Year : 2024
Style : Symphonic Metal , Female vocals
Country : Norway
Audio : 320 kbps + front
Size : 114 mb
Bio:
Leaves' Eyes is a German-Norwegian symphonic metal band from Stavanger, Norway and Ludwigsburg, Germany.They were formed in 2003 by Liv Kristine, the former lead singer of Theatre of Tragedy and the entire line-up of Atrocity. To date, the band has released five studio albums, a single, six EPs, one live album and a DVD.Most of Leaves' Eyes lyrics, written by Liv Kristine, concern Norse mythology and the Viking Age. The melodic singing vocals of Liv Kristine are occasionally backed up by death growled vocals from Krull, identified under the vocal style Kristine refers to as "beauty and the beast".Leaves' Eyes have often featured naturalistic themes in their music since the release of their 2004 debut album, Lovelorn. Many of the lyrics to this album were inspired not only by nature, but also by sagas and legends drawn from Norse mythology. The band was received well at Wave Gotik Treffen 2004, the band’s stage premiere.Every band member had previous professional experience in other musical endeavors for years before joining Leaves’ Eyes, thus essentially making it a supergroup.Frontwoman Liv Kristine sang in the band Theatre of Tragedy in the mid 1990s. This Norwegian band was one of the first to feature a female voice in the metal scene, and their club hit Tanz der Schatten became synonymous with the direction and expression of a whole musical genre.In addition, Liv Kristine was present in the pop music scene and sang the songs to TV hits such as Tatort and Schimanski. The supporting members of the band hail from the death metal band Atrocity.One year after Lovelorn, Leaves’ Eyes released the follow-up album Vinland Saga in 2005, inspired by Viking Leif Eriksson. The album's first single, Elegy, charted in Germany for four consecutive weeks. Television station ProSieben used Elegy as the official song for the TV series NUMB3RS.In addition to their studio endeavors, Leaves’ Eyes also tours extensively. In the course of four years, the band traveled through four continents and 34 countries and played 222 concerts. The Live DVD We Came with the Northern Winds: En Saga i Belgia entered the German DVD charts at number 11 in 2009. This exclusive package documented the history of the band and features the concert at the Metal Female Voices Festival in 2007. This headline show was performed with complex props, including a Viking longship on stage.Njord was released in 2009, continuing the band's success in the charts. The album’s first single My Destiny soon became the successor to the anthem Elegy. Njord critically acclaimed as "an epic masterpiece". The album was done in a much more modern style than those previous, and featured symphonic metal tracks of increasing complexity with the help of the Lingua Mortis Orchestra directed by Victor Smolski. Many of the lyrics were inspired by the English traditional "Scarborough Fair". The band’s live performances were as equally successful throughout Europe and North America as their studio work. For the Special Fan Edition of Njord, Leaves' Eyes recorded the At Heaven's End EP in 2010.One year later, Leaves’ Eyes released their fourth studio album, Meredead. Produced by Alexander Krull, the artists combined folk elements from previous albums to inspire the mood of Meredead. The opening track, "Spirits’ Masquerade", uses folk instrumentation to refine the album’s varied sound. The tracks Étaín and Sigrlinn lyrically recount the mysticism of past cultures and are supported by uileann pipes. The album also features more traditional-sounding songs, such as Nystev and Kråkevisa. The latter makes use of the Scandinavian nyckelharpa, or keyed fiddle. Also present on the album is a cover of To France, an interpretation of the tragedy and emotion of Mike Oldfield’s classic track. Maite Itoiz and John Kelly (Elfenthal), Carmen Elise Espenæs (Midnattsol), the Norwegian Anette Guldbrandsen, and Victor Smolski’s Lingua Mortis Orchestra once again provide supporting vocals and instrumentation.The EP Melusine in 2011 was a special release in co-operation with German Sonic Seducer Magazine.It was recently announced through an interview with Valkryian Music, that Leaves Eyes had begun writing new material for their fifth studio album which they hoped to release spring 2013.On January 7, 2013 the band announced on their official Facebook page that the title of their fifth studio album will be Symphonies of the Night.On March 23, 2013 Leaves' Eyes announced on their official Facebook page that vocal recording had begun, with the statement.Leaves' Eyes stated that in 2015, they will release a new album, entitled King of Kings, and it will feature the London Voices choir and guest vocals by Simone Simons of Epica (band).It is their first release on AFM Records, after parting ways with their long-time label, Napalm Records.King Of Kings is a concept album that centers around the sagas of Norway's first king, Harald Fairhair (Harald Hårfagre). In an interview with Sonic Cathedral webzine, Liv Kristine discussed her inspiration for the album:The nicest thing for me is that it is said in the sagas that Harald became the first king of Norway, after he won a battle that took place in one of the Norwegian fjords called Hafrsfjord. You know, that is a very important place -- not only for the history of Norway -- but also for me, because I was born there. So, this album is a concept album, but it's also a very PERSONAL album.
