Leaves' Eyes - My Destiny E.P.

August 13, 2009

Reviewer: Peter

Leaves Eyes is one of those bands that you will either really love or hate with a vengeance.  So, it should come as no surprise that news of a new album from the sextet draws some pretty strong reactions.  Until then, which is mid to late September, Leaves Eyes offers a taste of things to come in an EP titled My Destiny.   The results, as you would expect, would depend on which side of the fence you’re on when it comes to the band.

The self-titled track and “Northbound” are the two songs that will be on the new Leaves Eyes album Njord.  As for the music on the EP, if the self-titled track that opens the album is any indication, then there is promise for the new full length.  The song doesn’t come off as too bloated and even has more of a straight heavy rock feel to it with the guitars sounding more dominant.  That isn’t to say that the things that the band is known for is absent, as the vocals of Liv Kristine Espanaes-Krull are still there.  Of course, on the title track, at least, that also means Alex Krull is singing, and since 2005, his vocals seem to have taken a steady downturn.  However, on the track, he seems to have rediscovered what he lost, as it is one of his best efforts since Atrocity’s Atlantis.  “The Battle of Maladon” is more of a traditional Leaves Eyes song that offers more of what Espanaes-Krull can do.  One of the best tracks on the album is “Scarborough Fair,” a traditional song that actually dates back to the medieval times when bards would go from town to town in England to sing the song.  The remix of the title track is a rather pointless thing to have on the album, although since it’s an EP, it can be excused.  The vocals are actually at their best, but the music is for the most part, pushed to the background, with “Scarborough Fair” being the exception.  That doesn’t stop me from liking what is on the album, as the music catches up with the vocals more often than in the past.

No matter where you stand on Leaves Eyes, My Destiny (EP) will reinforce your opinion of Leaves Eyes one way or the other.  The EP provides a good idea of what to expect when the band releases its new full length and offers a few surprises of its own.  It’s too early to pass judgment on the new album, but if it is anything like the EP, then the outlook is promising.

Release Date: July 24th, 2009
Label: Napalm Records

TRACK LISTING

1.  My Destiny
2.  The Battle Of Maldon
3.  Scarborough Fair
     (Acoustic Version)
4.  Northbound
5.  Nine Wave Maidens
6.  My Destiny (Remix)

Total playing time: 23:58

*By clicking "Submit" you agree to the following Terms of Use. You agree not to post any material that is obscene, slanderous, or threatening, or that may violate any law of your country of origin or the United States or of international law. Should you wish to restrict viewing of your email address by third parties, you must select "Hide My Email." You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Metal Psalter from any claims, actions, suits, damages, or other costs arising out of any breach of these Terms of Use.

*Comments: