Meredead by Leaves' Eyes - A Review

Leaves' Eyes, for those not in the know, are a symphonic metal band with members hailing from both Norway and Germany. Meredead, released earlier this year, is their fourth full length album and sees them testing new waters.

Meredead is the evolution of Leaves' Eyes' sound, and is a much stronger release than 2009's Njord. It flawlessly combines the traditional elements of symphonic metal with folk, using instruments such as bagpipes, cellos and fiddles. Also present in many of the tracks are choirs and a number of guest singers to back up the always amazing vocals of Liv Kristine.

It seems fair to say, however, that this album might not be for the more traditional metal fans. Quite often the metal will take a bit of a back seat to the folk side of the music. If metal is the only thing you can stand to have going into your ears, you may be disappointed. If, however, you just like good music then there's plenty here to enjoy.

The album includes a number of traditional Norwegian songs, as well as songs performed in Old English. Alexander Krull's growling vocals, a frequent presence on earlier releases, are this time reduced to just one track. Not that the CD needs them. Given the musical style and the feel of most of the songs, growling vocals would have been very out of place.

To France, a cover of the Mike Oldfield song, is the first single from the CD. Being a cover, it's probably one of the more accessible tracks for those new to the band. Give it a listen below!

Other stand out tracks include the intro Spirits' Masquerade, which leads you into the album with a steady drum beating and powerful choirs.
Ètain starts off slowly, but develops into one of the more powerful tracks on the album. Velvet Heart presents itself as the most typical example of the symphonic genre on this album, and good also be a good starting point for people.

Meredead, the title track, is a bombastic ride full of big choirs and folk music. Sigrlinn is the heaviest and longest track on the album, and definitely memorable. The song Tell-Tale Eyes, a slower, folk ballad, closes out the CD nicely.

I find it hard to fault this CD for anything. Leaves' Eyes have outdone themselves with this album. Quite simply, it's their best album yet and, so far, my pick for album of the year. If this is a glimpse of Leaves' Eyes to come, then it's an exciting time to be a fan of this band.

10/10