Album:
Four years after bringing “The Last Viking” to Valhalla with their previous opus, Leaves’ Eyes resurrect with “Myths Of Fate” to celebrate their 20th year of existence. With their ninth studio album, the Germany-based artists consolidate their leading position in the symphonic metal universe. Powerful, epic and impressive – Leaves’ Eyes once again merge traditional metal genres by fusing elements of folk, gothic, and classical music into a captivating sonic masterpiece.Leaves’ Eyes were founded in 2003 and have always benefitted from the union of diverse musical talents under the leadership of mastermind Alexander Krull (vocals, songwriting, production). Finnish singer Elina Siirala brings her classically trained soprano voice into contrast with the heavy guitars of Micki Richter and Luc Gebhardt. In charge of rhythm is Joris Nijenhuis on drums. In their multifaceted discography, Leaves’ Eyes naturally integrate various genres such as folk metal, Viking metal or symphonic metal into their unique sound creations. Legendary releases like “Vinland Saga” (2005) or “Njord” (2009) made them pioneers in their own league, a position they successfully confirmed with chart-breakers like “King Of Kings” (2015) or “Sign Of The Dragonhead” (2018). Their compositions are complex, though, always well balanced between heaviness and melodic atmosphere. Each of their mind-broadening lyrical concepts based on mediaeval mythology are thoroughly researched, offering their audience journeys to the past times of Vikings, myths and sagas.In addition, Leaves’ Eyes made a name for themselves as a multimedia band of superlatives that captivates all of their followers’ senses. Lavishly produced, their high-class music videos, directed by Alexander Krull, expand the band’s storytelling to a visual aspect of superior quality. Their connection and appreciation for Viking re-enactment groups even led to the impressive feature-length documentary film “Viking Spirit” (2020) that delves deeper into the magical world explored on the band's albums. Moreover, Leaves’ Eyes are renowned for their breath-taking live performances. Metal fans around the world experienced the charismatic and energetic stage presentation. Set in font of monumental backdrops such as huge Viking ships or life-sized Nordic monuments, Leaves’ Eyes set new standards for captivating metal concerts.With “Myths Of Fate” Leaves’ Eyes once again set sails for new winds that definitely blow from the harsh shallows of the symphonic metal genre. The fantastic world of legends from Norse and Eastern European mythology is the setting for monumental entertainment. “The early Middle Ages were a fascinating time of change. Some of these innovations have left their mark around the globe and continue to impact our modern world”, tells Alex, who created the lyrical concept. Leaves’ Eyes open up a world of magical places, spellbound weapons or supernatural creatures. With the first single and opening track “Forged By Fire” they raise the magic sword of Tyrfing. In a bombastic double bass blaze, they tell from a deadly weapon crafted and cursed by dwarves to bring misery over its bearers. “These legends always reflected the real-life horrors of those who told them, making them even relatable to modern events of wars and fights”, Alex on his inspiration for the song’s lyrical concept. The mediaeval hymn “Realm Of Dark Waves” pulls us down into ocean’s desolate depths of Rán, the Goddess of the Sea. The solid neck-breaker about the sea maiden wife of Ægir is lyrically linked to other Leaves’ Eyes hit classics about maritime gods, like “Njord” or “Nine Wave Maidens”, rounding off the artist’s entire oeuvre.