could compete on the international stage, securing a major-label contract and headline support slots for well-known European metal bands.
More in Danish heavy metal musical groups 1-22
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