LEAVES' EYES
LEAVES’ EYES “Myths of Fate”
By Iron Sheik
LEAVES’ EYES has bestowed upon us a new album steeped in mythology, fantasy, and real life. “Myths Of Fate”, album number nine, is full of stories and gods that have connections to older albums as well as real life events. They continue bringing their unique version of folk, symphonic, and viking metal with this release. Not only is it a showcase for Elina's vocals, but it is a musical landscape put forth by a excellent band.
Painstakingly created by Alexander Krull on keyboards and unclean vocals, Elina Siirala on vocals, Mickie Richter on guitar and bass, Luc Gebhart on guitar, and Joris Nijenhuis on drums. Alexander Krull is the founder of LEAVES’ EYES as well as the principal song writer, and he is also the lead vocalist of the band ATROCITY from Germany. Elina Siirala is not only a classically trained soprano singer from Finland fronting two bands (ANGEL NATION being the other), but she is the second cousin of Tuomas Holopainen of NIGHTWISH.
It is of no coincidence then that this album makes the listener think of LEAVES’ EYES as similar to NIGHTWISH musically. It is in the lyrics where things differ moreso than the music. Songs about mythological gods and stories thereof bring a very different flavor to the compositions as well. Lyrics that also deal with real life are offered up to fitting excellence.
“Forged By Fire” opens the album, and you can tell it is going to be epic from the intro piece. Full speed ahead as Elina starts singing with such an angelic voice against the intense and heavy music. "We fight until the end of time." Alexander brings the death chant of "Forged By Fire." Whispers in a passage also accentuate the song. “Realm Of Dark Waves” is a folk styled song. "I long for you...lost in eternal sleep your soul forever mine." “Who Wants To Live Forever” is about the "fair goddess the keeper of life...Idun." Immortality is on tap here. “Hammer Of The Gods” lets Elina's voice shine brightly during a mellower acoustic passage. "Glory to them all." “In Eternity” is a song by Elina about the death of Alexander’s mother. A very emotional piece showcasing Eliina's vocal abilities without vocals by Alex. Also a non-myth song that fits in perfectly with the other Myths.
“Fear The Serpent” is about the god-monster Jormungandr who arises to wreak havoc. "The ship of doom awaits." “Goddess Of The Night” is a folk metal styled power ballad. "I hope to touch your wide open wings." "Night after night she rides the night." Another track showcasing Elina's voice sans any input from Alexander. “Sons Of Triglav” is a darker piece. "Sons, sons, sons of...grant us strength." Mostly sung by Alexander with angelic vocals by Elina to lighten the dark material. “Elder Spirit” harkens "I hear you call, a voice that speaks to me." It almost ventures into a pop metal vein with a chorus that has an air of familiarity to it. But "is it just a dream?" “Einherjar” is about the chosen warriors. "Souls of the slain, in Valhalla they forever remain." A story of the army of the slain going to Asgaard because they are the chosen. “Sail With The Dead” finishes the album with Naglfar and the "dawn of the deities at heaven's end."
“Myths Of Fate” by LEAVES’ EYES is an album of grand mythology even when they detour into real life. Although folk and Viking metal play a part, the band is most definitely Symphonic Metal. “Myths” will take the listener back to medievil times and its realm of beliefs and gods. It is an album of excellent music with outstanding vocals by Elina and Alexander. They are the light and the dark, the God and the goddess within the “Myths Of Fate”.