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Leaves' Eyes

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Leaves' Eyes is a symphonic metal band from Germany and Norway.[2] Formed in 2003 by Liv Kristine, formerly the lead singer of Theatre of Tragedy, along with the entire line-up of Atrocity, the band has since released eight studio albums, a single, six EPs, one live album, and a DVD.

Leaves' Eyes
Leaves' Eyes performing at Wacken Open Air in 2018
Leaves' Eyes performing at Wacken Open Air in 2018
Background information
OriginLudwigsburg, Germany
Stavanger, Norway
Genres
Years active2003–present
Labels
Spinoff of
MembersAlexander Krull
Joris Nijenhuis
Micki Richter
Elina Siirala
Andre Nasso
Past membersSander van der Meer
Mathias Röderer
Chris Lukhaup
Martin Schmidt
Nick Barker
Moritz Neuner
Alla Fedynitch
Seven Antonopoulos
Roland Navratil
J.B. van der Wal
Felix Born
Thorsten Bauer
Liv Kristine[1]
WebsiteLeavesEyes.de

Most of Leaves' Eyes' lyrics, written by Liv Kristine until her departure in 2016, focus on Norse mythology and the Viking Age. The melodic vocals of Liv Kristine and her successor, Elina Siirala, are occasionally complemented by death growl vocals from Krull, a vocal style Kristine refers to as "beauty and the beast".

History

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Lovelorn (2003–2005)

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Leaves' Eyes have frequently incorporated naturalistic themes in their music since the release of their 2004 debut album, Lovelorn. Many of the lyrics on this album were inspired not only by nature but also by sagas and legends rooted in Norse mythology. The band was well received during their stage premiere at Wave Gotik Treffen 2004.

Each member of the band had significant professional experience in other musical projects prior to joining Leaves' Eyes, effectively making it a supergroup. Frontwoman Liv Kristine performed with the band Theatre of Tragedy from its formation in 1993 until her departure in 2003. This Norwegian band was among the first to feature a female voice in the metal scene, and their club hit Tanz der Schatten became emblematic of a distinctive musical genre.[3] Additionally, Liv Kristine was active in the pop music scene, performing songs for TV hits such as Tatort and Schimanski. The other members of Leaves' Eyes come from the death metal band Atrocity.

Vinland Saga (2005–2009)

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Liv Kristine and Alexander Krull, the band's founders

One year after Lovelorn, Leaves' Eyes released their follow-up album, Vinland Saga, in 2005, inspired by Viking explorer Leif Eriksson. The album's first single, Elegy, charted in Germany for four consecutive weeks. The television station ProSieben featured Elegy as the official song for the TV series NUMB3RS.

In addition to their studio work, Leaves' Eyes tours extensively. Over four years, the band performed across four continents and 34 countries, playing a total of 222 concerts. Their live DVD, We Came with the Northern Winds: En Saga i Belgia, reached number 11 on the German DVD charts in 2009. This exclusive package documents the band's history and includes footage of their 2007 concert at the Metal Female Voices Festival. This headline show featured elaborate staging, including a Viking longship on stage.

Njord (2009–2011)

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Njord was released in 2009, continuing the band's chart success. The album's first single, My Destiny, quickly became an anthem, following in the footsteps of Elegy. Njord received critical acclaim[4][5][6] as "an epic masterpiece." The album showcased a more modern style compared to previous releases and included symphonic metal tracks of heightened complexity, featuring the Lingua Mortis Orchestra conducted by Victor Smolski. Several lyrics were inspired by the English folk ballad "Scarborough Fair". The band's live performances were equally successful across Europe and North America. For the Special Fan Edition of Njord, Leaves' Eyes recorded the At Heaven's End EP in 2010.

Meredead (2011–2013)

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One year later, Leaves' Eyes released their fourth studio album, Meredead. Produced by Alexander Krull, the album blends folk elements from earlier works to shape Meredead's atmospheric tone. The opening track, "Spirits' Masquerade," incorporates folk instrumentation, enriching the album’s diverse sound. Tracks like Étaín and Sigrlinn lyrically evoke the mysticism of ancient cultures, featuring uilleann pipes to enhance their thematic depth. The album also includes more traditional songs, such as Nystev and Kråkevisa; the latter employs the Scandinavian nyckelharpa, or keyed fiddle. A cover of To France reinterprets the tragedy and emotion of Mike Oldfield's classic. Supporting vocals and instrumentation on the album are provided by Maite Itoiz and John Kelly (Elfenthal), Carmen Elise Espenæs (Midnattsol), the Norwegian Anette Guldbrandsen, and Victor Smolski's Lingua Mortis Orchestra.

