Leaves’ Eyes – Sign Of The Dragonhead

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 Metal Alchemy Interviews: Leaves’ Eyes

We recently had the great opportunity to talk to several members from Symphonic masters, Leaves’ Eyes. Their new album due for release early next year was of course a good portion of what the conversation was about in addition to its concept, what their interests are outside of music, US metal fans and European metal fans, their next batch of tours including a US tour and of course much more! 

Album Review: Leaves’ Eyes – Fires In The North EP

Yes, yes, yes. It’s time to travel up north and pillage familiar territories with Leaves’ Eyes. One of the very few bands that really make the listener feel you truly are in a land of the Vikings and of rich historical stature. 

Leaves’ Eyes – King Of Kings

It’s not everyday you find an album that immerses you in another land, a place where the past is prevalent and the present trivial. A land of a King, the Norwegian Fjords, epic battles and historical remambrances, this is where personal connection greets ambivalent affairs with a metal twist. Leaves’ Eyes, as they are known by are on the verge of releasing their sixth memorable album titled, King Of Kings. Taken straight from the context of history, this concept album revolves around Harald Hårfagre and the first Kingdom over Norway. After his armies defeated the surrounding Kings, this marked the unification of Norway. Lead singer Liv Kristine has a more personal connection to this album as her birthplace, Hafrsfjord, is in Norway and to this day remains a mysterious land. Much of the group’s past works resonated with this epic landscape in mind. Each track on this album is heavily themed to this historical era, with lyrical composition providing the listener with courage, bravery and metal fortitude. Eleven vastly structured tracks that deliver submersive atmospheres, this might be the group’s best album to date, that is no exaggeration. Leaves’ Eyes are one of those few groups that outdo themselves with each album release, so let’s take a journey into a highly interesting chapter in Scandanavian history.

Much of the album is composed with a Viking/Medieval/Folk ambience and this initial track, Sweven lays down the environment perfectly. Tribal drums and foreign lyrics, it’s the proper fitting to transition immediately to the epic title track, King Of Kings. Symphonic blends heavily take over on this triumphant anthem. Lead singer Liv Kristine does a superb job of having the right presence on the chorus with her flowing operatic vocals. Her husband and lead on the growls, Alexander Krull provides the beast vocals in support of this track, and throughout the album as well. Heavily charged and ready to take action, Halvdan The Black is another symphonic beauty. This time the metal can commence and the headbanging can initiate. Taking things on a more serious approach, the group takes the reigns and charges forward on this powerhouse. The Waking Eye was hard to evade my mind after listening to it. It’s memorable and majestic chorus blend together to bring realization to the forefront. The vocals retain a tame nature, which actually perfectly fitted the track. I very much like the light tribal elements used on this one.

[tube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNqfIxjKFjo[/tube]

The interlude about halfway perfectly leads the way into a track to enjoy a good ale and some brew. Known as Vengeance Venom the vengeance is bittersweet on this one, check it out. Another favorite and metal up your arse track, Sacred Vow follows a slightly similar pattern as one of the previous tracks, Halvdan The Black. Though this time, there’s lots more double bass, an even bigger epic atmosphere and straight solid operatic choirs throughout the chorus. This is probably the most metal track on the album I think. The groups battle anthem comes in, in the track Edge Of Steel. With lyrics marching to war, once more the epic choirs remain giving this track that special feel to it. Overall the track makes one want to pump their metal fists.  The remainder of the album still features wondrous surprises, more true metal elements and an energetic vibe. Such as the nearly eight-minutes of Blazing Waters with its darker environment and sick solos, as well as the final track, Swords In Rock, another aptly titled track. The album ends on a prospective high, leaving the listener with fearless and valor tenacity.

As mentioned, Leaves’ Eyes are a group who outdo themselves with each album and King Of Kings is an album that invites the listener to take a trip into historical ventures with significant relevance. If you’re already a fan, the album won’t let you down. For those who have never stepped into their world and are fans of Folk Metal or metal with epic elements, or just are wondering what the genre or group is all about, check out the album when it get released soon. There is nothing on this album that wasn’t expected from the group overall, as they always manage to deliver superb results. You can always count on Leaves’ Eyes to give you a dose of historical references with many measurements of epic proportions. The first perfect metal album of the year will arrive September 11th, 2015! Stay Metal m/

King Of Kings: 10/10

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