Search - Leaves Eyes :: Elegy

Exellent symphonic rock

Spazmonkey | 02/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was a bit confused about what the non album tracks meant. I thought they were remakes or something of tracks on another album. I suppose now, that these are original songs not appearing on any other album. Along with the alternate versions of songs on the Vinland Saga album. Basically this is a mini-album. I can't really tell any difference between the alternate versions on this album and the ones on vinland saga, other than Elegy single version is shorter, which was a bit of a disapointment.



All I can say is wow! It has a very melodic Nordic folk music feel with very well developed classical instrumentation and Liv's most beautiful voice. The songs are a bit softer than most of Vinland saga (this definately is not a metal album but more of a melodic folk rock/symphony) , and with definately some of the best classical developement not only for Leaves Eyes, but of any symphonic metal band (though I wish they would use some additional opera singers and choruses other than Liv by herself), they definately give Therion a run for their money. In other words this is probably the most classical/folkish work thus far for Leaves Eyes.



If this is your first Leaves Eye's album I would suggest just to buy Vinland Saga, because while this album is exellent there's not a whole lot of new material (the whole album together is only 25 min.), but I guess that's why the price is so low so its worth the money."

I saw Leaves Eyes live

GamerX | 11/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The band Leaves Eyes played the warm-up at the Blind Guardian(AWESOME)concert. They are incredibly talented, the singer is amazing, the lead and rhythm guitars excellent. However, the Basist STOLE THE SHOW. This man is from Transylvania. He was BY FAR the greatest, and most amazing basist i have ever had the privelage of witnessing. Overall I believe this bad has definite potential, and will buy their albums, and go to their next show."

Amazing Atmospheric/Folk Metal

Amanda | Dallas, Texas | 01/28/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Leaves' Eyes is a Norwegian/German symphonic metal that was born from the relationship between lead singer Liv Kristine and backing vocalist Alexander Krull . Shortly after Liv was fired from Theatre of Tragedy, she joined forces with Alexander and members of his former band Atrocity to form Leaves' Eyes in 2003. The couple was married shortly after.



While Leaves' Eyes has many traditional elements of female-led symphonic metal, the band also uses a wide range of folk instruments, frequently draws upon Viking/Scandinavian historical themes, and features "beauty and the beast" style vocals. This type of vocal work focuses on the contrast between very high female soprano vocals and growling/grunting male vocals. Even though I'm not particularly a fan of this type of vocal work, Leaves' Eyes utilizes Liv's voice considerably more often while Alexander's growls seem to be an afterthought. Also, since Vikings are a common theme, the growling seems like they are very much at home here.



Elegy is an maxi-single/EP that the band released prior to their second studio album, Vinland Saga. The EP only has six songs that consist of the single version and album version of "Elegy" and a small collection of b-sides.



When I listen to this EP, it transport me to another world. I had a little trouble adjusting to Liv's very high, sometimes little-girl-like voice at first, but once I got used to it I realized how enchanting it is.



However, instead of getting high powered metal, I was treated to an intoxicating collection of atmospheric songs that were almost zen-like. Songs like "Senses Capture" and "A Winter's Poem" are sweeping, gorgeous pieces of music that make the EP feel like art. These songs don't fit with the Vinland theme on Vinland Saga, but fit nicely with other Leaves' Eyes songs.



While I sometimes have trouble listening to all of Vinland Saga due to its more subdued feel, I find that Elegy is the perfect length for this type of music.Fans of heavier metal bands will find it difficult to transition to Leaves' Eyes, but I think that folk metal fans and ballad fans will like this music. Personally, I love it -just not all the time. I have to be in the mood for this kind of music -but when I am, it's magical."