The 2011 EP Melusine was a special release in collaboration with the German magazine Sonic Seducer.

Symphonies of the Night (2013–2015)

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In an interview with Valkyrian Music, Leaves' Eyes announced they had begun writing material for their fifth studio album, which they aimed to release in spring 2013.[7] On January 7, 2013, the band announced on their official Facebook page that the title of their fifth studio album would be Symphonies of the Night.

On March 23, 2013, Leaves' Eyes further announced on Facebook that vocal recording had begun, accompanied by a statement:[8]

At the moment Liv Kristine is tracking vocals for the upcoming Leaves' Eyes album: "The recording sessions at Mastersound studios are so much fun, as well as being highly intense. Today I recorded an amazing and classically influenced new song. We are all very excited about the songs for the new album."

 
Leaves' Eyes in Israel, 2016, one of the last performances with Liv Kristine

On May 9, 2013, the band announced that the vocal recordings were complete and that Alexander Krull had begun mixing the album:[citation needed]

Good news from Mastersound Studio: The vocal recordings for all songs on our upcoming release "Symphonies of the Night" have just been completed. Furthermore, Alex is already busy mixing the album. We have taken a significant inspirational step since the production of "Meredead," both in terms of sound and vocals. It has been such a pleasure evolving in my singing techniques and knowledge, and I thank my band members for "giving me an inspirational kick" when I needed to gain momentum behind the microphone. "Symphonies of the Night" is hauntingly dreamlike and heavy to the core!

The band premiered the first new song from the album, titled "Hell to the Heavens," at the Summer Breeze Festival.[9]

The artwork for the new album was released on August 26, 2013. A few days later, the band released a video announcing that they would be performing at Metal Female Voices Fest 2013. A teaser of the studio version of "Hell to the Heavens" was also included in the video.

King of Kings and departure of Liv Kristine (2015–2016)

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Leaves' Eyes stated in 2015 that they would release a new album titled King of Kings, which would feature the London Voices choir and guest vocals by Simone Simons of Epica.[10] This album would also be their first release on AFM Records after parting ways with their longtime label, Napalm Records.[11] King of Kings is a concept album centered around the sagas of Norway's first king, Harald Fairhair (Harald Hårfagre).

In an interview with Sonic Cathedral webzine, Liv Kristine discussed her inspiration for the album:

The nicest thing for me is that it is said in the sagas that Harald became the first king of Norway after he won a battle that took place in one of the Norwegian fjords called Hafrsfjord. You know, that is a very important place—not only for the history of Norway—but also for me, because I was born there. So, this album is a concept album, but it's also a very personal album.[12]

The first official video from King of Kings is for the track "The Waking Eye," which was filmed in Norway (for the background scenes) and in Germany (for the action scenes).[13][14] The Viking reenactment group Værjaborg supplied over 40 members for the battle and action sequences.[14] Leaves' Eyes considers "The Waking Eye" to be their most ambitious video to date.[12]

On April 15, 2016, the band announced they had parted ways with lead vocalist and co-founder Liv Kristine.[15] Since then, both parties have provided different accounts of how the split occurred, with the band stating that the decision regarding Kristine's departure was made in January.[16] While the band initially stated that it had been a mutual decision, Kristine disputed this claim, indicating she was dismissed and that it was not her decision. Legal proceedings have since been initiated.[17]

Arrival of Elina Siirala and Sign of the Dragonhead (2016–2019)

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On April 15, 2016, the band announced Finnish singer Elina Siirala as their new lead vocalist.[18] Siirala made her debut with the band on April 18, 2016, at the Hammersonic Festival in Jakarta. A tour edition of the album King of Kings was released on June 3, 2016.[19]

