A new album from symphonic metal outfit LEAVES’ EYES means a new foray into Viking culture and all things connected to it. If their latest album, “The Last Viking” (2020), chronicled the life and heroic feats of Harald Hardrada, their newest studio effort, “Myths of Fate,” offers a fascinating retelling of Norse and Eastern European mythology while also bringing about a slight change to their sound. The album is set for release on March 22nd, 2024, via AFM Records.
The immersive and cinematic sonic spectacle that has always defined LEAVES’ EYES seems to be even more bombastic and grand on “Myths of Fate” not just in the instrumental and vocal performances but also concerning Jonah Weingarten’s orchestral score that adds so much texture and depth to the metal compositions while Lea-Sophie Fischer (ELUVEITIE) on the fiddle and Thomas Roth on nyckelharpa enrich the sounds with a mystical atmosphere. Elina Siirala shines bright on this album with a dramatic and emotional vocal delivery that matches perfectly not just with the soundscape but also with the lyrics as her singing ranges from soft and delicate to powerful and enchanting with some beautiful operatic parts that elevate the songs and contrast with the harsh vocals. Her delivery is the proverbial icing on the cake. Moreover, the ease with which the album sways between cinematic moments and more metal passages showcases the band’s versatility within the symphonic metal spectrum.
As evident by the singles released thus far – especially “Realm of Dark Waves,” “In Eternity,” and “Who Wants to Live Forever” – Elina Siirala has a more prominent role on this album, as Alexander Krull’s harsh vocals can be heard only sparsely on this record. This changes not only the dynamic within the songs but also the album’s sound design giving it a lusher and richer feel, with many beautiful tracks effortlessly carried by Elina. Talking about the singles, the medieval hymn “Realm of Dark Waves” is a mid-tempo ode to Rán, the Goddess of the Sea, and it’s just as alluring as a siren’s song despite the heavier riffs and pounding drums. On the other hand, both haunting “Who Wants to Live Forever,” about Iðunn, Norse Goddess of Youth, and the mournful elegy “In Eternity” are intense, atmospheric, and emotional orchestral rock pieces elevated by magnificent vocal performances and enhanced either by a gorgeous piano melody that pops up here and there or by ominous vocalization parts.
Elsewhere on the album, “Hammer of the Gods” is such a perfect symphonic metal anthem complete with an eerie fiddle section, operatic parts, a fiery solo, and a neat balance of angelic and harsh vocals whereas the atmospheric ballad “Goddess of the Night” soars high on folky acoustic guitar melodies, strings, and delicate vocals; “Elder Spirit” boasts undeniable rockish energy and a groovy melody in the chorus that made it an instant favorite. Just in between these three songs, it is clear that this is Elina Siirala’s best vocal performance on an album, each track presenting a different side of her voice as well as a different approach to her singing. Such tracks as the dark and dramatic opening track “Forged by Fire,” the anthemic “Fear the Serpent,” and the power metal-infused hymn “Sons of Triglav” are more easily recognizable as LEAVES’ EYES songs featuring some killer guitar riffs, harsh vocals, and even chants that elevate the melodic hook. On the same note, “Einherjar” is Viking metal of the highest caliber with a nice vocal trade-off underpinned by an infectious groove and theatrical closer “Sail with the Dead” is dark and ominous (as per the tile) but no less engaging and luscious.
To say that “Myths of Fate” is one of LEAVES’ EYES’s best albums to date as well as a strong entry into the symphonic metal catalog is an understatement. This is a masterclass in riveting storytelling, excellent songwriting, and attention to detail as each track stands incredibly well on its own grounded by Elina Siirala’s versatile vocals, cinematic soundscapes, and textured orchestral arrangements. The album is nothing short of a sonic delight with a variety of songs and melodies that only boost its already high playability value; highly recommended as one of the year’s top albums that will surely make its round on many end-of-the-year lists.
Written by Andrea Crow
Tracklist
1. Forged by Fire
2. Realm of Dark Waves
3. Who Wants to Live Forever
4. Hammer of the Gods
5. In Eternity
6. Fear the Serpent
7. Goddess of the Night
8. Sons of Triglav
9. Elder Spirit
10. Einherjar
11. Sail with the Dead
Lineup
- Elina Siirala – Vocals
- Alexander Krull – Vocals
- Micki Richter – Guitar
- Luc Gebhardt – Guitar
- Joris Nijenhuis – Drums
Label
AFM Records
