Leaves’ Eyes – Meredead

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Napalm Records
Produced by Alexander Krull

“For centuries and centuries, we stepped on all our enemies” remarks Liv Kristine near the end of Meredead, Leaves’ Eyes fourth album. For most people, there is little reminder of the ancient struggles between the people of Britain and Ireland and the foreign northern invaders. However, fans of metal have had this element of history thrust into their consciousness from all sides, occasionally from the victims, but more prominently from the original antagonists.

Since the very successful Vinland Saga album, the German/Norwegian band haven’t been able to walk away from such tales of yore, having found their niche. Where the likes of Amon Amarth have focused on the brutality of the era, Leaves’ Eyes have looked at history with a much more romantic eye. They focus more on the legends and sagas of the time, and whilst their music often deals with some of the more bloody moments, it often comes with a strong feeling of regret and loss. Their music comes with a melancholic tint, perfecting fitting into their symphonic and gothic metal. It is a very delicate sound, and often goes against many metal fan’s tastes, but they have long since proved themselves beyond the female-fronted metal enclosure.

Where their last album Njord had a much harder style than the band’s first two albums, Meredead instead moves in the very other direction. At the heart of Meredead is a very strong desire to connect to the romanticism of the era, more so than usual. Both lyrically and musically, the band have invoked more pre-medieval influences, incorporating a much stronger traditional folk sound than they usually do. Playing to these themes are Liv Kristine’s lyrics, which have not only continued the melancholic look at life during the dark ages, but also includes lyrics sung in both Old English and her native Norwegian. As a result of these influences and changes, the band’s sound has become more softer but not to the detriment of the music. The band have matured and expanded their sound, and whilst the band haven’t exactly lacked dynamics before, Meredead shows a band that are strengthening their dynamic range further.

The important question is, of course, is it any good? Meredead certainly isn’t the most iconic work from Leaves’ Eyes, that will probably still be Vinland Saga. However, whilst Meredead might not have as strong melodies as the band’s earlier work, it could possibly be the most developed and interesting album to date. Meredead shows all the signs of an album that grows rather than one that is instant. The album is covered in a rich tapestry of ideas, and it’s very evident that despite having been released so shortly after Njord, the band themselves sound inspired and in no way rushed or tired.

The album has benefited from several guest appearances, as well. Whilst an appearance from Liv Kristine’s sister Carmen Elise Espenæs (of Midnattsol fame) might be the most headline worthy, it is some of the lesser known guests that make the biggest impression. Maite Itoiz and John Kelly of folk act Elfenthal appear for several songs across the album, adding an extra bit of flare to the recording. John Kelly’s duet with Liv on the album’s final track Tell-Tale Eyes (quoted from at the start of the review) is the most striking, though Maite Itoiz’s contributions on songs Étaín and the title track are also noteworthy. Similarly, Norwegian singer Anette Guldbrandsen’s charactered Nordic singing on Krakevisa really adds some flavour to the record.

There are some let downs, though. Both the band’s debut Lovelorn and Vinland Saga could be considered to have most of the band’s most engaging melodies. Whilst Meredead as a whole is very strong, it’s individual songs are perhaps not as distinct. It is telling that the band have chosen to release a cover of Mike Oldfield‘s To France rather than one of their own. The album’s other likely candidate, Velvet Heart, doesn’t have as powerful a mix of gothic metal and pop that the band’s most famous hit Elegy had, or even My Destiny from Njord. Perhaps this just makes Meredead more of an album lover’s album though, feeling more rewarding when listened to as a whole than it does when the songs are taken individually.

Meredead might lack the directness of songs such as Norwegian Love Song or Amelie, and perhaps the band’s fans won’t take to it quite as much as some of their other recordings. However it more than makes up for this by being more involving in the long run. It will likely stand as the band’s most inspired album even if it might not be the most remembered. As one might expect from any Leaves’ Eyes release, those who love melancholy and romance in their metal will be sure to embrace it.

“ the most developed and interesting album to date ”

Tracklist: Spirits’ Masquerade / Étaín / Velvet Heart / Kråkevisa / To France / Meredead / Sigrlinn / Mine Tåror er ei Grimme / Empty Horizon / Veritas / Nystev / Tell-Tale Eyes

Written by James Donovan
More: 2011, Albums, Female-fronted, Symphonic, Leaves' Eyes