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Forgotten Pharaohs
Forgotten Pharaohs
	Left is Liam "Skin" Tyson and Christian Pattemore.
Background information
Origin	London, England
Genres	Rock, Classic Rock, Alternative Rock
Years active	2024-present
Labels	Creation Youth Records
Members	Christian Pattemore; Liam Tyson; Leon Harrison;
Past members	Sam Pattemore
Website	www.forgottenpharaohsband.com

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Forgotten Pharaohs

Forgotten Pharaohs are a British rock band formed in 2018 in London, England. The group is composed of Christian Pattemore (lead vocals and primary songwriter), Liam "Skin" Tyson (lead guitar), and Leon Harrison James (percussion). Their music blends rock, alternative rock, and English folk, influenced by the 1970s West Coast sound, with additional elements of blues and Americana. The band's style evokes the sound of iconic figures like Neil Young, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Joni Mitchell, and Steely Dan, while infusing a modern energy that recalls 1990s grunge.

Formation and Early Years

Forgotten Pharaohs came together in London at the home of legendary music figure Alan McGee, known for founding Creation Records. The band's initial lineup included Christian Pattemore and Liam "Skin" Tyson with Christian's brother, Sam Pattemore lending hand. Sam eventually parted ways with the group and Leon Harrison from Ocean Colour Scene came on with percussion.

Before forming Forgotten Pharaohs, Christian Pattemore had built a career as a session musician and songwriter, gaining experience in the Bristol and Bath music scenes during the early 2000s. He collaborated with a variety of established British artists, most notably Midge Ure, the frontman of Ultravox, touring Europe with him. Through periods of notable success and bouts of misfortune, Christian opted for a change of in his environment and moved to the Welsh Countryside where he worked on renovating an old cottage/. This led to a creative rebirth and the evolution of his unique songwriting and ultimate finding of his voice. Christian’s compositions began to blend his love of West Coast folk-rock with a fresh perspective drawn from his isolated life in the Welsh hills.

In 2010, Christian caught the attention of Alan McGee (most notably known for his success with bands such as Oasis, My Bloody Valentine, and Primal Scream). Alan became both a mentor and a trusted friend, helping Christian refine his material and nurture his artistic ambitions. This partnership eventually led to the formation of Forgotten Pharaohs and the release of their debut album, King of Mirrors.

Musical Style and Influences

The music of Forgotten Pharaohs combines rock, blues, folk, and Americana, channeling the sounds of 1970s California while incorporating more modern elements. Their songs are steeped in the traditions of Neil Young, Steely Dan, Crosby, Stills & Nash and Young, and Joni Mitchell, yet also possess a raw energy and intensity that recalls 90's grunge. Christian’s songwriting reflects his introspective view on life, often exploring themes of mysticism, personal struggles, and philosophical reflection. His powerful voice adds depth to the band's sound, which mixes folk influences with the swagger of classic rock.

Debut Album: King of Mirrors (2024)

Released in October 2024 through Creation Youth Records, the debut album King of Mirrors (2024) has been praised for its fusion of blues, rock, folk, and psychedelia, capturing the spirit of 1970s rock while offering a modern, timeless sensibility. The album has been described as a "worldly" collection, influenced by both Christian's Welsh surroundings and his love for the sounds of Laurel Canyon and the American West.

Critical Reception

The debut album has received glowing reviews for its mix of eclecticism and cohesiveness. Classic Rock Magazine rated it 8/10, noting its blend of 1970s West Coast influences with the sounds of Led Zeppelin and 90s grunge, praising tracks like Carousel and Soul On Fire as “anthems.” The New Cue described Carousel as a “twang-y, menacing opener” and compared it to the atmospheric tones of Robert Plant. Meanwhile, RGM hailed Christian Pattemore's voice as "one of the finest rock voices" currently in music, calling the album a rare gem that encapsulates the artist’s essence.

The track Bryn Yr Hydd was inspired by the Welsh town where many of the songs were written, and Americana UK drew parallels to Wishbone Ash and Led Zeppelin with its melodic style and rich, organic feel.

Themes and Notable Tracks

King of Mirrors weaves Christian's personal experiences with the history and landscapes surrounding him. Carousel stands out as a blues-infused anthem that reflects Christian’s struggles in Wales, metaphorically drawing on his hard labor in a lavender farm. The lyrics, such as "ten years crawling through the trenches," allude to his physical work and hardships, providing an authentic narrative for the track.

Another key song, Bryn Yr Hydd, combines gritty Southern rock with Welsh historical references, touching on the tragic figure of Prince Llywelyn ap Gruydd, who sought refuge in the hills near Christian's home before his death in battle. The album also features the introspective track Drive, which explores finding personal strength amidst global political chaos, inspired by Christian’s frustration with contemporary politics.

Discography

King of Mirrors (2024)

Singles


Song	Release Date
Carousel	June 2024
Bryn Yr Hydd	September 2024

Publications & Reviews

External Links

Trivia

Christian Pattemore has collaborated with Midge Ure of Ultravox, touring Europe in the early 2000s.
Liam "Skin" Tyson is known for his work with Robert Plant's Strange Sensation and as the lead guitarist of the band Cast.
Forgotten Pharaohs are signed to Creation Youth Records, a label founded by Alan McGee and Martin “Youth” Glover, with King of Mirrors as the label’s first full-length release.