Leaves' Eyes
Encyclopedia
Leaves' Eyes is a German-Norwegian symphonic metal
band from Stavanger
, Norway and Ludwigsburg
, Germany. They were formed in 2003 by Liv Kristine
, the former lead singer of Theatre of Tragedy
and the entire line-up of Atrocity
. To date, the band has released four studio albums, a single, six EPs, and one live album and DVD.
Most of Leaves' Eyes lyrics, written by Liv Kristine, concern Norse Mythology
and viking age
. The melodic singing vocals of Liv Kristine are occasionally backed up by death growl
ed vocals from Krull, identified under the vocal style Kristine refers to as "beauty and the beast".
and members of his band Atrocity
. Liv Kristine thought of the band name, which is a homophone
for her first name. Leaves is connected to nature, which has always been the biggest inspiration for her. Liv Kristine writes all of the lyrics for the band.
Their debut album, Lovelorn
, was released in 2004. The second album, Vinland Saga, was released 30 May 2005
, and retells the tale of the discovery of Vinland
(i.e. North America
) by Leif Erikson. The EP Legend Land
was released on June 2, 2006 as a followup to Vinland Saga.
In February 2008, Leaves Eyes were confirmed to appear at the 2008 Wacken Open Air Festival. They were scheduled to tour with Kamelot
and Fairyland
, as well as King Diamond
and Kreator
in 2008 but the tour has since been canceled due to King Diamond suffering a serious back injury. Leaves' Eyes released their first DVD, We Came with the Northern Winds - En Saga I Belgia
in February 2009 which was recorded during a show in Belgium
. They supported Blind Guardian
on their North America
n tour in November 2006. It was released in February 2009.
Their third album Njord
was released August 28, 2009 and the EP My Destiny
was released on July 24, 2009.
On January 15, 2011 the band announced via their Myspace
blog that their fourth album Meredead will be released on April 22, 2011. The cover artwork for the album was also revealed. According to singer Liv Kristine the album will have some songs in Old English and traditional Norwegian
as well as modern English. The lyrical themes will be taken from Viking
literature, Norwegian song tradition and from tales from the Irish
isles.
Current members
Former members
Guest members
Live
Singles & EP's
Symphonic metal
Symphonic metal is a term used to describe heavy metal music that has symphonic elements; that is, elements that are either borrowed from classical music or, as with progressive rock music, create a style reminiscent of it, e.g...
band from Stavanger
Stavanger
Stavanger is a city and municipality in the county of Rogaland, Norway.Stavanger municipality has a population of 126,469. There are 197,852 people living in the Stavanger conurbation, making Stavanger the fourth largest city, but the third largest urban area, in Norway...
, Norway and Ludwigsburg
Ludwigsburg
Ludwigsburg is a city in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, about north of Stuttgart city centre, near the river Neckar. It is the largest and primary city of the Ludwigsburg urban district with about 87,000 inhabitants...
, Germany. They were formed in 2003 by Liv Kristine
Liv Kristine
Liv Kristine Espenæs Krull , better known as Liv Kristine, is the former vocalist for the band Theatre of Tragedy and current vocalist for the band Leaves' Eyes.- Career :...
, the former lead singer of Theatre of Tragedy
Theatre of Tragedy
Theatre of Tragedy was a Norwegian band from Stavanger, active between 1993 and 2010. They are best known for their earlier albums, which provided a great deal of influence to the gothic metal genre.-Biography:...
and the entire line-up of Atrocity
Atrocity (band)
Atrocity is a German Heavy Metal band formed in Ludwigsburg.-History:First started in 1985 as Instigators and playing grindcore, Atrocity arose as a death metal band with their debut EP, Blue Blood, in 1989, followed soon by Hallucinations, a concept album about drug use...
. To date, the band has released four studio albums, a single, six EPs, and one live album and DVD.
