LEAVES' EYES - Songs Of Darkness, Mini-CD

For more than two decades, LEAVES' EYES have forged their own path through the realms of symphonic and Viking metal, uniting mythic storytelling with boundless musical imagination. Founded in 2003 by vocalist and producer Alexander Krull, the band stands as a meeting point between power and poetry. With Finnish soprano Elina Siirala fronting the band since 2016, their sound has evolved into a breathtaking blend of classical precision and visceral energy. Joined by Florian Ewert and Luc Gebhardt on guitars, bassist Dominik Prykiel and session drummer Nils Kreul, LEAVES' EYES create immersive worlds that bridge ancient history and modern emotion.

In 2026, the band enters a new chapter with the release of the EP "Song Of Darkness", marking the dawn of a creative cycle that expands both their sonic and conceptual horizons. Recorded at Mastersound Studio under Krull’s production, the record refines their signature fusion of orchestral depth and metallic intensity. It reveals a group at the height of its craft, balancing the sweeping scale of symphonic metal with an earthy, human pulse.

Lyrically, "Song Of Darkness" journeys into the shifting borders between myth, magic and history. The stories it tells of shadowed realms, dark times, and the courage that endures through loss, mirror timeless themes that have always guided the band's vision. The title track "Song Of Darkness" is inspired by the medieval Icelandic saga of Gisli the Outlaw and takes the listener to times of murder and intrigue, guilt-ridden magical dreams and the hope of redemption.

Each song unfolds like a chapter in a saga: cinematic in scope, yet deeply personal in feeling. Siirala's commanding and emotional performance brings the tales to life, her voice illuminating the storm of sound around her, while Krull’s growls anchor the music with raw force and conviction.

Musically, the EP showcases the band’s mastery of contrasts. Towering choirs and strings rise beside crushing riffs, while folk-inspired melodies whisper through the darkness. From the orchestral grandeur that opens the record to the final echoes of its closing refrain, "Song Of Darkness" builds an atmosphere of tension and release that reflects both the brutality and beauty of legend. The production captures the clarity of each instrument and the spirit of live performance, a hallmark of Krull's meticulous approach to sound.

Beyond the studio, LEAVES' EYES remain a band of storytellers who understand that myth lives not only in words, but also in image and experience. Their acclaimed music videos and live productions transport audiences into the heart of their narratives, complete with authentic Viking-era props, handcrafted costumes, and cinematic backdrops. Through their close collaboration with re-enactment groups, the band bridges artistic creation and cultural heritage, keeping history alive in sound and spectacle.

As they step into their third decade, LEAVES' EYES stand as one of symphonic metal’s most visionary forces. The release of "Song Of Darkness" sets the tone for the next full-length chapter to follow, reaffirming their dedication to musical storytelling that transcends time and trend. It is both a reflection of their journey so far and a signal of what lies ahead: music that burns with purpose, steeped in legend yet alive with modern fire.

"Song Of Darkness" is available as limited mini CD in a lush digipak.