Published: January 1, 1970
Four years after bringing “The Last Viking” to Valhalla with their previous opus, Leaves’ Eyes resurrect with “Myths Of Fate” to celebrate their 20th year of existence. With their ninth studio album, the Germany-based artists consolidate their leading position in the symphonic metal universe. Powerful, epic and impressive – Leaves’ Eyes once again merge traditional metal genres by fusing elements of folk, gothic, and classical music into a captivating sonic masterpiece.
Leaves’ Eyes were founded in 2003 and have always benefited from the union of diverse musical talents under the leadership of mastermind Alexander Krull (vocals, songwriting, production). Finnish singer Elina Siirala brings her classically trained soprano voice into contrast with the heavy guitars of Micki Richter and Luc Gebhardt. In charge of rhythm is Joris Nijenhuis on drums. In their multifaceted discography, Leaves’ Eyes naturally integrate various genres such as folk metal, Viking metal or symphonic metal into their unique sound creations. Legendary releases like “Vinland Saga” (2005) or “Njord” (2009) made them pioneers in their own league, a position they successfully confirmed with chart-breakers like “King Of Kings” (2015) or “Sign Of The Dragonhead” (2018). Their compositions are complex, though, always well balanced between heaviness and melodic atmosphere. Each of their mind-broadening lyrical concepts based on medieval mythology are thoroughly researched, offering their audience journeys to the past times of Vikings, myths and sagas.
In addition, Leaves’ Eyes made a name for themselves as a multimedia band of superlatives that captivates all of their followers’ senses. Lavishly produced, their high-class music videos, directed by Alexander Krull, expand the band’s storytelling to a visual aspect of superior quality. Their connection and appreciation for Viking re-enactment groups even led to the impressive feature-length documentary film “Viking Spirit” (2020) that delves deeper into the magical world explored on the band's albums. Moreover, Leaves’ Eyes are renowned for their breath-taking live performances. Metal fans around the world experienced the charismatic and energetic stage presentation. Set in font of monumental backdrops such as huge Viking ships or life-sized Nordic monuments, Leaves’ Eyes set new standards for captivating metal concerts.
With “Myths Of Fate” Leaves’ Eyes once again set sails for new winds that definitely blow from the harsh shallows of the symphonic metal genre. The fantastic world of legends from Norse and Eastern European mythology is the setting for monumental entertainment. “The early Middle Ages were a fascinating time of change. Some of these innovations have left their mark around the globe and continue to impact our modern world”, tells Alex, who created the lyrical concept. Leaves’ Eyes open up a world of magical places, spellbound weapons or supernatural creatures. With the first single and opening track “Forged By Fire” they raise the magic sword of Tyrfing. In a bombastic double bass blaze, they tell from a deadly weapon crafted and cursed by dwarfs to bring misery over its bearers. “These legends always reflected the real-life horrors of those who told them, making them even relatable to modern events of wars and fights”, Alex on his inspiration for the song’s lyrical concept. The medieval hymn “Realm Of Dark Waves” pulls us down into ocean’s desolate depths of Rán, the Goddess of the Sea. The solid neck-breaker about the sea maiden wife of Ægir is lyrically linked to other Leaves’ Eyes hit classics about maritime gods, like “Njord” or “Nine Wave Maidens”, rounding off the artist’s entire oeuvre.
Band line up: Elina Siirala (Vocals), Alexander Krull (Vocals), Micki Richter (Guitar, Bass), Luc Gebhardt (Guitar), Joris Nijenhuis (Drums)
In support of LEAVES' EYES' forthcoming opus, the band produced a total of five music videos with Mastersound Entertainment. Filmed on impressive locations in Iceland, Germany and Poland, they bring the myths captivatingly to the screen. Magic creatures, great battles and enchanting warrior queens come to live
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