CD Review
This review was originally written by Jose Bernardo for www.theweeklyriff.com between 2008 and 2010.
These were Jose’s first impressions of the songs and were not written after multiple spins.
Artist: Leaves’ Eyes
Album: Njord (2009 Napalm Records)
Tracks: 12
Artist website:
http://www.leaveseyes.de/
http://www.napalmrecords.com
OVERVIEW
Njord is the third album of Gothic metallers Leaves’ Eyes. The theme of the lyrics deal with Nordic sagas and Viking stories. The melodies are extremely strong and the arrangements are huge! This music is not for the faint of hearted. It pulls you in from the first note and takes you on a journey, if you let it.
Very strong effort overall! The vocals are very strong through out the record. There are a few moments where I felt the focus was not as sharp as in other places.
HIGHLIGHTS:
My Destiny, Take The Devil In Me, North Bound
PLAY BY PLAY
Track 1 – Njord
Big, opus like opening. Lots of layers. These guys don’t ease you in to their world.
Track 2 – My Destiny
Good guitar work. Very cool track.
Track 3 – Emerald Island
This track lacked focus in my opinion.
Track 4 – Take The Devil In Me
Very cool track!
Track 5 – Scarborough Fair
Interesting take on a very old song.
Track 6 – Through Our Veins
Too many layers in this. I felt the melody is overwhelmed by all the pads and other things going on.
Track 7 – Irish Rain
Pretty track.
Track 8 – North Bound
Pretty. Strong track. Good chorus.
Track 9 – Ragnarok
Very pretty melody.
Track 10 – Morgenland
I could not get into this track.
Track 11 – The Holy Bond
Very cool track!
Track 12 – Frøya’s Theme
Epic.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
A big thank you to Napalm Records for sending this music in to us!