Most of Leaves' Eyes lyrics, written by Liv Kristine, concern Norse Mythology
Norse mythology
Norse mythology, a subset of Germanic mythology, is the overall term for the myths, legends and beliefs about supernatural beings of Norse pagans. It flourished prior to the Christianization of Scandinavia, during the Early Middle Ages, and passed into Nordic folklore, with some aspects surviving...
and viking age
Viking Age
Viking Age is the term for the period in European history, especially Northern European and Scandinavian history, spanning the late 8th to 11th centuries. Scandinavian Vikings explored Europe by its oceans and rivers through trade and warfare. The Vikings also reached Iceland, Greenland,...
. The melodic singing vocals of Liv Kristine are occasionally backed up by death growl
Death growl
A death growl, also known as death metal vocals, guttural vocals, death grunts, and harsh vocals among other names, is a vocalisation style usually employed by vocalists of the death metal and black metal music genre, but also used in a variety of heavy metal and hardcore punk subgenres.Death...
ed vocals from Krull, identified under the vocal style Kristine refers to as "beauty and the beast".
History
Leaves' Eyes was founded by Liv Kristine's (lead singer) husband Alexander KrullAlexander Krull
Alexander Krull is the lead vocalist for the German metal band Atrocity, as well as a backing-vocals in the band Leaves' Eyes.- Biography :...
and members of his band Atrocity
Atrocity (band)
Atrocity is a German Heavy Metal band formed in Ludwigsburg.-History:First started in 1985 as Instigators and playing grindcore, Atrocity arose as a death metal band with their debut EP, Blue Blood, in 1989, followed soon by Hallucinations, a concept album about drug use...
. Liv Kristine thought of the band name, which is a homophone
Homophone
A homophone is a word that is pronounced the same as another word but differs in meaning. The words may be spelled the same, such as rose and rose , or differently, such as carat, caret, and carrot, or to, two, and too. Homophones that are spelled the same are also both homographs and homonyms...
for her first name. Leaves is connected to nature, which has always been the biggest inspiration for her. Liv Kristine writes all of the lyrics for the band.
Their debut album, Lovelorn
Lovelorn
-Production:*Produced, Recorded, Mixed & Mastered By Alexander Krull*Engineered By Alexander Krull, Mathias Roderer, Martin Schmidt-Band members:*Liv Kristine Espenæs Krull - Female Vocals, Keyboards*Alexander Krull - Death Grunts, Programming, Keyboards,...
, was released in 2004. The second album, Vinland Saga, was released 30 May 2005
2005 in music
-Events:*During the year 2005, 12 rock music albums scored number 1 in the USA. This was the first time even ten albums have scored number 1 since 1996.-January:...
, and retells the tale of the discovery of Vinland
Vinland
Vinland was the name given to an area of North America by the Norsemen, about the year 1000 CE.There is a consensus among scholars that the Vikings reached North America approximately five centuries prior to the voyages of Christopher Columbus...
(i.e. North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
) by Leif Erikson. The EP Legend Land
Legend Land
Legend Land is an EP by symphonic metal band Leaves' Eyes. It was released on June 2, 2006 as a follow up to Vinland Saga. Almost all vocals are by Liv Kristine, but there are also some death growls in the tracks "Legend Land", "Viking's Word", and "The Crossing" provided by Alexander Krull.- Track...
was released on June 2, 2006 as a followup to Vinland Saga.
In February 2008, Leaves Eyes were confirmed to appear at the 2008 Wacken Open Air Festival. They were scheduled to tour with Kamelot
Kamelot
Kamelot is an American symphonic power metal band from Tampa, Florida. The band was formed by Thomas Youngblood and Richard Warner in 1991. Norwegian vocalist Roy Khan joined for the album Siége Perilous, and shared song-writing duties with Youngblood until his departure in April 2011.As of 2010,...
and Fairyland
Fairyland (band)
Fairyland is a symphonic power/speed metal band from France.-Biography:The band was created in 1998 by keyboardist Philippe Giordana together with bassist/drummer Willdric Lievin. The two musicians shared the same passion for epic and symphonic Heavy Metal...
