Leaves' Eyes

Template:Short description Template:More citations needed Template:Infobox musical artist Leaves' Eyes is a symphonic metal band based in Germany,<ref name=":2">Template:Cite book</ref> formed in 2003 by Liv Kristine (ex Theatre of Tragedy) and Alexander Krull (Atrocity). Kristine departed in 2016 and was succeeded by Elina Siirala. The band has released nine studio albums, a live album and DVD as well several singles and EPs.<ref name=":3">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

History

Formation and Lovelorn (2003–2005)

Liv Kristine performed with the band Theatre of Tragedy from its formation in 1993 and featured on first five albums by the band.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> She met Krull in the mid 1990s,<ref name="musictap">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and they married in 2003.<ref name=":3" /> The same year, they formed Leaves' Eyes after Kristine was dismissed from Theatre of Tragedy and enlisted members from Krull's band Atrocity.<ref name=":4">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Signed to Napalm Records,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> they began recording their debut album, Lovelorn.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The concept behind the album was based upon a treatment written by Kristine during her literature studies.<ref name=":4" /> The album was preceded by the single "Into the Light" in April 2004.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The band toured as support to Atrocity in Europe throughout the year,<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and appeared at the Summer Breeze and Wave Gotik Treffen festivals.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

By the end of the year drummer Martin Schmidt had left both outfits,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> with Moritz Neuner hired as a replacement.<ref name=":5">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Vinland Saga and Njord (2005–2011)

File:Leaves Eyes Liv Kristine and Alexander Krull at Henkersfest Stuttgart July 2007.jpg

Liv Kristine and Alexander Krull, the band's founders

One year after Lovelorn, Leaves' Eyes released their follow-up album, Vinland Saga, in 2005, inspired by Viking explorer Leif Eriksson.<ref name=":5" /> The album's single, Elegy, charted in Germany for four consecutive weeks.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The band continued to tour, mostly as support act, to for instance Subway To Sally and Paradise Lost.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

The band embarked on their first tour of North America,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> which suffered some cancellations after an accident with their bus in Detroit.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> A companion EP Legend Land was released in July 2006,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> which charted in Germany.<ref name=":7">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The band did a headlining tour around the UK and Northern Europe,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and toured South America for the first time.<ref name=":7" />

The band continued to tour in 2007, including North America as support to Kamelot.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> They also performed at several festivals, including the Metal Female Voices Festival, which was filmed.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

By the end of the year it was announced that both Neuner and bassist Chris Lukhaup had left the band.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Drummer Nick Barker joined the band for live dates during 2008,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> but left by the summer,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> with Alex Holzwarth as a temporary replacement.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In October 2008, Chris Antonopoulos joined the band on drums,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> while Alla Fedynitch was recruited on bass.<ref name=":8">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> As the band had been writing and recording their third album Njord for much of 2007, Fedynitch did not yet feature on the recordings. Instead, the main composer Thorsten Bauer contributed most to the songs.<ref name=":8" />

In February 2009,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> the band released a 2 disc DVD featuring We Came with the Northern Winds tour documentary,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> as well as the 2007 En Saga i Belgia concert with a double live album.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Released in July,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> the EP My Destiny charted in France.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The album Njord appeared in August of that year,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and was described as "a sweeping, epic album" with "many alluring charms".<ref name=":6">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The album features the Lingua Mortis Orchestra conducted by Victor Smolski and a cover of the English folk ballad "Scarborough Fair".<ref name=":6" />

The band toured in support of the album, while bassist Fedynitch was replaced by Oliver Holzwarth due to suffering an injury.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> She made her last appearance with the band during an acoustic set at the 2009 Metal Female Voices Festival,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and was replaced by JB van der Wal a year later.<ref name=":10">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

In January 2010, guitarist Mathias Röderer left the band, and was replaced by Sander van der Meer,<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> while in March drummer Antonopoulos resigned.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> He was replaced by Roland Navratil,<ref name=":9">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> before the band toured as support Kamelot again around Europe and North America.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In May 2010 the band released an expanded version of Njord that included the EP At Heaven's End.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Meredead and Symphonies of the Night (2011–2015)

After the personnel changes, the band began recording new material in the middle of 2010.<ref name=":9" /><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In April 2011, Leaves' Eyes released their fourth studio album, Meredead.<ref name=":10" /> The record emphasised the 'varied folk elements' that featured on previous albums nad included a cover of "To France".<ref name=":3" />

The 2011 EP Melusine was a special release in collaboration with the German magazine Sonic Seducer.

