Martijn Westerholt’s EYE OF MELIAN releases Bruce Dickinson cover “Tears of the Dragon”
16-01-2026
Napalm Records previously announced the signing of EYE OF MELIAN – the Tolkien-inspired symphonic project founded by Martijn Westerholt (DELAIN) and Finnish vocalist Johanna Kurkela (AURI). EYE OF MELIAN now unveils the third single off their upcoming album “Forest Of Forgetting”, out on February 20, 2026 via Napalm Records. EYE OF MELIAN reimagines “Tears Of The Dragon”, the captivating emotional hymn Bruce Dickinson released after his departure from Iron Maiden. The Tolkien-inspired brainchild of Martijn Westerholt (Delain) and Johanna Kurkela (Auri, Tuomas Holopainen) transforms the iconic song, originally featured on Dickinson’s second solo album, Balls To Picasso (1994), into an enchanting, cinematic experience. EYE OF MELIAN blend lush symphonic soundscapes with Kurkela’s gentle, ethereal vocals, transporting listeners into a realm of pure fantasy.
Watch “Tears Of The Dragon” below.
Mikko P. Mustonen about “Tears of the Dragon”:
“I grew up listening to this song, but it wasn’t until I got older that I truly felt the weight of its lyrics. I’ve always loved the fantasy reference – even something as powerful as a dragon must eventually yield and let its emotions break free.”
Watch the previously released “Symphonia Arcana and “Blackthorn Winter” below.
Martijn Westerholt about Forest of Forgetting:
“This album has been a really inspiring process – both for me as a songwriter and in what each of us brought to it. It has a lot of what EYE OF MELIAN is known for: cinematic, score-like arrangements, minor chords, and those epic, mysterious atmospheres. The lyrics tie everything together; they bring out the worlds and stories that the music hints at and make the whole thing feel complete. The collaboration between us on this record felt very natural. We’ve really found our way of working as a team, and I’m proud of what we created together.”
Forest of Forgetting tracklisting:
- Of Willows and Shadows
- Symphonia Arcana
- Child of Twilight
- Elixir of Night (feat. Patty Gurdy and Troy Donockley)
- Blackthorn Winter
- Lady of Light
- Dawn of Avatars (feat. Patty Gurdy and Troy Donockley)
- Forest of Forgetting
- The Buried Well
- The Mirror
- Nepenthe
- Tears of the Dragon (Bruce Dickinson Cover)
Forest of Forgetting will be available in the following formats:
2-LP Gatefold Vinyl MARBLED TRANSLUCENT REPTILE, incl. 24’’ Booklet – strictly limited to 150 copies worldwide (Napalm Mailorder exclusive)
2-LP Gatefold Vinyl MARBLED CRISTALLO GOLD – strictly limited to 150 copies worldwide (Napalm Mailorder exclusive)
2-LP Gatefold Vinyl BLACK
2-CD Digipak
Digital Album
EYE OF MELIAN Live 2026
20.02.26 NL – Zwolle / Hedon – album release show
Forest of Forgetting Over Finland
10.03.26 FI – Kitee / Kiteesali
12.03.26 FI – Espoo / Sellosali
13.03.26 FI – Kouvola / Pato-klubi
18.03.26 FI – Rovaniemi / Korundi
19.03.26 FI – Kuusamo / Kuusamo-talo
20.03.26 FI – Oulu / Kaupunginteatteri
21.03.26 FI – Raahe / Raahesali
24.03.26 FI – Helsinki / Aleksanterin Teatteri
26.03.26 FI – Turku / Turun Linnan Kuninkaansali
27.03.26 FI – Kuopio / Maxim
28.03.26 FI – Tampere / Tuulensuun Palatsi
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