Combining symphonic and cinematic elements along with soundtrack influences, Fortis Ventus formed in 2015 and self-released their first ep "Haunted Heart" in November 2017. In early 2018, due to creative differences, the band underwent significant changes. The driving forces that remained were composer, arranger, keyboardist George Halliwell and vocalist, lyricist Nancy Mos. Breathing new life into their work, the duo met Gregory Koilakos who would take on the role of guitarist. Together, the three musicians started recording their first full-length "Vertalia" with Gregory taking on both guitar and bass duties for the album, which also changed the band's metal sound with its film score music elements. Sentimental, dramatic, grand, cinematic, and imaginative, "Vertalia" is a concept album based on a novel fairytale written by keyboardist George Halliwell. The theme of this fairytale focuses on an imaginary planet called Vertalia, where the main character starts their journey to discover their inner truth and the truth of life itself. Through the challenges they face during their journey back to Earth, they connect with their higher self and take a path to eventually achieve inner peace back towards their homeland of Vertalia.
1. 1. Between Love and War
2. 2. Birth of Sadness
3. 3. Vertalia
4. 4. Cave of Glass
5. 5. Living Thorns (prelude)
6. 6. Gothecia
7. 7. Unveiling Path
8. 8. My Death Is My Devotion
9. 9. Door to the Unknown (prelude)
10. 10. Reflections of Myself
11. 11. The Eagle’s Chase
12. 12. Homeland