|
Review:
|
With their fourth studio album, the 4-nation formation
who come under the name Leaves' Eyes unleash a tidal wave
that will leave the music world breathless. More than ever
before, folk instrumentation refines the album's varied
sound, incorporating more folk and traditional influences
from Liv Kristine's native Norwegian history, but also old
English and Celtic influences creep into the mix too. The
epic tracks, 'Étaín' and 'Sigrlinn' lyrically recount the
mysticism of past cultures and are supported by uileann
pipes (native to Ireland), which also catapult the listener
into this very magical world. Meanwhile the equally epic
'Nystev' and 'Kråkevisa', lead the way to Liv's Norwegian
homeland. The latter making use of the Scandinavian nyckelharpa,
or keyed fiddle. We have catchy rockers like 'Velvet Heart'
and lets not forget the awesome 1984 Mike Oldfield composition,
originally sung by Maggie Riley - 'To France'. Mindblowing
interpretation! And then later in the album we have the
awesome power ballad 'Empty Horizon' - I love it! To summarise
this record - Leaves' Eyes has always offered more than
just a musical broadening of the horizon. Liv Kristine's
use of Old English and Norwegian lyrics narrates fascinating
sagas, bringing the listener even closer to a long-forgotten
era. Whether a gentle ballad or an opulent opus, the tracks
are direct and to the point. With the band's strength and
courage, as well as an unorthodox variety, Leaves' Eyes
has unequivocally reinvented itself, and could well be treading
new ground that other bands will try to tread, but will
not succeed! A MUST BUY - totally awesome...9/10 (Dave)
|
