Get ready to be swept away by a storm of sound and legend, because LEAVES' EYES is back with a vengeance, and their latest offering is nothing short of epic. The band has just dropped the music video for the title track of their upcoming EP, Song of Darkness, and it’s a cinematic masterpiece that promises to transport you to a world where myth, magic, and history collide. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a band truly balance the grandeur of orchestral arrangements with the raw intensity of metal? LEAVES' EYES says yes, and they’re here to prove it.
As the band embarks on a new creative cycle in 2026, Song of Darkness serves as a bold statement of their artistic evolution. Recorded at Mastersound Studio under the visionary leadership of Alexander Krull, the EP expands their signature fusion of symphonic depth and metallic power. It’s a sound that captures the band at their most dynamic, blending sweeping orchestral elements with a grounded, human energy. Lyrically, the EP delves into the shadowy realms between myth and reality, drawing inspiration from the medieval Icelandic saga of Gisli The Outlaw. This isn’t just music—it’s a journey through murder, intrigue, and the haunting quest for redemption.
Krull describes the title track as a ‘tragic love story with no happy ending,’ a tale of dark dreams and inner turmoil guided by mystical spirits from ancient times. Elina Siirala, the band’s powerhouse vocalist, adds that the song is ‘a play with contrasts,’ weaving together the mysterious and dark with the light and angelic. ‘In the midst of a dark story, there’s a feeling of hopefulness,’ she explains, highlighting the dramatic tension that defines LEAVES' EYES’ sound.
Each track on the EP feels like a chapter in an epic saga, cinematic in scope yet deeply personal in emotion. Siirala’s commanding vocals soar above the storm of sound, while Krull’s growls anchor the music with raw force. Towering choirs and strings intertwine with crushing riffs, and folk-inspired melodies add a haunting layer to the darkness. From its orchestral opening to its final, echoing refrain, Song of Darkness builds an atmosphere of tension, release, and timeless legend.
But this is the part most people miss: LEAVES' EYES isn’t just about the music—it’s about the storytelling, the visuals, the experience. Their live shows and music videos are immersive spectacles, complete with Viking-era props, handcrafted costumes, and cinematic backdrops. Through collaborations with re-enactment groups, they bridge the gap between artistic creation and cultural heritage, keeping history alive in sound and spectacle.
As they step into their third decade, LEAVES' EYES remains one of symphonic metal’s most visionary forces. Song of Darkness, set to release on March 6, 2026, via Reigning Phoenix Music, is both a reflection of their journey and a glimpse into their future. It’s music that burns with purpose, rooted in legend yet alive with modern fire. And with a European tour featuring special guests CATALYST CRIME, the band shows no signs of slowing down.
So, here’s the question: Can LEAVES' EYES truly redefine the boundaries of symphonic metal? Listen to Song of Darkness and decide for yourself. But one thing’s for sure—this is a band that doesn’t just play music; they create worlds.
Song of Darkness EP Track Listing:
1. Song Of Darkness
2. Hall Of The Brave
3. Until The Last Day
4. Roots Eternal
LEAVES' EYES is:
Elina Siirala - Vocals
Alexander Krull - Vocals
Florian Ewert - Guitar
Luc Gebhardt - Guitar
Dominik Prykiel - Bass
Simon Skrlec - Drums
Photo credit: Daniel Rodriguez
