For more than two decades, LEAVES' EYES have forged their own path through the realms of symphonic and Viking metal,uniting mythic storytelling with boundless musical imagination. Founded in 2003 by vocalist and producer Alexander Krull, the band stands as a meeting point between power and poetry. With Finnish soprano Elina Siirala fronting the band since 2016, their sound has evolved into a breathtaking blend of classical precision and visceral energy. Joined by Florian Ewert and Luc Gebhardt on guitars, bassist Dominik Prykiel and session drummer Nils Kreul, LEAVES' EYES create immersive worlds that bridge ancient history and modern emotion.
In 2026, the band enters a new chapter with the release of the EP 'Song Of Darkness', marking the dawn of a creative cycle that expands both their sonic and conceptual horizons. Recorded at Mastersound Studio under Krull’s production, the record refines their signature fusion of orchestral depth and metallic intensity. It reveals a group at the height of its craft, balancing the sweeping scale of symphonic metal with an earthy, human pulse.
Lyrically, 'Song Of Darkness' journeys into the shifting borders between myth, magic and history. The stories it tells ofshadowed realms, dark times, and the courage that endures through loss, mirror timeless themes that have always guided the band’s vision. The title track "Song Of Darkness" is inspired by the medieval Icelandic saga of Gisli the Outlaw and takes the listener to times of murder and intrigue, guilt-ridden magical dreams and the hope of redemption.
Each song unfolds like a chapter in a saga: cinematic in scope, yet deeply personal in feeling. Siirala’s commanding and emotional performance brings the tales to life, her voice illuminating the storm of sound around her, while Krull’s growls anchor the music with raw force and conviction.
Musically, the EP showcases the band’s mastery of contrasts. Towering choirs and strings rise beside crushing riffs, while folk-inspired melodies whisper through the darkness. From the orchestral grandeur that opens the record to the final echoes of its closing refrain, 'Song Of Darkness' builds an atmosphere of tension and release that reflects both the brutality and beauty of legend. The production captures the clarity of each instrument and the spirit of live performance, a hallmark of Krull’s meticulous approach to sound.
Beyond the studio, LEAVES' EYES remain a band of storytellers who understand that myth lives not only in words, but also in image and experience. Their acclaimed music videos and live productions transport audiences into the heart of their narratives, complete with authentic Viking-era props, handcrafted costumes, and cinematic backdrops. Through their close collaboration with re-enactment groups, the band bridges artistic creation and cultural heritage, keeping history alive in sound and spectacle.
As they step into their third decade, LEAVES' EYES stand as one of symphonic metal’s most visionary forces. The release of 'Song Of Darkness' sets the tone for the next full-length chapter to follow, reaffirming their dedication to musical storytelling that transcends time and trend. It is both a reflection of their journey so far and a signal of what lies ahead: music that burns with purpose, steeped in legend yet alive with modern fire
Song Of Darkness: sounds like a classic Leaves' Eyes song, with the difference that I still have to get used to hear another singer (Liv Kristine). But I must say once used to the voice of Elina Siirala it’s a good mix. She has a strong voice, can sing high and low. I feel thee motions, I feel the song is really ment the way it is. A good one!
Hall Of The Brave starts a bit slows, but explodes when Elina starts to sing, pretty fast backed up by the growls and grunts done by Krull. I can feel the synergy between both. Towards the end the song becomes a rel symphonic viking metal track: filled with pathos and banging hard!
Until The Last Day start with Krull growling and screaming, onlu stopped when Elina sings (backed by a strong choir). It’s a nice swing between heavy/hard and heavenly/soft.
Roots starts slowly, like an heavenly ballad lead by Elina’s magical voice. This is clearly a must have for fans of ballads and the softer sound!
Eternal is already the last song and is filled with pathos: feel the sadness, feel thee motions!It’s a great track to end with!
Well: I’m happy I waited a few years after the change at the front of the band before reviewing an album or an EP. I felt real synergy here, just like I felt they made a huge step forward since the changes that occured in 2016! After 10 years of working on the new path all efforts clearly paid off! They clearly stepped up, got adjusted and are ready for more. Welldone!
Artist Line-Up:
Elina Siirala - Vocals
Alexander Krull - Vocals
Florian Ewert - Guitar
Luc Gebhardt - Guitar
Dominik Prykiel - Bass
Simon Skrlec – Drums
LEAVES’ EYES Live:
06.03.2026 (NL) Zaandam, Podium De Flux
07.03.2026 (DE) Übach-Palenberg, Rockfabrik
08.03.2026 (DE) Karlsruhe, Die Stadtmitte
12.03.2026 (BE) Kortrijk, DVG Club
13.03.2026 (NL) Enschede, Metropool
14.03.2026 (UK) Milton Keynes, The Craufurd Arms
15.03.2026 (UK) London, The Underworld
Tickets: https://www.leaveseyes.de/tour/
More on LEAVES’ EYES:
Website | https://www.leaveseyes.de
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/leaveseyesofficial/
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/leaveseyesofficial/?hl=en
X | https://x.com/Leaves_Eyes
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@leaveseyes_official
YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/user/LeavesEyesOfficial
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