heavy-metal-darkness: Leaves’ Eyes |Song Of Darkness |Reigning Phoenix Music

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Leaves’ Eyes |Song Of Darkness |Reigning Phoenix Music

Release Date March 6^th, 2026
Format CD/Vinyl/Digital
Genre Symphonic/Power Metal
Country Germany, Norway

Formed in 2003 by vocalist and producer Alexander Krull, Leaves' Eyes built their name on a blend of symphonic metal drama and Viking themed storytelling. Across more than twenty years the band shaped a recognizable style where orchestras, choirs and heavy guitars meet tales pulled from northern mythology and medieval history. Since 2016 Finnish singer Elina Siirala has taken the lead vocal role, bringing a powerful classical voice that balances Krull’s harsh growls. With guitarists Florian Ewert and Luc Gebhardt, bassist Dominik Prykiel and drummer Simon Skrlec in the ranks, the group continues to push their saga driven metal forward, now adding the EP "Song Of Darkness" to their long running catalog.

"Song Of Darkness" sticks closely to the formula Leaves' Eyes built their reputation on, symphonic layers, heroic melodies and a big cinematic approach. The guitars deliver strong power metal riffs while orchestral arrangements sweep across the songs like a film soundtrack. The title track "Song Of Darkness" opens the EP with drama and tension, driven by Siirala’s soaring voice and Krull’s rough vocal lines cutting through the arrangement. The contrast between the two vocal styles remains one of the band’s strongest weapons.

Tracks like "Hall Of The Brave" and "Until The Last Day" lean into the epic side of the band’s sound, with big choruses clearly built for festival crowds. The songwriting is tight and easy to latch onto, though at times it follows familiar patterns that longtime fans will recognize immediately. The guitars push enough bite into the mix to keep things grounded, while the orchestral sections build the grand atmosphere the band is known for. Nothing here drifts into filler territory, though some moments play it a little safe compared with the band’s strongest past work.

"Roots Eternal" closes the EP on a strong melodic note, wrapping everything in the kind of heroic tone that fits Leaves' Eyes perfectly. Production from Alexander Krull keeps everything clear, letting the orchestral parts expand while the rhythm section keeps the songs moving with steady force. The balance between metal muscle and symphonic scale works well, even when the songwriting leans on familiar tricks.

"Song Of Darkness" may not be the most daring release in the Leaves' Eyes catalog, though it delivers what the band does best, dramatic symphonic metal with mythic atmosphere and memorable hooks. Fans of the band’s established sound will find plenty to like here, while newcomers get a compact introduction to their style. It is a well crafted EP that shows a veteran band still capable of writing strong, anthemic metal with a cinematic edge.

Score: 8.0