, as well as King Diamond
King Diamond
Kim Bendix Petersen , better known by his stage name King Diamond, is a Grammy Award nominated Danish heavy metal musician. As a vocalist, he is known for his extensive vocal range, in particular his usage of falsetto. He is the lead vocalist for both Mercyful Fate and the eponymous King Diamond...
and Kreator
Kreator
Kreator is a thrash metal band from Essen, Germany, formed in 1978, but formalized in 1982 under the name Tormentor. They originally performed a speed metal style with Venom influences. Their style of music is similar to their compatriots Destruction and Sodom, the other two big German thrash metal...
in 2008 but the tour has since been canceled due to King Diamond suffering a serious back injury. Leaves' Eyes released their first DVD, We Came with the Northern Winds - En Saga I Belgia
We Came with the Northern Winds - En Saga I Belgia
We Came with the Northern Winds - En Saga I Belgia is a double DVD and double CD from the symphonic metal band Leaves' Eyes.-Review:It was released on February 27, 2009 when the band started to promote the new album with an Acoustic Tour & Signing Session.- DVD 1 - Documentary :#"From Fjords And...
in February 2009 which was recorded during a show in Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
. They supported Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian is a German power metal band formed in the mid-1980s in Krefeld, West Germany. They are often credited as one of the seminal and most influential bands in the power metal and speed metal subgenres...
on their North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
n tour in November 2006. It was released in February 2009.
Their third album Njord
Njord (album)
-Personnel:*Liv Kristine Espenæs Krull – Lead/Backing Vocals*Alexander Krull – Death Grunts; Keyboards; Programming*Thorsten Bauer – Lead/Rhythm/Acoustic Guitars; Bass Guitars*Mathias Röderer – Lead/Rhythm/Acoustic Guitars...
was released August 28, 2009 and the EP My Destiny
My Destiny (EP)
My Destiny is a Maxi single/EP by symphonic metal band Leaves' Eyes, which was released on July 24, 2009. "My Destiny" and "Northbound" are taken from the album Njord. The rest of the tracks are exclusive to this release....
was released on July 24, 2009.
On January 15, 2011 the band announced via their Myspace
Myspace
Myspace is a social networking service owned by Specific Media LLC and pop star Justin Timberlake. Myspace launched in August 2003 and is headquartered in Beverly Hills, California. In August 2011, Myspace had 33.1 million unique U.S. visitors....
blog that their fourth album Meredead will be released on April 22, 2011. The cover artwork for the album was also revealed. According to singer Liv Kristine the album will have some songs in Old English and traditional Norwegian
Norwegian language
Norwegian is a North Germanic language spoken primarily in Norway, where it is the official language. Together with Swedish and Danish, Norwegian forms a continuum of more or less mutually intelligible local and regional variants .These Scandinavian languages together with the Faroese language...
as well as modern English. The lyrical themes will be taken from Viking
Viking
The term Viking is customarily used to refer to the Norse explorers, warriors, merchants, and pirates who raided, traded, explored and settled in wide areas of Europe, Asia and the North Atlantic islands from the late 8th to the mid-11th century.These Norsemen used their famed longships to...
literature, Norwegian song tradition and from tales from the Irish
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
isles.
Band members
- Thorsten Bauer – guitar (since 2003)
- Alexander KrullAlexander KrullAlexander Krull is the lead vocalist for the German metal band Atrocity, as well as a backing-vocals in the band Leaves' Eyes.- Biography :...
– keyboards, vocals (since 2003) - Liv Kristine Espenæs KrullLiv KristineLiv Kristine Espenæs Krull , better known as Liv Kristine, is the former vocalist for the band Theatre of Tragedy and current vocalist for the band Leaves' Eyes.- Career :...
– lead vocals (since 2003) - Sander van der Meer – guitar (since 2010)
- Roland Navratil – drums (since 2010)
- J.B. Van der Wal – bass (since 2010)
Former members
- Seven AntonopoulosSeven AntonopoulosChris Antonopoulos is Greek-American rock drummer, who played on Sabian Cymbals forOpiate for the Masses-Career:...