On October 7, 2016, the band released the EP "Fires in the North," which featured a brand new song as well as three re-recorded tracks from King of Kings with Siirala on vocals.[20] Following the release of the EP, the band embarked on a North American tour in support of Sabaton.[21] On November 27, 2017, the band announced their new album, Sign of the Dragonhead.[22] The same day the album was announced, the title track was released as the lead single.[23] The song "Across the Sea" was released as the album's second single on December 31, 2017, with an accompanying music video.[24] The band released "Jomsborg" as the album's third single on January 11, 2018.[25]

Sign of the Dragonhead was released on January 12, 2018. The band toured throughout Europe in support of the album, and on August 30, 2018, they released the song "Riders on the Wind" as the album's fourth and final single. The music video for the song featured footage from the Sign of the Dragonhead tour.[26] On September 7, 2018, a tour edition of Sign of the Dragonhead was released, which included the "Riders on the Wind" physical single.[26]

The Last Viking, departure of Thorsten Bauer and Myths of Fate (2020–present)

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The Last Viking was released on October 23, 2020. The album continued the trend toward folk metal and historical lyrics. On May 23, 2021, the band announced the addition of bassist Andre Nasso.[27] On December 29, 2021, it was announced that Thorsten Bauer would leave the band by the end of 2021.[28]

On December 9, 2023, the band revealed the title of their ninth studio album, Myths of Fate, which was released on March 22, 2024.[29]

Band members

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Current members
Live members
  • Oliver Holzwarth – bass (2009)
  • Niels Löffler – bass (2011–2015)
  • Gijs Coolen – bass (2015–2016)
  • Ferry Duijsens – bass (2016–2020)
Past members
  • Thorsten Bauer – guitars, bass (2003–2021)
  • Liv Kristine Espenæs – lead vocals (2003–2016)
  • Mathias Röderer – guitars (2003–2010)
  • Chris Lukhaup – bass (2003–2007)
  • Martin Schmidt – drums (2003–2004)
  • Nick Barker – drums (2004–2008)
  • Moritz Neuner – drums (2005–2007)
  • Alla Fedynitch – bass (2007–2010)
  • Seven Antonopoulos – drums (2008–2010)
  • Sander van der Meer – guitars (2010–2015)
  • J.B. van der Wal – bass (2010–2013)
  • Roland Navratil – drums (2010–2012)
  • Felix Born – drums (2012–2013)
  • Pete Streit – guitars (2015–2019)

Timeline

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Discography

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Studio albums

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Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
GER
[30] 		SWI
[31] 		BEL (FL)
[32] 		BEL (WA)
[33] 		US
Heat
[34]
Lovelorn * Released: May 26, 2004 * Label: Napalm Records * Formats: CD, digital download[35] — — — — —
Vinland Saga * Released: May 30, 2005 * Label: Napalm Records * Formats: CD, digital download[36] 62 — — — —
Njord * Released: August 26, 2009 * Label: Napalm Records * Formats: CD, digital download[37] 30 88 58 82 — * US: 2,200+[38]
Meredead * Released: April 22, 2011 * Label: Napalm Records * Formats: CD, CD+DVD, digital download[39] 32 — 97 — 37 * US: 990+[40]
Symphonies of the Night * Released: November 15, 2013 * Label: Napalm Records * Formats: CD, LP, digital download[41] 49 — 172 124 18
King of Kings * Released: September 11, 2015 * Label: AFM Records * Formats: CD, LP, digital download[42] 15 54 90 130 52
Sign of the Dragonhead * Released: January 12, 2018 * Label: AFM Records * Formats: CD, LP, digital download 21 33 189 — —
The Last Viking * Released: October 23, 2020 * Label: AFM Records * Formats: CD, LP, digital download 28 62 — — —
Myths of Fate * Released: March 22, 2024 * Label: AFM Records * Formats: CD, LP, digital download — — — — —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Live albums

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Title Album details Peak chart positions
GER
[30]
We Came with the Northern
Winds: En Saga i Belgia 		* Released: February 27, 2009 * Label: Napalm Records * Formats: CD, DVD 75
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

