ENFORSAKEN was formed in the winter of 1998 by Steve Stell ( At the time: Guitar, Vocals, Bass) and Pat O'Keefe (Drums, Vocals). Originally a two piece, and strongly influenced by extreme/melodic European metal, the band recorded a two song demo tape. This demo was circulated throughout the international metal underground, and soon recieved a great response despite its fairly poor sound quality. This demo got the band some great exposure as well as an excellent review in Metal Maniacs "Firing Squad." Some label interest followed all of this, but at the time, Enforsaken didn't have enough material or members, to properly record and release any sort of "Official" recording.
Time passed, and soon a solid line up was established. Joe DeGroot (Guitar) and Steven Sagala (Vocals) were first added to the band. They had both previously been in a band called "THROUGH ASHES", so they were already used to working with each other. Joe, Pat and Steve were also in bands toghether before (ENTHRONED, DEMAGOUGE) dating back to the early 1990's. So getting this line up together for Enforsaken made perfect sense. Soon Eric Kava was added on bass to complete the line up. (Pat O'Keefe left the band in the Spring of 2002 and was replaced by Dave Swanson on drums. Dave is also a member of VENEFICUM.)
In December 2000, Enforsaken recorded their debut cd titled "Embraced By Misery". This cd was only meant to be a demo, or a self released cd at best. Shorly after this cd was recorded, the band found themselves working with LIFELESS RECORDS (Owned By Matt Bachand from SHADOWS FALL) in the USA, and Signed to LIFEFORCE RECORDS GERMANY for a European release of "Embraced." This cd was officially released in the Untited States in June of 2001. The cd was then released in Europe in September of 2001. Sales of the cd and interest in the band were very good. Enforsaken were recieved very well by the international metal undergrourd and landed great reviews in METAL MANIACS, S.O.D., TERRORIZER, PIT, UNRESTRAINED, THROAT CULTURE etc.
Countless live shows with SHADOWS FALL, STRAPPING YOUNG LAD, NAGLFAR, DISMEMBER, ENSLAVED, LAMB OF GOD, VADER, THE HAUNTED, WITCHERY, IMMOLATION, DEAD TO FALL, THE CROWN, KATAKLYSM, MALEVOLENT CREATION, LULLACRY, CATASTROPHIC, KRISIUN, MACABRE, DEAD TO FALL, DARKEST HOUR, DISINTER, MARTYR AD, ABOLISHER, DEAD FOR DAYS, THE CHASM, VENEFICUM, ORIGIN, ALL THAT REMAINS, INSURRECTION, BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME, ICE T and BODY COUNT, DESOLATE and CORPSEVOMIT(RIP), plus many more, have also helped spread the word of Enforsaken.
All of this lead to a worldwide recording deal with Los Angeles based WW3 Music in the Summer of 2002. The band signed with WW3 Music and were about to record their debut full length. Unfortunately, that's when the label started to experience all kinds of financial difficulties. Enforsaken managed to get out of their contract with WW3 as soon as things started to go sour. WW3 Music folded 2 months after Enforsaken terminated thier contract.
The same day the band ended their relationship with WW3 Music, the band mailed dozens of promo packages to every decent record label on earth. At this time, the band kept their fingers crossed and continued to work on writing and arranging their full length debut album...
In the Spring of 2003 Enforsaken signed a worldwide recording deal with Century Media Records/Olympic Recordings.
Enforsaken's 2004 full length titled "The Forever Endeavor" is available now!
Enforsaken have already begun work on the follow up to this release. Keep your eyes and ears open...
In early September 2005 the band signed a four album deal with Crash Music Inc.