– drums (2008–2010) - Nicholas BarkerNicholas BarkerNicholas Howard Barker is an extreme metal drummer .- Biography :He was the original drummer for British metal band Cradle of Filth, playing on the first three albums. After leaving in 1999, he joined Norwegian symphonic black metal band Dimmu Borgir...
– drums (2004–2008) - Alla FedynitchAlla FedynitchAlla Fedynitch is a German-Russian born bassist.- Biography :She currently plays in Eyes of Eden, Atrocity , and Leaves' Eyes...
– bass guitar (2008–2010) - Peter Hörnung – drums (2007–2008)
- Chris Lukhaup – bass guitar (2003–2007)
- Moritz Neuner – drums (2004–2007)
- Mathias Röderer – guitar (2003–2010)
- Martin Schmidt – drums (2003–2004)
Guest members
- Timon Birkhofer - Cello on Legend LandLegend LandLegend Land is an EP by symphonic metal band Leaves' Eyes. It was released on June 2, 2006 as a follow up to Vinland Saga. Almost all vocals are by Liv Kristine, but there are also some death growls in the tracks "Legend Land", "Viking's Word", and "The Crossing" provided by Alexander Krull.- Track...
- Timon Birkhofer - Piano & Harp on Vinland Saga and LovelornLovelorn-Production:*Produced, Recorded, Mixed & Mastered By Alexander Krull*Engineered By Alexander Krull, Mathias Roderer, Martin Schmidt-Band members:*Liv Kristine Espenæs Krull - Female Vocals, Keyboards*Alexander Krull - Death Grunts, Programming, Keyboards,...
- Sarah Nuchel - Violin on Legend LandLegend LandLegend Land is an EP by symphonic metal band Leaves' Eyes. It was released on June 2, 2006 as a follow up to Vinland Saga. Almost all vocals are by Liv Kristine, but there are also some death growls in the tracks "Legend Land", "Viking's Word", and "The Crossing" provided by Alexander Krull.- Track...
- Jana Kallenberg - Violin on Legend LandLegend LandLegend Land is an EP by symphonic metal band Leaves' Eyes. It was released on June 2, 2006 as a follow up to Vinland Saga. Almost all vocals are by Liv Kristine, but there are also some death growls in the tracks "Legend Land", "Viking's Word", and "The Crossing" provided by Alexander Krull.- Track...
- Anette Guldbrandsen - backing vocals on MeredeadMeredeadMeredead is the fourth studio album by the German/Norwegian symphonic metal band Leaves' Eyes. It was released on April 20, 2011 on Napalm Records.-Title:...
- Maite Itoiz - backing vocals, Baroque Guitar on MeredeadMeredeadMeredead is the fourth studio album by the German/Norwegian symphonic metal band Leaves' Eyes. It was released on April 20, 2011 on Napalm Records.-Title:...
- John Kelly - backing vocals on MeredeadMeredeadMeredead is the fourth studio album by the German/Norwegian symphonic metal band Leaves' Eyes. It was released on April 20, 2011 on Napalm Records.-Title:...
- Jann Kirchhof - Fiddle on MeredeadMeredeadMeredead is the fourth studio album by the German/Norwegian symphonic metal band Leaves' Eyes. It was released on April 20, 2011 on Napalm Records.-Title:...
- Chirstina Roch - Uileann Pipes on MeredeadMeredeadMeredead is the fourth studio album by the German/Norwegian symphonic metal band Leaves' Eyes. It was released on April 20, 2011 on Napalm Records.-Title:...
- Thorsten Bauer - Mandoline on MeredeadMeredeadMeredead is the fourth studio album by the German/Norwegian symphonic metal band Leaves' Eyes. It was released on April 20, 2011 on Napalm Records.-Title:...
- Choir (Robert & Johannes Sus, Norman Sickinger, Christof Kutzers, Anders Oddsberg, Steven Willems, Simone Sacco, Gunnar Sauermann, Sascha Henneberger, Markus Bruder, Jochen Steinsdorfer, Ralf Oechsle) on Vinland Saga
- Carmen Elise EspenæsCarmen Elise EspenæsCarmen Elise Espenæs is the vocalist and the co-founder of the gothic/folk metal band Midnattsol.- Career :...
