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""The Last Viking" is a pleasant album that lacks a few strong tracks to leave a lasting impression."
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3/5
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Leaves' Eyes has been composing symphonic music influenced by Scandinavian culture since 2004. Liv Kristine, the heart of the band, has been replaced by Elina Siirala on "Sign Of The Dragonhead". This record was a good production, but the review of this album underlined the damage that Liv's departure brought to the band whose timbre was irremediably linked to the band.. Leave's Eyes publishes today "The Last Viking" which may still be marked by the memory of Liv...
The record seduces first of all by a simplicity worthy of Trevor Horn's music and an obvious melodic purity ('Chain Of The Golden Horn', 'Serkland'). From time to time, the band abandons its grandiloquence for an intimate version where beauty is born from shy piano notes ('Dark Love Empress') or from the simplicity of a violin at the heart of beautiful ornamentation ('Break Into The Sky Of Aeon'). Sometimes it gives way to a softness whose soothing rhythm reminds us of Within Temptation ('War Of King') or surprises us with Celtic passages that make us want to stamp our feet ('Serkland').
Some tracks are more energetic: 'Flames In The Sky' with its war anthem, 'The Last Viking' between nervous passages and aerial contemplations, 'Chain Of The Golden Horn' worthy of Iron Maiden, 'Serpents And Dragons' in the lineage of Kamelot ('Epica') or 'For Victory' close to Visions Of Atlantis. But it is above all the quality of the female vocals which makes the record, in turn luminous, charming ('Chain Of The Golden Horn') or bewitching ('Dark Love Empress').
Leaves' Eyes, now Eleanas' Eyes, does not upset her habits. "The Last Viking" is a quality record with beautiful symphonic orchestrations and impeccable vocals. Alexander Krull's band did a coherent work: square riffs, omnipresent melodies, varied climates, perfect set-up, too perfect... because even if the album is melodic and pleasant, it lacks some moving tracks that could leave a lasting impression. A half success therefore... - Official website
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TRACK LISTING:
01. Death Of A King
02. Chain Of The Golden Horn
03. Dark Love Empress
04. Serpents And Dragons
05. Black Butterfly
06. War Of Kings
07. For Victory
08. Two Kings One Realm
09. Flames In The Sky
10. Serkland
11. Varangians
12. Night Of The Ravens
13. The Last Viking
14. Break Into The Sky Of Aeon
LINEUP:
Alexander Krull: Chant / Claviers
Elina Siirala: Chant
Joris Nijenhuis: Batterie
Micki Richter: Guitares
Thorsten Bauer: Guitares
Clémentine Delaunay: Chant / Invité
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(0) MIND(S) FROM OUR READERS
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Top of the page
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(1) COMMENT(S)
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READERS
4/5 (1 view(s))
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STAFF:
3/5 (3 view(s))
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IN RELATION WITH LEAVES' EYES
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OTHER REVIEWS
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OTHER(S) REVIEWS ABOUT LEAVES' EYES
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