Published: February 11, 2026 · 1:52 AM EST
The symphonic metal pioneers return with a cinematic new EP exploring myth, history and emotional depth.
Symphonic metal has always thrived on atmosphere, storytelling and emotional scale, and few bands have cultivated that world as consistently as Leaves’ Eyes. As the group prepares to release its new EP Song Of Darkness on March 6, 2026, the long-running European act once again expands its distinctive universe of myth, history and cinematic sound.
For more than two decades, Leaves’ Eyes have carved out a unique identity within symphonic and Viking metal, blending orchestral arrangements with heavy guitar work and narrative-driven themes. Founded in 2003 by vocalist and producer Alexander Krull, the band has continuously evolved while maintaining a clear artistic vision rooted in storytelling and musical depth. With Finnish vocalist Elina Siirala fronting the band since 2016, their sound has gained a renewed balance between classical elegance and metallic intensity.
The new EP Song Of Darkness reflects that evolution. Recorded at Mastersound Studio under Krull’s production, the release captures Leaves’ Eyes at a moment of creative strength, combining sweeping symphonic textures with grounded, emotionally resonant songwriting. The material moves fluidly between epic orchestral passages, crushing riffs and folk-tinged melodies, reinforcing the band’s ability to create immersive sonic landscapes.
The title track, “Song Of Darkness,” draws inspiration from the medieval Icelandic saga of Gisli the Outlaw, leading listeners into a world shaped by fate, guilt and redemption. As with much of the band’s catalogue, myth and history serve not merely as aesthetic decoration but as narrative frameworks through which deeper emotional themes unfold. Across the EP’s four tracks, each composition feels like a chapter within a larger saga, cinematic in scope yet personal in tone.
Elina Siirala’s commanding vocal presence brings clarity and emotional depth to the material, while Krull’s contrasting growls add weight and dramatic tension. Choirs, strings and layered orchestrations rise alongside heavy guitar passages, creating a dynamic interplay between light and shadow that has become a hallmark of the band’s sound. The result is music that balances grandeur and intimacy without losing its sense of narrative cohesion.
Throughout their career, Leaves’ Eyes have remained dedicated to crafting a mythic world where history, folklore and imagination intersect. Their visual aesthetics, elaborate stage productions and historically inspired themes reinforce that commitment, transforming each release into a broader artistic experience that extends beyond the music itself.
With Song Of Darkness, Leaves’ Eyes continue to refine their fusion of symphonic metal and storytelling, offering a release that feels both rooted in their legacy and open to new creative directions. As they move deeper into their third decade as a band, their dedication to atmosphere, narrative and musical craftsmanship remains as strong as ever, a testament to a vision that has consistently bridged the ancient and the modern through sound.
LEAVES EYES IS:
Elina Siirala - Vocals
Alexander Krull - Vocals
Florian Ewert - Guitar
Luc Gebhardt - Guitar
Dominik Prykiel - Bass
Simon Skrlec - Drums
EP Track Listing:
1. Song Of Darkness
2. Hall Of The Brave
3. Until The Last Day
4. Roots Eternal
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
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