Germany has been pretty good when it comes to producing medieval folk metal bands. From Saltatio Mortis to Corvus Corax to Subway to Sally, Germany has developed a reputation for folk metal for a specific audience. One band that is hoping to continue that tradition is Lyriel, which utilizes female vocals to go along with the folk influences. However, their latest album Leverage falls a little short of expectations.

Based on the reviews for Lyriel’s previous album Paranoid Circus and some of their material that has been floating around on the internet, expectations were fairly high for Leverage. However, throughout the album the listener is often waiting for the moment when Lyriel will break out into something special, yet it never happens. The music is often too safe, with only the cello and violin providing the “folk” elements of the sound. The opening song “Intro” doesn’t do enough to actually draw in the listener, as it basically is a countdown in German with what sounds like clocks and music boxes in the background. Once it gets to the title track, it is more rock than metal, with guitars reminiscent of Lullacry and vocals that should command more than they actually do with its anthem-like feel. The cello and violins do their best to add flavor to the sound, but when it comes down to it songs such as “Parting” and “Side by Side” just lack the necessary soul needed to keep the listener’s attention.

Lyriel is a band with talent, but it seems as though it does less with said talent on Leverage. The vocals are the strong point, and the music is more than capable of being better than it is, but without exploring into the depths of what they can do, Leverage is a disappointing listen for those just getting into Lyriel after hearing all of the hype surrounding them.

TRACK LISTING

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*Comments:

1.  Intro
2.  Leverage
3.  Parting
4.  Voices in My Head
5.  The Road Not Taken
6.  White Lilly
7.  Aus Der Tiefe
8.  Wenn Die Engel Fallen
9.  Side by Side
10.  Repentance

Total playing time:  34:42

Release Date: February 24, 2012
Label: AFM Records

Lyriel - Leverage

Reviewer: Peter

June 19, 2012