The last few years have been a tumultuous one for Leaves’ Eyes. Their new album, Sign Of The Dragonhead, proves that they are stronger than ever despite recent events.
The band made metal headlines last year with the release of longtime and original female vocalist, Liv Kristine. With the announcement of her release came the news of new singer, Elina Siirala. The band went on the release the EP, Fires In The North, with Elina singing several songs taken from the bands last release, King of Kings, aside from the addition of one brand new track. Fast forward to the present and the band is on course to release lucky album number seven on January 12th, next year via their home AFM Records.
The album is a continuation of the story of Harald Hårfagre, the first King of Norway who unified the nation hundreds of years ago. Sign Of The Dragonhead, now takes on the spread of the Vikings and how they launched their takeover of many territories throughout time and the lands. Just like the people’s spreading to The Shetlands, Faroe Islands, Iceland and other new territories and horizons, the same could be said about the new album in terms of new concepts and talent. As a longtime fan, I can say that there are some new elements and concepts such as more folk elements with the album in addition to the symphonic and epic structures that the band has come to master over the years.The album is a continuation of the story of Harald Hårfagre, the first King of Norway who unified the nation hundreds of years ago. Sign Of The Dragonhead, now takes on the spread of the Vikings and how they launched their takeover of many territories throughout time and the lands. Just like the people’s spreading to The Shetlands, Faroe Islands, Iceland and other new territories and horizons, the same could be said about the new album in terms of new concepts and talent. As a longtime fan, I can say that there are some new elements and concepts such as more folk elements with the album in addition to the symphonic and epic structures that the band has come to master over the years.
Starting out on the triumphant and epic scale, the title track launches the next saga for the band. Quite obvious, Sign Of The Dragonhead, is the group of Vikings in which the concept this album revolves around. Vocalist Elina Siirala, puts in her operatic skills to the forefront with the track overall having a highly riff driven tenacity and lots of energy and steadfast progression. Across The Sea is symphonically rich. You’ll get plenty of symphonic elements and some satisfying double bass work at various points with an underlying of light folk elements. The track is the next step for the Vikings as lyrics such as “We stand and fight, we’ll sail tonight, across the sea, we sail for foreign lands” pave way for them and the album as well.
[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ETpRTh5Nxg[/tube]
As mentioned, the band does trek into new territories and the band gets pretty heavy in Jomsborg. In fact it’s one of the heaviest tracks on the album. Jomsborg was a Viking stronghold that was located next to the Baltic Sea between the years 960 and 1043 with it’s inhabitants known as Jomsvikings. Pretty appropriate for a heavy track I must say, especially with lead man Alexander Krull‘s growling. Some of you may wonder the vocal strength Elina Siirala brings to the band? Be sure to take a listen to Völva, as she projects some great vibrato amidst some string and classical elements supporting the track. Speaking of new territories, if you want to indulge in a more folk oriented atmosphere, Riders On The Wind brings just that. The combination of choirs, strings, bagpipes, among other folk friendly components make this a very memorable track on the album.
Fairer Than The Sun is where you kin gather for a ballad. The sentimental and moving solo does justice, overall everything comes together into one emotional piece. A very authentic sounding instrumental track appears later on known as Rulers Of Wind And Waves. Almost no lyrics, aside from a few foreign words are said, I wish I knew what they were saying. A personal favorite makes a return known as Fires In The North. This track was on their last EP and if you haven’t heard it, I would suggest you do so. It’s pretty epic and triumphant in lyrical content. The complex and heavy Waves Of Euphoria end the album with lots of fierce energy. Perfect for the headbangers, this one is a must for the live atmosphere. An eclectic array of the band’s staple epic elements with more of a Viking metal style instrumental, dashes of piano and of course coming in at eight minutes, it doesn’t get any better than that! What an outstanding ending.
With another album under the band’s belt and after you’ve had a chance to listen to it, you’ll agree that they have yet to lose any steam. A mature stance is obvious and with the new waters the band brings forth on this album, it’s only natural the mind is curious what new surprises will be in store on their next release. It’s really hard to pick out one favorite off the album, they are all memorable in their own way. Looks like there’s a top 10 album of 2018 coming our way already! Now…off to pillage new lands and territories metal brethren! Stay Metal m/
Official Website: http://www.leaveseyes.de/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leaveseyesofficial
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Leaves_Eyes
Related Articles: WLM Interviews: Leaves’ Eyes | Album Review: Leaves’ Eyes – Fires In The North EP | Album Review: Leaves’ Eyes – King of Kings
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