Music / Reviews
Review: Leaves’ Eyes, Marble Factory
Here’s something you don’t see every day: part symphonic metal show, part Norwegian history lesson, with a hulking great, sword-wielding chap clad as a Viking and attempting to sing through his helmet. “It’s the year 872, and Harald has won a famous battle at Hafrsfjord, which is my birthplace,” Liv Kristine informs us sweetly, as Leaves’ Eyes work through most of King of Kings – their new concept album about Norway’s first king, Harald Fairhair. She doesn’t have quite the same stage presence as her peers Anneke van Giersbergen and Charlotte Wessels displayed at this very venue a couple of weeks back, limiting herself to a bit of twirly, lacy, Stevie Nicks-style hand waving. But for someone with such a small frame, mostly encased in a tight-fitting corset, she certainly has an enormous operatic voice, nailing every note seemingly without effort.
They open with Halvdan the Black, which showcases the unusual dynamic between petite Liv and her gargantuan, hairy, beardy hubby and co-vocalist Alexander Krull – and what a magnificent metal name that is – who are backed by a ferociously tight but mostly unobtrusive four-piece band. Krull leaves the stage for long stretches of the show, possibly to put his feet up and have a nice cuppa while leafing through some Viking sagas, only to bounce back on for more growling and rabble-rousing when required. The stirring Farewell Proud Men from the Lief Erikson-inspired Vinland Saga kicks the crowd into gear, setting up a mixed set that takes in the battle metal of Edge of Steel and Swords in Rock, the Celtic-influenced Galswintha, the absurdly catchy My Destiny, and the Kate Bush-on-steroids of the early Into Your Light.
Set closer King of Kings sees Krull and Kristine facing off in Meat Loaf/Ellen Foley stylee, bringing out the highly effective extreme contrast in their vocals. The encore brings Elegy, easily the most chart-friendly song they’ve ever written. Then Krull raids the dressing-up box for his berserker costume and sword to unleash the epic Blazing Waters, and one can’t help wondering about the interesting conversations this garb must have provoked with customs authorities on the band’s current lengthy trek across Europe.
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