“Who Wants To Live Forever” about Iðunn, Norse Goddess of Youth, showcases the band’s songwriting skills with an orchestral rock epic – one of the potential hit songs of the album. Atmospheric, emotional and intense, the haunting chorus puts you under a spell like Iðunn does with her bewitched apples that promise immortality. “These myths prove that people have longed for eternal life in beauty and health, ever since”, Alex draws the circle to our modern society. Impulsive smashers like “Hammer Of The Gods” or “Fear The Serpent” offer sonic storytelling at its finest. The stirring riff compositions of these pounding metal anthems are perfect for live presentation. Here, singer Elina Siirala sounds like a warrior queen delivering her best performance, ever. In addition to the top-notch efforts of all instrumentalists, Elina stands out with her powerful voice, which has never been used in such a versatile way. Be it mournful on the acoustic serenade “Goddes Of The Night”, mysterious on the slow-beat rocker “Elder Sprit” or fierce on the stomping “Einherjar”– Elina easily balances the diverse emotional spectrum of the musical creations. With the frail elegy “In Eternity” she even penned a song herself. Inspired by Alexander’s late mother, “In Eternity” is one of the most personal outputs in the band’s history. The power track “Sons of Triglav” about the three-headed god takes us into Slavic mythology, where his legacy is still alive. In the studio, the real Triglav re-enactment group added some authenticity by providing some Viking shouts and traditional horns to this rebellious hymn. With Alex Krull himself taking part in dozens of spectacular sword fights, Leaves’ Eyes are closely linked to this society that keeps the Vikings’ spirit alive.Vocalist Alexander Krull once again exceeded his own standards in the producer’s chair. For the fine and complex compositions, he created an extraordinary and crystal-clear sound sphere with an undeniable live feeling. The band sounds raw and feisty, but still leaves space for affective atmospheres. The US soundtrack-multi-talent Jonah Weingarten contributes the impressive orchestral score that was created hand in hand with the metal arrangements. “A very inspirational process, where we both influenced us creatively and finally metallized Jonah’s orchestral compositions”, Alex raves. Moreover, Lea-Sophie Fischer (Eluveitie) on the fiddle and Thomas Roth’s play of the mediaeval Nyckelharpa add on mystical sounds to “Myths Of Fate”.In order to increase their followers’ enjoyment of the captivating stories, the band produced a total of five music videos with Mastersound Entertainment. Filmed on impressive locations in Iceland, Germany and Poland, they bring the myths captivatingly to the screen. Magic creatures, great battles and enchanting warrior queens come to live. Once again, Leaves’ Eyes have created an entire universe of their own imagination that showcases their talent as storytellers and music perfectionists. No doubt, the band will leave an everlasting footprint in their own genre with this album.“Myths Of Fate” provides a dynamic soundtrack for a vivid escape into a magical world of mythology.
Line-Up:
Elina Siirala - Vocals (2016-present) - See also: EnkeliNation
Micki Richter - Guitars, Vocals (choirs) (2019-present) - See also: Atrocity, Liv Kristine (live), ex-Red Partizan (live)
Luc Gebhardt - Guitars (2022-present) - See also: Atrocity, Spiral Tower
Andre Nasso - Bass (2021-present) - See also: Atrocity, ex-Sadist
Alexander Krull - Vocals (harsh), Keyboards, Samples, Programming (2003-present) - See also: Atrocity, ex-Corpus Christi, ex-Instigator, ex-Liv Kristine
Joris Nijenhuis - Drums, Vocals (choirs) (2013-present) - See also: Atrocity, The Secret (live), Verwoed (live), ex-Dr Doom, ex-Grinroth, ex-Bloodred, ex-Elexorien, ex-Existence Denied
Tracklist:
01. Forged by Fire 04:47
02. Realm of Dark Waves 04:58
03. Who Wants to Live Forever 04:20
04. Hammer of the Gods 04:34
05. In Eternity 03:39
06. Fear the Serpent 04:30
07. Goddess of the Night 04:15
08. Sons of Triglav 04:52
09. Elder Spirit 03:49
10. Einherjar 05:12
11. Sail with the Dead 04:42
Download links for all albums only on our blog here: http://goodmetalandhar.do.am/