In an interview with Valkyrian Music, Leaves' Eyes announced they had begun writing material for their fifth studio album, which they aimed to release in spring 2013.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Cbignore</ref> On January 7, 2013, the band announced on their official Facebook page that the title of their fifth studio album would be Symphonies of the Night.

On May 9, 2013, the band announced that the vocal recordings were complete and that Alexander Krull had begun mixing the album. The band premiered the first new song from the album, titled "Hell to the Heavens," at the Summer Breeze Festival.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:Cbignore</ref>

The artwork for the new album was released on August 26, 2013. A few days later, the band released a video announcing that they would be performing at Metal Female Voices Fest 2013. A teaser of the studio version of "Hell to the Heavens" was also included in the video.

King of Kings and departure of Liv Kristine (2015–2016)

Leaves' Eyes stated in 2015 that they would release a new album titled King of Kings, which would feature the London Voices choir and guest vocals by Simone Simons of Epica.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> This album would also be their first release on AFM Records after parting ways with their longtime label, Napalm Records.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> King of Kings is a concept album centered around the sagas of Norway's first king, Harald Fairhair (Harald Hårfagre).

In an interview with Sonic Cathedral webzine, Liv Kristine discussed her inspiration for the album:

The nicest thing for me is that it is said in the sagas that Harald became the first king of Norway after he won a battle that took place in one of the Norwegian fjords called Hafrsfjord. You know, that is a very important place—not only for the history of Norway—but also for me, because I was born there. So, this album is a concept album, but it's also a very personal album.<ref name=":0">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation

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The first official video from King of Kings is for the track "The Waking Eye," which was filmed in Norway (for the background scenes) and in Germany (for the action scenes).<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref><ref name=":1">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The Viking reenactment group Værjaborg supplied over 40 members for the battle and action sequences.<ref name=":1" /> Leaves' Eyes considers "The Waking Eye" to be their most ambitious video to date.<ref name=":0" />

On April 15, 2016, the band announced they had parted ways with lead vocalist and co-founder Liv Kristine.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Since then, both parties have provided different accounts of how the split occurred, with the band stating that the decision regarding Kristine's departure was made in January.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> While the band initially stated that it had been a mutual decision, Kristine disputed this claim, indicating she was dismissed and that it was not her decision.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Arrival of Elina Siirala and Sign of the Dragonhead (2016–2019)

On April 15, 2016, the band announced Finnish singer Elina Siirala as their new lead vocalist.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Siirala made her debut with the band on April 18, 2016, at the Hammersonic Festival in Jakarta. A tour edition of the album King of Kings was released on June 3, 2016.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

On October 7, 2016, the band released the EP "Fires in the North," which featured a brand new song as well as three re-recorded tracks from King of Kings with Siirala on vocals.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> Following the release of the EP, the band embarked on a North American tour in support of Sabaton.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On November 27, 2017, the band announced their new album, Sign of the Dragonhead.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The same day the album was announced, the title track was released as the lead single.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The song "Across the Sea" was released as the album's second single on December 31, 2017, with an accompanying music video.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The band released "Jomsborg" as the album's third single on January 11, 2018.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Sign of the Dragonhead was released on January 12, 2018. The band toured throughout Europe in support of the album, and on August 30, 2018, they released the song "Riders on the Wind" as the album's fourth and final single. The music video for the song featured footage from the Sign of the Dragonhead tour.<ref name="metaladdicts.com">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> On September 7, 2018, a tour edition of Sign of the Dragonhead was released, which included the "Riders on the Wind" physical single.<ref name="metaladdicts.com"/>

