Album Reviews

Leah “The Glory and the Fallen” Album Review by Curtis J. Dupree

Editorial Team

February 15, 2024

Those of us who are fans of female-fronted metal are probably all familiar with LEAH. The talented vocalist has been in the scene for several years, contributing her lovely vocals to beautiful music. With The Glory and the Fallen, she has outdone herself, giving us what is sure to be one of the best releases of the year.

Production wise, I have no complaints. Everything sounds good, and LEAH’s vocals are given their proper weight without ever overshadowing the instrumentation. The production sounds quite modern, but it doesn’t lack in dynamics.

When it comes to songwriting the album really shines. The songs are dynamic in structure and sound, yet remain undeniably hooky and memorable. The feel of this album is never short of epic, but it also never outstays its welcome. The musicianship is all in fine form and it goes without saying that LEAH’s vocals are wonderful. If I had any critique it would be that a few sections of the songs could benefit from a bit more grit in her delivery. But that’s a minor critique since she is such an excellent vocalist with great tone and skill.

Kicking off the proceedings we have “Archangel.” This song begins with a killer guitar lick and beautiful, ethereal vocals. The prechorus and chorus are both catchy. One feature of this album is that the prechoruses are just as strong as the choruses, yet the choruses do not drop the momentum. It’s a testament to great songwriting. “Archangel” is a dynamic song.

Next is “No More Fear.” The intro features good guitar work and we have folky/Celtic touches present here that work very well. There are also some nice background vocals on this track. The guitarwork is compelling, the chorus is both lovely and hooky, and the lyrics are quite nice. The song utilizes rhythm well and sports an excellent solo.

“Unshakeable” features appealing use of folky/Celtic melodies and even pop textures, which work very well in the song. The prechorus is an excellent display of LEAH’s vocal prowess. The chorus itself is catchy and uplifting, and there is a great instrumental section. I’d say this song classifies as an album highlight.

“Speak to Me” is best described as a ballad. We have a beautiful, folky beginning, and the song as a whole is gorgeous. We get a heavier section towards the end that fits nicely.

Starting with catchy vocals is “Dream Voyage.” After this intro section, propulsive rhythms come crashing in. Beautiful vocals blend with wonderful folky/Celtic touches. I must also mention the shredding solo.

“Revive” features male vocals that trade off with LEAH and it works well. The song alternates between softer and heavier textures and sports catchy rhythms. As the track builds in intensity we get a killer solo.

Beginning with an intro that really shows off LEAH’s voice and then kicking off more forcefully, we get “Little Stars.” The song is slower on the whole than most others on the album and sports wonderful melodies.

“Wings of Time” starts slow before becoming quite epic with rather haunting melodies. The song is dramatic and features appropriate use of orchestral touches. We also are treated to an excellent solo.

Opening with chiming bells we come to “Sleeping Giant.” The song comes in heavier and even features some harsh vocals. In fact, this song is one of the heavier/more intense ones on the album. The bridge not only demonstrates vocal prowess, but it even features some blast beats.

“Before This War Is Over” is supremely hooky. There are also Egyptian sounding melodies in the verse vocals that I really enjoyed. The prechorus sports powerful vocals, including multi-track harmonies. The cherry on top of this song is the killer solo. We also get a beautiful keyboard and vocal harmony ending. This song is probably my favorite on the album.

“Victory” sports some male vocals that blend well with LEAH’s harmonies. We get some dynamic songwriting that alternates between slower and speedier sections. The feel overall is epic. The lyrics are uplifting and this song features maybe my favorite guitar solo on the album.

Kicking off with a bang is the final track, “Glow.” A cool guitar riff can be found early in the song before it slows down to highlight LEAH’s wonderful vocals. Both the prechorus and the chorus have excellent melodies. This track is a great conclusion to the record.

In sum, any fans of melodic metal should run, not walk, to spin LEAH’s new record. The songwriting is endlessly appealing, the musicianship is performed at a high level, and LEAH’s vocals are superlative. There are a few moments where I would like to hear a bit more grit in her voice, but that’s a nitpick as she is an incredible singer. The Glory and the Fallen is a top-notch release and should be considered essential listening.

Curtis’ rating: 9.5/10

Get the album here

Track listing
01. Archangel
02. No More Fear
03. Unshakable
04. Speak to Me
05. Dream Voyage
06. Revive
07. Little Stars
08. Wings of Time
09. Sleeping Giant
10. Before This War is Over
11. Victory
12. Glow

The Glory and the Fallen credits
Music, lyrics and vocals by Leah McHenry
Mixed & mastered by Tom Müller, Flatliners Studio
Orchestrations, production, vocal arrangements: Oliver Philipps
Drums: Sander Zoer
Rhythm & lead guitars: Timo Somers
Bass guitar: Timo Somers
Flutes & pipes on Victory and Dream Voyage: David Celibeerian
Harsh vocals on Sleeping Giant & Unshakable: Mark Jansen
Guest vocals on Unshakable: Elektra, Victory, Geneva (Leah’s daughters)
Guest vocals on Victory: Oliver Philipps & Timo Somers
Artwork and layout by Giannis Nakos – Remedy Art Design

Leah discography
2024: ‘The Glory and the Fallen’ (Ex Cathedra Records)
2019: ‘Ancient Winter’ (Ex Cathedra Records)
2018: ‘The Quest’ (Ex Cathedra Records/Inner Wound Recordings)
2015: ‘Kings & Queens’ (Ex Cathedra Records/Inner Wound Recordings)
2015: ‘Of Earth & Angels’ (re-issue, Inner Wound Recordings)
2014: ‘Otherworld’ EP (re-issue, Inner Wound Recordings)
2013: ‘Otherworld’ EP (Ex Cathedra Records)
2012: ‘Of Earth & Angels’ (Ex Cathedra Records)