This German sextet are rather fond of releasing E.P’s, with this being the second since their fantastic 2005 album Vinland Saga. The good thing is that while it’s been a good four years since their last full length, it has made the wait seem far less unbearable and with only a month to wait for the release of Njord, this acts as a nice little appetizer. While vocalist Liv Kristine’s solo work has failed to impress sounding far too wishy-washy and poppy for my liking, when mixed with the guys from Atrocity behind her they create a sound that is both unique and totally beguiling.
With album teaser ‘My Destiny’ we are instantly lured in with some crunchy and upbeat gothic metal which is infused with an air of romance. Lyrically this verges on the twee and if I’m being entirely honest it’s not my favourite song here but it’s not altogether bad. ‘The Battle of Maldon’ on the other hand has me instantly hooked with a sound that reminds me just why it is that I fell in love with this band in the first place. While this has a heavy crunch to it there is an oceanic sense of calm that aids the ears to sail smoothly along; an attribute that is so typically Leaves’ Eyes and that fits with the serene artwork and imagery just nicely. The real highlight here for me has to be ‘Northbound’ which after only a couple of listens found me waking up with it stuck in my head. This manages to put across a forlorn air while ploughing forth at a strong and rather lively pace. Both these two tracks especially contain vague nuances that put the mind into a realm of fantastical battles with orcs and goblins and where elven beauties await the safe return of their true love who is embroiled in a skirmish. Still, it is never over the top and is subtle enough to enjoy without the need to whip out a plastic sword.
‘Nine Wave Maidens’ has a rather mesmerising allure with its paganic drum patterns that almost have me in a trance. These are all generally pleasant and easy-going tunes that, unless you are of the persuasion that pretty girls in frocks have no place in metal, are really hard not to enjoy. The wistful folksiness of ‘Scarborough Fair’ suits Liv’s delicate vocal tone to perfection; I’m sure that this woman could sing about anything and make it sound as sweet and innocent as a Catholic schoolgirl and at the same time she has an inner voice that is quite maternal perhaps due to her self-assuredness and doting nature that comes across in her song. The occasional gruff vocal contributions of Alex Krull add a touch of masculinity to the mix and intertwine with the female vocals harmoniously, as scarce as they may be.
If you’re strapped for cash and consider yourself more of a fair-weather fan of female fronted bands, then with only a month to go before the album release I would hold out for the main one. Certainly if you are a fan of the band then this is worth parting with your cash over. With only two album tracks, the rest being exclusive songs plus a cover and a remix, this does offer something worthwhile to those who are planning to buy the album and is a reminder most of all of just how magical this band (especially Liv Kristine) are.
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