EPs

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Title Album details Peak chart positions
GER
[30] 		FRA
[43]
Into Your Light * Released: August 3, 2004 * Label: Napalm Records * Formats: CD, digital download[44] — —
Elegy * Released: May 2, 2005 * Label: Napalm Records * Formats: CD, digital download[45] 76 —
Legend Land * Released: June 9, 2006 * Label: Napalm Records * Formats: CD 75 —
My Destiny * Released: July 24, 2009 * Label: Napalm Records * Formats: CD, digital download[46] — 54
At Heaven's End * Released: April 9, 2010 * Label: Napalm Records * Formats: CD, digital download — —
Melusine * Released: April 19, 2011 * Label: Napalm Records * Formats: CD, digital download[47] — —
Fires in the North * Released: October 8, 2016 * Label: AFM Records * Formats: CD, digital download — —
Black Butterfly * Released: November 22, 2019 * Label: AFM Records * Formats: CD, digital download — —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Music videos

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Year Title Directed Album
2004 "Into Your Light"
—
 Lovelorn
2005 "Elegy"
—
 Vinland Saga
2006 "Legend Land"
—
 Legend Land
2009 "My Destiny" Patric Ullaeus[48] Njord
2010 "Take the Devil in Me"
Robert Suß
2011 "To France" Patric Ullaeus[49] Meredead
2013 "Hell to the Heavens"[50]
—
 Symphonies of the Night
2015 "Symphony of the Night (feat. Maite Itoiz – Spanish Version)"
—
2015 "Halvdan the Black"
—
 King of Kings
2015 "The Waking Eye"
Rainer Zipp Fraenzen
2016 "Edge of Steel"
Rainer Zipp Fränzen

