The Norwegian/German/Finnish symphonic metal ensemble known as Leaves' Eyes are back with their 9th studio album, Myths of Fate, now available on AFM Records, their label home for their last four releases. This also marks the third studio album to feature Finnish vocalist Elina Siirala, who replaced founding member Liv Kristine, who departed to go solo in 2016. Rounding out the line-up is Alexander Krull (vocals, keyboards), Joris Nijenhuis (drums), Micki Richter (guitar), Luc Gebhardt (guitar), and Andre Nasso (bass). Those not familiar with the music of Leaves' Eyes can expect majestic symphonic, gothic, Viking metal, otherwise also known as 'beauty & the beast metal' due to the soaring melodic female vocals and the guttural male death growls featured on pretty much every song. It's a style that's been done quite a bit over the years, but Leaves' Eyes has always been one of the best in making it sound interesting.
Eleven new tracks make up Myths of Fate, and while there isn't anything surprising or different about this new platter, it's high quality as one would expect. I'd say that Elina has fully stepped out of the shadow of Liv at this point, and to be honest, I enjoy these newer albums with Elina here than anything Liv has done solo since she left Leaves' Eyes. Her angelic pipes soar across stellar tracks like "Hammer of the Gods", "Who Want to Live Forever", "Sons of Triglav", and the dramatic "Sail With the Dead", the latter a dark symphonic metal masterpiece with heavy riffs, atmospheric keys, and all these layers of gorgeous vocals and menacing growls. Krull, for his part, drops in his bellowing Viking blasts quite effectively throughout, never taking center stage and allowing Elina to be the star of the show. Still, you always look forward to his parts nonetheless. Production is clean and potent throughout the album, and while this band isn't about showboating with loads of solos from the guitarists, there's just enough action to keep you engaged every step of the way.
AFM's loaded digipack is stunning as always, with great artwork and many visuals to accompany band photos and lyrics. I see the trend that InsideOut has started with including a bonus disc with an all-instrumental version of the album has moved over here as well...honestly, with a band whose main claim to fame is their vocals, why would anyone be interested in hearing this album without Elina and Alexander? That aside, this is one hell of an enjoyable Leaves' Eyes album.
Track Listing2)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)Einhherjar
11)Sail With the Dead
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