REVIEW: LEAVES' EYES (symphonic-gothic metal)

Leaves' Eyes

Song of Darkness

Reigning Phoenix Music

6 March 2026

All is well with the German/Finnish gothic metal band Leaves' Eyes (2003–present) which, according to Metal Archives, has ten full-length albums and seven previous EPs. Therefore, this is their eighth EP, if I am counting correctly, and it follows the 2024 album Myths of Fate. To me, these songs are direct and easy to get into. The EP has a certain bounce, a certain pep in its step, resulting in a catchy, uptempo vibe. The neo-symphonic gothic metal style is very much in place. There is high, melodic singing and a bit of those good ole extreme vocals for that melodic/extreme contrast. But you know what they say: people believe what they want to believe, and I guess it is the same for music—people hear what they want to hear. With that in mind, I hear the operatic singing as the predominant voice of the music. There are death metal vocals on here, but what I am saying is that, to me, the dominant vibe is the soprano vocals, and I have heard this EP at least ten times, if not twenty. Let's not beat around the bush: fans of soprano singing and gothic metal in general should be pleased with this recording. I know I am. Expect to-the-point and efficient songwriting. They arrive, they get the job done, and they leave. I like it. The current lineup of Leaves' Eyes consists of Elina Siirala (vocals), Alexander Krull (vocals), Florian Ewert (guitar), Luc Gebhardt (guitar), Dominik Prykiel (bass), and Simon Skrlec (drums). This lineup is featured on the band's new EP, which includes the four tracks: "Song of Darkness," "Hall of the Brave," "Until the Last Day," and "Roots Eternal." It is said the lyrics are related to Viking themes, although I am unable to say anything about that because I do not have lyrics.

LEAVES' EYES - Song Of Darkness (Official Music Video)

https://www.facebook.com/leaveseyesofficial