Awards

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References

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  1. ^ "Leaves' Eyes – Official Website". LeavesEyes.de. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
  2. ^ "Leaves' Eyes Biography" (PDF). www.napalmrecords.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 28, 2011.
  3. ^ "Biography " Leaves' Eyes – Official Website". Leaveseyes.de. Retrieved 2014-05-30.
  4. ^ "Review: Leaves' Eyes – Njord". Sputnikmusic. 2009-09-01. Retrieved 2014-05-30.
  5. ^ "Review: "Leaves' Eyes: Njord" – Sea of Tranquility – The Web Destination for Progressive Music!". Sea of Tranquility. 2009-11-20. Retrieved 2014-05-30.
  6. ^ Phil Freeman (2009-09-29). "Njord – Leaves' Eyes | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2014-05-30.
  7. ^ "Interview with Liv Kristine [Leaves' Eyes]". YouTube. 15 September 2012. Archived from the original on 2021-12-22. Retrieved 2014-05-30.
  8. ^ "Leaves' Eyes Official". Facebook. 2014-05-21. Retrieved 2014-05-30.
  9. ^ "Leaves' Eyes – Hell to the Heavens (Live @ Summer Breeze 2013)". YouTube. 22 August 2013. Archived from the original on 2021-12-22. Retrieved 2014-05-30.
  10. ^ "God Jul & Happy New Year!". leaveseyes.de. 2014-12-24. Retrieved 2015-01-15.
  11. ^ "March 19, 2015, Leaves' Eyes Signs With AFM Records". 19 March 2015. Retrieved 2015-08-14.
  12. ^ a b "August 12, 2015, Leaves' Eyes interview with Sonic Cathedral webzine". www.soniccathedral.com. Archived from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved 2015-08-14.
  13. ^ "July 7, 2015, Leaves' Eyes Films 'The Waking Eye' Video". 7 July 2015. Retrieved 2015-08-14.
  14. ^ a b "Siegener Zeitung :: KULTUR :: Leaves' Eyes drehte in Krombach". www.siegener-zeitung.de. Retrieved 2015-08-14.
  15. ^ "Leaves' Eyes split with founder Liv Kristine". Metal Hammer. 2016-04-18. Retrieved 2016-04-19.
  16. ^ "LEAVES' EYES Parts Ways With Singer LIV KRISTINE, Announces Replacement". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. 2016-04-16. Retrieved 2016-04-20.
  17. ^ "Singer LIV KRISTINE on Being Replaced in LEAVES' EYES: 'I Can't Believe This Process Happened Behind My Back'". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. 2016-04-18. Retrieved 2016-04-20.
  18. ^ "Leaves' Eyes announce new singer". www.leaveseyes.de. Retrieved 2016-04-19.
  19. ^ "Leaves' Eyes Performs With New Singer For First Time". Blabbermouth.net. 2016-04-18. Retrieved 2016-04-19.
  20. ^ "LEAVES' EYES: 'Fires in the North' EP Details Revealed". 4 September 2016.
  21. ^ "LEAVES' EYES confirmed for North America tour with SABATON in 2017! | Metal Addicts". 5 December 2016.
  22. ^ "LEAVES' EYES to Release 'Sign of the Dragonhead' Album in January". 6 November 2017.
  23. ^ "LEAVES' EYES Releases Music Video for 'Sign of the Dragonhead' Title Track". 27 November 2017.
  24. ^ "Leaves' Eyes – Official Website » NEW Single "ACROSS THE SEA" out now!".
  25. ^ "LEAVES' EYES Debut Official Lyric Video for "Jomsborg"".
  26. ^ a b "LEAVES' EYES: "Riders on the Wind" Video Clip Released / "Sign of the Dragonhead" Tour Edition Out September 7th! | Metal Addicts". September 2018.
  27. ^ "Leaves' Eyes on Facebook". Facebook. Archived from the original on 2022-04-30.[user-generated source]
  28. ^ "Leaves' Eyes on Facebook". Facebook. Archived from the original on 2022-04-30.[user-generated source]
  29. ^ "Leaves' Eyes announced new album 'Myths Of Fate' and shared first single". Grimm Gent. 9 December 2023. Retrieved 21 December 2023.
  30. ^ a b c "Discographie von Leaves' Eyes". GfK Entertainment. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  31. ^ Steffen Hung (2009-09-13). "Die Offizielle Schweizer Hitparade und Music Community". Hitparade.ch. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  32. ^ "Ultratop Belgian Charts". ultratop.be. 2013-11-30. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  33. ^ "Ultratop Belgian Charts". ultratop.be. 2013-11-30. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  34. ^ Eduardo Rivadavia. "Leaves' Eyes | Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  35. ^ "iTunes – Music – Lovelorn by Leaves' Eyes". Itunes.apple.com. 2004-08-17. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  36. ^ "iTunes – Music – Vinland Saga by Leaves' Eyes". Itunes.apple.com. 2005-07-19. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  37. ^ "iTunes – Music – Njord by Leaves' Eyes". Itunes.apple.com. 2010-08-31. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  38. ^ "Blind Guardian Bassist Performs With Leaves' Eyes at Metal Female Voices Fest; Video Available". Blabbermouth.net. 2009-10-24. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  39. ^ "iTunes – Music – Meredead by Leaves' Eyes". Itunes.apple.com. 2011-05-03. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  40. ^ "Metal By Numbers 5/11: The Charts Aren't Hurting Too Badly". Metal Insider. 2011-05-11. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  41. ^ "iTunes – Music – Symphonies of the Night by Leaves' Eyes". Itunes.apple.com. 2013-11-25. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  42. ^ "iTunes – Music – King of Kings (Deluxe Version) by Leaves' Eyes". Itunes.apple.com. 2015-09-11. Retrieved 2015-08-27.
  43. ^ Steffen Hung. "Les charts français". lescharts.com. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  44. ^ "iTunes – Music – Into Your Light – EP by Leaves' Eyes". Itunes.apple.com. 2004-08-03. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  45. ^ "iTunes – Music – Elegy – EP by Leaves' Eyes". Itunes.apple.com. 2005-06-28. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  46. ^ "iTunes – Music – My Destiny – EP by Leaves' Eyes". Itunes.apple.com. 2010-08-31. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  47. ^ "iTunes – Music – Melusine – EP by Leaves' Eyes". Itunes.apple.com. 2011-12-20. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  48. ^ "Leaves' Eyes: 'My Destiny' Video Released". Blabbermouth.net. 2009-08-28. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  49. ^ "Leaves' Eyes: 'To France' Video Released". Blabbermouth.net. 2011-04-11. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  50. ^ "Leaves' Eyes: 'Hell To The Heavens' Video Released". Blabbermouth.net. 2013-11-08. Retrieved 2015-07-08.
  51. ^ "Metalfemalevoicesfest.be - This domain was registered with Match.it". Metalfemalevoicesfest.be. Archived from the original on 6 May 2009. Retrieved 5 October 2020.
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