In their decades-long tenure, Leprous has undergone many evolutionary phases. Melodies of Atonement, their eighth studio album, epitomizes this constant metamorphosis. Shedding the grandiose orchestral elements that peppered past works like Aphelion and Pitfalls, the band offers something starker yet deeply evocative, a record that bears its soul with raw intensity.
From the outset, the album’s distinguished sound is immediate. “Silently Walking Alone” commences proceedings with a rich tapestry of electronic textures, entwined with Einar Solberg‘s haunting vocal delivery. The opening track effortlessly transitions from ambient whispers to towering crescendos, setting the tone for the auditory expedition that follows.
The title track, “Atonement“, doubles down on the electronic influences, marrying them with blistering guitar leads from Robin Ognedal and rhythmic complexities, courtesy of Baard Kolstad’s phenomenal drumming. It’s evident that this song, with its biting lyrics and dynamic structure, is designed to unify both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Moving deeper into the tracklist, “My Specter” and “I Hear The Sirens” explore emotional landscapes with deft musicianship. The former is a journey through melancholy underpinned by Simen Børven‘s brooding bass lines, while the latter delivers a beautifully plaintive melody that crescendos into a fervent pitch, encapsulating a mixture of sorrow and resolve.
A standout on the album is “Like A Sunken Ship“, opening with an irresistibly laid-back groove that evokes images of an after-hours jazz club. As one progressively sits with the track, the gradual build to a seismic riff illustrates Leprous’s talent for blending diverse musical styles into something uniquely compelling. The emotional resonance captured by Einar Solberg‘s vocal performance is chilling, exposing vulnerability and strength in equal measure.
“Limbo” and “Self-Satisfied Lullaby” further the album’s introspective themes, with the latter showcasing Tor Oddmund Suhrke‘s ambient guitar work that enhances the song’s immersive feel. Meanwhile, “Faceless” contrasts gentle piano melodies with commanding vocals, making for one of the more varied and intricate arrangements on the album.
The penultimate track, “Starlight“, is another high point, featuring the record’s lone guitar solo. Robin Ognedal‘s choice of bottleneck technique introduces a bluesy flavor that seamlessly meshes with the song’s haunting structure. As always, the cohesiveness among the band members is palpable, each adding layers of depth without overshadowing one another.
Closing on a compelling note, “Unfree My Soul” encapsulates the thematic essence of the album. The song reflects on breaking free from internal and external constraints, punctuated by Baard Kolstad‘s relentless drumming and Einar Solberg‘s soaring vocal work. It’s a testament to the band’s ability to end on a high note while leaving listeners yearning for more.
Leprous has ventured into new territories with Melodies of Atonement, courageously balancing minimalism with intricate compositions. This new direction proves advantageous, stripping down to core elements while still offering rich, impactful music. The production quality deserves praise, with David Castillo, Adam Noble, and Robin Schmidt uniting to create an audibly lush yet uncluttered experience.
In summary, Leprous’s latest album is a triumph that showcases their propensity for growth while staying true to their emotional and musical integrity. The band seamlessly weaves electronic elements with progressive metal roots to create a gem.
Favorites from the album include “Atonement“, “Like A Sunken Ship“, and “Starlight“, each exemplifying different yet compelling facets of the band’s artistry. With Melodies of Atonement, Leprous not only meets but exceeds expectations, proving that innovation and introspection can coalesce into something extraordinary.
Brett’s Rating: 9.5/10
Melodies of Atonement track list:
- Silently Walking Alone
- Atonement
- My Specter
- I Hear The Sirens
- Like A Sunken Ship
- Limbo
- Faceless
- Starlight
- Self-Satisfied Lullaby
- Unfree My Soul
Album pre-orders are available now (https://leprousband.lnk.to/MelodiesOfAtonement), with the collection available on a variety of formats:
· Ltd. Deluxe 2CD + Blu-Ray Artbook (with bonus track “Claustrophobic”, instrumental mix on bonus CD and Dolby Atmos mix, 5.1 Surround mix as well as HighRes Stereo 24/96 version on Blu-Ray)
· Ltd. CD Mediabook & patch (with bonus track “Claustrophobic” and Leprous logo patch)
· Standard CD Jewelcase
· Digital album
· Digital album (Dolby Atmos)
Vinyl variants:
· Gatefold black 2LP
· Ltd. Gatefold transparent red 2LP
· Ltd. Gatefold neon orange 2LP (300x copies from jpc.de)
· Ltd. Gatefold transparent sun yellow-black marbled 2LP (500x copies from insideoutshop.de & various retailers)
· Ltd. Gatefold clear-black marbled 2LP (500x copies from Omerch UK & Europe)
· Gatefold translucent forest green 2LP (from IOM USA)
· Ltd. Gatefold apple red 2LP (300x – Leprous tour exclusive in USA)
· Ltd. Gatefold sea blue smoke 2LP (500x from Omerch USA)
· Ltd. Gatefold silver 2LP (300x from Omerch USA)
Leprous return to North American in September, kicking off a month of dates on Sept. 4 in Nashville. Joining the band are Monuments and Fight the Fight. Tickets are available now via Leprous.net/tours.
Melodies of Atonement 2024 Tour:
September 4 Nashville, TN Eastside Bowl
September 5 Atlanta, GA Progpower USA
September 6 Charlotte, NC The Underground
September 7 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live!
September 8 McKees Rocks, PA Roxian Theatre
September 10 Buffalo, NY Town Ballroom
September 11 Toronto, ON The Opera House
September 12 Montreal, QC Beanfield Theatre
September 13 New York, NY Webster Hall
September 14 Cambridge, MA The Sinclair
September 15 Philadelphia, PA Union Transfer
September 17 Pontiac, MI The Crofoot Ballroom
September 18 Cleveland, OH House of Blues
September 19 Chicago, IL Metro
September 20 Madison, WI Majestic Theatre
September 21 Minneapolis, MN The Lyric at Skyway Theatre
September 23 Englewood, CO Gothic Theatre
September 24 Salt Lake City, UT Soundwell
September 26 San Francisco, CA August Hall
September 27 Anaheim, CA House of Blues
September 28 Mesa, AZ The Nile Theatre Underground
September 30 Dallas, TX Granada Theater
October 1 Austin, TX Mohawk
October 2 Houston, TX White Oak Music Hall
October 4 Orlando, FL The Plaza Live
October 5 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Revolution
The band has now also announced a European headlining trek for 2025, with the band performing a unique set each night. The cities and venues were handpicked by the band and will mark the first time bands can hear the new songs live. The band said, collectively: “We’ll do seven very exclusive shows in Europe for Melodies Of Atonement. This time we will take the show and production to a new level, so if you wanna experience the ultimate Leprous show, this is it!”
An Exclusive Evening with Leprous:
January 16 Madrid, ES Music Station
January 17 Paris, FR Salle de Pleyel
January 31 London, UK O2 Forum
February 1 Warsaw, PL Progresja
February 7 Tilburg, NL Poppodium 013
February 8 Köln, DE Carlswerk
February 15 Oslo, NO Sentrum Scene
Leprous Lineup:
Einar Solberg – Vocals, Keyboards
Tor Oddmund Suhrke – Guitars
Robin Ognedal – Guitars
Simen Børven – Bass
Baard Kolstad – Drums
The band, formed in the suburbs of Oslo, Norway, have released seven full-length albums, with the most recent being 2021’s Aphelion. Renowned for their dynamic live performances and atypical compositions, Leprous has established themselves as one of the most interesting acts in heavy music, captivating audiences worldwide with their unique vision.
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