- Backing vocals on LovelornLovelorn-Production:*Produced, Recorded, Mixed & Mastered By Alexander Krull*Engineered By Alexander Krull, Mathias Roderer, Martin Schmidt-Band members:*Liv Kristine Espenæs Krull - Female Vocals, Keyboards*Alexander Krull - Death Grunts, Programming, Keyboards,...
and Into Your LightInto Your Light"Into Your Light" is the first single by symphonic metal band Leaves' Eyes. It was released on June 18, 2004. All vocals are by Liv Kristine. "Into Your Light" is taken from the album Lovelorn, while the b-sides were unreleased before....
Awards
- Best DVD "En Saga I Belgia"We Came with the Northern Winds - En Saga I BelgiaWe Came with the Northern Winds - En Saga I Belgia is a double DVD and double CD from the symphonic metal band Leaves' Eyes.-Review:It was released on February 27, 2009 when the band started to promote the new album with an Acoustic Tour & Signing Session.- DVD 1 - Documentary :#"From Fjords And...
Metal Female Voices Festival 2009
Discography
Albums- LovelornLovelorn-Production:*Produced, Recorded, Mixed & Mastered By Alexander Krull*Engineered By Alexander Krull, Mathias Roderer, Martin Schmidt-Band members:*Liv Kristine Espenæs Krull - Female Vocals, Keyboards*Alexander Krull - Death Grunts, Programming, Keyboards,...
(2004) - Vinland Saga (2005)
- NjordNjord (album)-Personnel:*Liv Kristine Espenæs Krull – Lead/Backing Vocals*Alexander Krull – Death Grunts; Keyboards; Programming*Thorsten Bauer – Lead/Rhythm/Acoustic Guitars; Bass Guitars*Mathias Röderer – Lead/Rhythm/Acoustic Guitars...
(2009) - MeredeadMeredeadMeredead is the fourth studio album by the German/Norwegian symphonic metal band Leaves' Eyes. It was released on April 20, 2011 on Napalm Records.-Title:...
(2011)
Live
- We Came with the Northern Winds - En Saga I BelgiaWe Came with the Northern Winds - En Saga I BelgiaWe Came with the Northern Winds - En Saga I Belgia is a double DVD and double CD from the symphonic metal band Leaves' Eyes.-Review:It was released on February 27, 2009 when the band started to promote the new album with an Acoustic Tour & Signing Session.- DVD 1 - Documentary :#"From Fjords And...
(CD/DVD, 2009)
Singles & EP's
- Into Your LightInto Your Light"Into Your Light" is the first single by symphonic metal band Leaves' Eyes. It was released on June 18, 2004. All vocals are by Liv Kristine. "Into Your Light" is taken from the album Lovelorn, while the b-sides were unreleased before....
- ElegyElegy (EP)Elegy is a Maxi single/EP by symphonic metal band Leaves' Eyes. It was released on May 2, 2005. Almost all vocals are by Liv Kristine, with some backing "growls" by Alexander Krull. "Elegy" is taken from the album Vinland Saga, and a further track from that album, "Solemn Sea" is also included in...
- Legend LandLegend LandLegend Land is an EP by symphonic metal band Leaves' Eyes. It was released on June 2, 2006 as a follow up to Vinland Saga. Almost all vocals are by Liv Kristine, but there are also some death growls in the tracks "Legend Land", "Viking's Word", and "The Crossing" provided by Alexander Krull.- Track...
- My DestinyMy Destiny (EP)My Destiny is a Maxi single/EP by symphonic metal band Leaves' Eyes, which was released on July 24, 2009. "My Destiny" and "Northbound" are taken from the album Njord. The rest of the tracks are exclusive to this release....
- At Heaven's End (2010)
- Melusine
Videography
- "Into Your Light" (2004)
- "Elegy" (2005)
- "Legend Land" (2006)
- "New Found Land" (2007)
- "My Destiny" (2009)
- "Take the Devil In Me" (2010)
- "To France (Mike Oldfield cover)" (2011)