Leaves’ Eyes is one of the more polarizing bands in metal music today.  Their history is well documented, particularly those of lead vocalist Liv Kristine Espanaes-Krull and vocalist/keyboardist Alex Krull.  Since their debut Lovelorn in 2005, opinions on either side of the fence have been strong.  Six years later, it can be said that “the song remains the same,” as people are still divided on Leaves’ Eyes as they are set to release their new album Meredead, which just might be their most well-rounded effort yet.  Recently, Metal Psalter caught up with Liv Kristine to talk about Meredead and all things Leaves’ Eyes.

Peter: There been some lineup changes since My Destiny.  Would you care to update the reader about the changes and how is the current arrangement working out so far?

Liv: We already knew Sander van der Meer (guitars) and Roland Navrantil (drums) long before they joined the band. Sander replaced Matze (Roderer) on guitars, who quit because of family growth, whereas Roland replaced Chris Antonopoulus, who had different plans for his future. J.B. (van de Wal) is our session player on bass, joining in after Alla Fedynitch decided to pay more attention to her 9 to 5 job. After joining in, Sander and Roland were immediately members of the Leaves' Eyes family. They travel from Holland and Austria, respectively to stay and work at Mastersound Studio as often as possible.

Peter: The new album Meredead comes out later this month.  What can you say about the album in terms of production?

Liv: Alexander, Thorsten (Bauer, guitars) and I are the song-writing and production team.  Most of the time, music comes first, then vocal lines and words, and then we work even more on the instruments.  For the production of "Meredead," it was highly important to us that each song had its own "face" individuality and perfect, crystal clear sound to strengthen the emotional effect. We just let the music inspire us to add new and interesting "spices" to our music, like pipes, nyckelharpa (Swedish folk instrument), the fiddle, cello, classical orchestra, or the flute. That's what makes the album that diverse and exciting as you discover a different story, different instrumental combinations, and different ways of singing, even in various languages in each song. We are extremely lucky, having our own studio not far away from our homes, so we spend as much time as possible in the studio when we're not on the road.  We needed a year and a half to compose, record, and produce "Meredead," which was also our goal! After Leaves' Eyes returned from India in November of last year, we concentrated fully on the mix, with my husband often working night shifts at the mixing desk.

Peter: What are some of the themes on Meredead and how does the album cover art convey that theme, if it does?

Liv: After we had composed our third song, we clearly saw a development into the Scandinavian traditional music, with historical instruments and more roughness in our music; moreover, I sensed the need to write more lyrics in Norwegian dialect and Old-English. Singing in Norwegian was really emotional to me, which I hadn't really expected. I like the sound of it, as well as the sound of Old-English. Singing in a historic language meant re-studying Old-English and spending more time with grammar; however, it was absolutely worth it. Meredead, meaning “dead by the sea” or “the deadly sea,” involves the Viking mythology to some extent; however, it also takes turns into other cultures and historical subjects, like the Celtic literature, myths based on the world of the "dead,” or the souls that cannot find peace, and Scandinavian folklore, to mention a few examples. The cover combines two essential aspects: The sea is beautiful and l think the lady is breathtaking, but it can also be dangerous, even deadly. The artwork of Meredead was done by our friend Stefan Heilemann.

Peter: For this album, you enlisted the services of Victor Smolski's Lingua Mortis Orchestra, Annette Guldbransen, Maite Itoiz and John Kelly of Elfenthal, and Midnattsol's Carmen Elise.  How did Leaves' Eyes go about in choosing these musicians and what did each one bring to the table?

Liv: We met Victor Smolski some years ago at a festival with Leaves' Eyes and Rage in Greece. It's an honor to work with him and the Lingua Mortis Orchestra from Minsk.  Victor is a genius and he understands the musical goals of Leaves' Eyes. I had wanted to sing a duet in Norwegian with my sister Carmen Elise of Midnattsol since our debut Lovelorn.  It feels so good having her next to me and I think our voices complete each other perfectly. Some time ago, we had two visitors at our studio, Maite Itoiz and John Kelly from the band Elfenthal.  I love their music and both of them are outstanding musicians and composers. There is a deep friendship between Elfenthal and Leaves' Eyes and it is my deepest wish to sing with Maite on the next Elfenthal album. Her voice is such an inspiration to me, and it was such an honor and pleasure for me to sing with both Maite and John on "Meredead." Annette is a long-time friend of mine; moreover, she studied music and singing.  She had some brilliant ideas for the folk songs, and she has a unique voice.

Peter: Also on Meredead is a Mike Oldfield cover in "To France."  Is there a particular reason for choosing to cover this song? Also, there is also a music video in the works for "To France."  Is there anything that you can say about it at this moment?

Liv: "To France" is a song by Mike Oldfield and Maggie Reilly that we covered and will be our single.  Moreover, we already shot a video for it in Sweden four weeks ago in a Scottish castle with Revolver/Patric Ulläeus, my favorite producer. It was my guitarist Sander's idea to cover it.  I practiced for fun along to Maggie Reilly when I was little, in front of the mirror with a hairbrush in my hand.  Her voice has always fascinated me.

Peter: Last year, Leaves' Eyes played at ProgPower USA.  How was the experience, and can North American fans expect another tour from the band any time soon?

Liv: ProgPower USA was absolutely fantastic, what a great audience! However, we were unbelievably sad that Kamelot decided to cancel our tour that should had taken place before and after ProgPower. That was a shock to us, but ProgPower was a true highlight for us, even being in the middle of being stuck in the US on a chaotic cancelled tour. We are planning a US tour right now to happen this summer/fall. I hope from the bottom of my heart that we will meet our American fans in the fall 2011!

Peter: Are there any other plans for shows or festivals in the future?

Liv: Leaves' Eyes will be touring Europe with Midnattsol in April and with Tarja in May. It's time that the ladies get together! We will play at a number of festivals as well this summer. Hopefully, as mentioned above, we'll tour the US and Asia this year.

Peter: Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Liv: Thank you for the interview! Last but not least, I am so happy to hear that fans, friends and press all over America enjoyed Njord.  Moreover, Meredead has got overwhelming critics as well, probably the best critics we've ever got for an album. I have to say thank you all from the bottom of my heart for being there for me all these years! I hope you enjoy Meredead!

Best wishes for you and your family!

Leaves' Eyes' Liv Kristine

Interviewer: Peter

April 12, 2011

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TO THE TOP

(Click on Photo to Enlarge)

Formed: 2003
    Ludwigsburg, Baden-Württemberg   Germany
Label: Napalm Records
Genre: Gothic/Symphonic Metal

CURRENT LINE-UP:

Liv Kristine Espenæs Krull:  Vocals
Alexander Krull:  Vocals, Keyboards
                                   & Programming
Sander van der Meer:  Guitar
Thorsten Bauer:  Guitar
Roland Navratil:  Drums

DISCOGRAPHY:

Lovelorn (2004)
Elegy EP (2005)
Vinland Saga (2005)
Legend Land EP (2006)
My Destiny EP (2009)
Njord (2009)
At Heaven's End  EP (2010)
Melusine  EP (2011)
Meredead (2011)

Check out Peter's review of Meredead here