With “Forsaken,” Rooftop Screamers delivers a striking entry into the modern rock landscape, one that feels both urgent and cinematic. Mike Collins, the creative force behind the Portland based studio project, continues his tradition of pairing powerhouse musicians with evocative songwriting, and this time he taps Stephen McSwain for a vocal performance that lingers long after the final note.
“Forsaken” unfolds like a storm front: heavy, brooding, and undeniably gripping. The track threads together alternative rock ferocity with melodic clarity, landing in a sonic space reminiscent of Muse, Steven Wilson, Deftones, and A Perfect Circle. Kevin Hahn’s guitars carve sharp, atmospheric edges, giving the song a sense of momentum that never lets up. Collins’ production choices, tight percussion, layered textures, and dramatic build-ups, create an immersive world where every element feels intentional.
Lyrically, “Forsaken” strikes at deeper wounds. The song confronts cycles of exploitation, colonial violence, and societal decay, yet it does so through a lens of human perseverance. The words are raw without being overwrought, allowing McSwain’s voice to channel frustration, sorrow, and defiance in equal measure. His delivery is nothing short of commanding, one of those performances that elevates the track’s emotional stakes with every line.
The release is accompanied by a music video filmed at The Ruins in Hood River, Oregon, an appropriately rugged backdrop that amplifies the song’s themes of collapse and resilience.
Rooftop Screamers has long been a meeting ground for seasoned musicians, drawing influence from icons like The Beatles, Queen, and David Bowie while staying firmly rooted in contemporary rock. “Forsaken” stands as a vivid example of Mike Collins’ collaborative vision, a bold, polished, and deeply resonant single that reinforces the project’s growing creative legacy.
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