Since "Pitfalls" in 2019, Leprous has entered its third life, that of a muscular and elegant pop. "Aphelion" retains from this predecessor the strong focus on its singer and leader, Einar Solberg.
The band, certainly very present in the arrangements, often original and effective, is nevertheless confined to a role of accompanist. So much so that you have to wait three quarters of the album before hearing the first and only real solo of the album, which is very successful by the way. Several listenings will reveal nevertheless many bluffing instrumental phases like the very present drums on 'Runining Low' with the imposing presence of Baard Kolstad throughout the track.
What has really changed on this 2021 vintage? Mainly Einar Solberg himself. The leader of the band has indeed mutated by getting rid of unpleasant vocal mimics and by almost totally eliminating those "Oh-oh-ooh" that polluted most of Leprous' creations for years. From now on, a form of sobriety in the compositions has been introduced, in spite of an eclecticism and frequent variations of rhythms and ambiences.
So, yes, Leprous relies again on Solberg's talent but his vocal performances are exceptional on the already cult 'Running Low', full of emotion as on the lunar break of the jazzy 'All The moments' or bewitching on the melodic ballad 'Castaway Angels'. Simplicity and emotions are is the key words on these titles but also to some more classic progressive wanderings on the final 'Nighttime Disguise'. As for 'Silhouette', it presents an already known facet of Leprous with almost electro effects for an oppressive atmosphere. Hungry for strange sounds and original ambiences, the Norwegians refine arrangements that always serve the tracks intelligently and that participate to the global quality of the album underlining that Leprous remains a full-fledged band, able to evolve without ever staying in its comfort zone, and to constantly propose a modern and original metal by refining its identity throughout the albums.
The Norwegians finally free themselves from some of the heaviness of their recent past to focus on writing and composition. Solberg gains in simplicity and especially in sobriety. He finally becomes touching and authentic. He delivers a majestic performance propelling "Aphelion" among the very best albums of Leprous and raises the band to the top of the list of the most inventive and authentic modern bands. "Aphelion" is a dark and melancholic album, with a cold beauty like the point of the elliptical orbit farthest from the sun, which is aphelion. Without a doubt the must-have album of the 2021 fall.