Leaves’ Eyes newest EP, Song of Darkness, is a primer for what fans can expect for the next album. The four tracks are fairly diverse. The title track is a dynamic, yet emotional with a galloping riff and memorable chorus compliments of vocalist Elina Siirala. “Hall of the Brave” is the heaviest track on this offering with its stomping double drums and Alexander Krull’s guttural vocals interspersed throughout the track. The contrast between Krull and Siirala’s vocals work well on this track, reflecting the musical transitions on the song. The highlight on “Brave” is the serene midsection, with its piano and tribal drums playing a hypnotic melody before the guitars build up to a heavy finale. “Until The Last Day” continues the epic momentum of the previous tracks with its orchestral introduction and mid-paced tempo. The guitar riffs drive the song, but it is the accompanying strings and piano that enhance the track. “Roots Eternal” is the shortest track on the EP and is a sentimental ballad that I predict will be sandwiched between the heavier tracks on the band’s next record. It features an emotional guitar solo and is suitable for a single release due to its accessibility.
Song of Darkness features a fairly diverse musical array despite its brevity. The four tracks feature Leaves’ Eyes blend of death metal, symphonic metal and folk influence to which makes for repeated listens. The title track is particularly catchy and features some of Elina’s best work. Three of the four tracks range three-and-a-half to four minutes, with “Hall of the Brave” with running time slightly under five minutes. The tracks on the band’s 2024 release, Myths of Fate, ran between four and five minutes, thus it appears that the next release will feature shorter songs. It seems the band is aiming for more straightforward songs with less fluff, but we will wait and see.
Songs of Darkness breaks the gap between releases, but it is a strong release in its own right. The Leaves’ Eyes camp is making good material and the band sounds strong as ever. This EP will certainly appease fans until the next record.
Check out the band’s website here: https://www.leaveseyes.de/
