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EP Review: Leaves' Eyes- Song of Darkness

 

Cover artwork by Ingo Spörl / OSM |

Tomorrow, the German symphonic act Leaves' Eyes will release a new Viking saga. This time, they are launching a four-track EP through Reigning Phoenix Music Records. The band offers another dose of cinematic music, blending symphonic scores with metal to reach a new audience. Rambling Man has been following the band since the beginning of the decade, covering their previous two releases: 2021's The Last Viking and 2024's Myths of Fate. I have always been a sucker for symphonic metal, even though it does feel obsolete these days. 

Leaves' Eyes brings a unique flair compared to bands like Within Temptation and Nightwish, focusing on tales of myths, magic, and Nordic stories of Vikings.  They achieve this through the rich, soprano voice of lead singer Elina Siirala, along with her accompanying band of classically trained musicians. The band was formed in 2023 by vocalist and producer Alexander Krull, along with original vocalist Liv Kristine, who departed in 2016 and was replaced by Siirala. This transition shifted the band's sound towards a more commercial edge, with an emphasis on cinematic themes and Viking folklore.

Song of Darkness, the band's ninth EP and 18th release overall. Krull produced the album at MasterSound Studio, blending poetry, folk, and history within an orchestral atmosphere. The EP begins with melodic folk whispers of Siirala before 'Song of Darkness' erupts into an enchanting folk metal track with beautiful orchestral arrangements, powerful vocals and emotional lyrics about  the medieval Icelandic saga of Gisli the Outlaw

Photo courtesy of Reigning Phoenix Music

The EP explores themes of loss and courage through narratives set in dark realms, accompanied by earthy-sounding music. The guitar work features long, winding solos that are both thick and menacing, layered over raw string arrangements. 

The collaboration between guitarists Florian Ewert and Luc Gebhardt, bassist Dominik Prykiel, and session drummer Nils Kreul highlights the vocal strengths of Krull and Siirala as they expand their sound and storytelling abilities. Tracks like "Halls of the Brave" and "Until the Last Day" exemplify this approach, featuring a breathtaking symphonic orchestral sound combined with folk elements. This blends the music with a sense of urgency and reinforces the underlying messages of the songs.

The EP concludes with the ballad 'Roots Eternal', a cascade of melodies and fierce guitar solos, completing this short taster from the Vikings. Overall, I believe that Leaves' Eyes have made significant improvements with this EP compared to their previous work. The transition to a new record label seems to have reinvigorated their creative spirit, resulting in a magical and delightful blend of folk and symphonic elements.


Leaves' Eyes are set to release 'Song of Darkness on March 6th via Reigning Phoenix Music

Artist Line-Up: 

Elina Siirala - Vocals Alexander Krull - Vocals Florian Ewert - Guitar Luc Gebhardt - Guitar Dominik Prykiel - Bass Simon Skrlec - Drums


 Track Listing | CD: 1
-1 - Song Of Darkness (00:04:08) | 1-2 - Hall Of The Brave (00:04:56) | 1-3 - Until The Last Day (00:03:44) | 1-4 - Roots Eternal (00:03:38) | 

Track Listing | Vinyl: A1

 - Song Of Darkness (00:04:08) | A2 - Hall Of The Brave (00:04:56) | B1 - Until The Last Day (00:03:44) | B2 - Roots Eternal (00:03:38) 


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