The Last Viking, departure of Thorsten Bauer and Myths of Fate (2020–present)

The Last Viking was released on October 23, 2020. The album continued the trend toward folk metal and historical lyrics. On May 23, 2021, the band announced the addition of bassist Andre Nasso.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:CbignoreTemplate:User-generated source</ref> On December 29, 2021, it was announced that Thorsten Bauer would leave the band by the end of 2021.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}Template:CbignoreTemplate:User-generated source</ref>

On December 9, 2023, the band revealed the title of their ninth studio album, Myths of Fate, which was released on March 22, 2024.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>

Style

Most of Leaves' Eyes' lyrics, written by Liv Kristine until her departure in 2016, focus on Norse mythology and the Viking Age and have frequently incorporated naturalistic themes.<ref name=":2" /> This also features in the stage set-up.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> The melodic vocals of Liv Kristine and her successor, Elina Siirala, are occasionally complemented by death growl vocals from Krull.

Band members

Current

• Alexander Krull – keyboards, unclean vocals (2003–present)
• Joris Nijenhuis – drums (2013–present)
• Elina Siirala – lead vocals (2016–present)
• Micki Richter – guitar (2019–present)
• Andre Nasso – bass (2021–present)
• Luc Gebhardt – guitar (2022–present)

Live

• Oliver Holzwarth – bass (2009)
• Niels Löffler – bass (2011–2015)
• Gijs Coolen – bass (2015–2016)
• Ferry Duijsens – bass (2016–2020)

Former

• Thorsten Bauer – guitars, bass (2003–2021)
• Liv Kristine Espenæs – lead vocals (2003–2016)
• Mathias Röderer – guitars (2003–2010)
• Chris Lukhaup – bass (2003–2007)
• Martin Schmidt – drums (2003–2004)
• Nick Barker – drums (2004–2008)
• Moritz Neuner – drums (2005–2007)
• Alla Fedynitch – bass (2007–2010)
• Seven Antonopoulos – drums (2008–2010)
• Sander van der Meer – guitars (2010–2015)
• J.B. van der Wal – bass (2010–2013)
• Roland Navratil – drums (2010–2012)
• Felix Born – drums (2012–2013)
• Pete Streit – guitars (2015–2019)

Timeline

<timeline> ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:20 PlotArea = left:120 bottom:60 top:10 right:10 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy Period = from:01/01/2003 till:{{#time:m/d/Y}} TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy Legend = orientation:horizontal position:bottom ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:2003 ScaleMinor = increment:2 start:2004

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  id:vocals value:red   legend:Lead_vocals
  id:guitar value:green   legend:Guitars
  id:bass value:blue   legend:Bass
  id:drums value:orange   legend:Drums
  id:keys value:purple   legend:Keyboards
  id:Studio value:black legend:Studio_albums
  id:Live  value:gray(0.45) legend:Live_albums
  id:bars value:gray(0.92)

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  bar:Liv text:"Liv Kristine"
  bar:Elina text:"Elina Siirala"
  bar:Bauer text:"Thorsten Bauer"
  bar:Mathias text:"Mathias Röderer"
  bar:Meer text:"Sander van der Meer"
  bar:Pete text:"Pete Streit"
  bar:Micki text:"Micki Richter"
  bar:Luc text:"Luc Gebhardt"
  bar:Chris text:"Chris Lukhaup"
  bar:Alla text:"Alla Fedynitch"
  bar:Wal text:"J.B. Van der Wal"
  bar:Nasso  text:"Andre Nasso"
  bar:Martin text:"Martin Schmidt"
  bar:Barker text:"Nick Barker"
  bar:Neuner text:"Moritz Neuner"
  bar:Seven text:"Seven Antonopoulos"
  bar:Roland text:"Roland Navratil"
  bar:Born text:"Felix Born"
  bar:Joris text:"Joris Nijenhuis"
  bar:Alex text:"Alexander Krull"

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  bar:Liv from:01/01/2003 till:01/01/2016 color:vocals
  bar:Elina from:01/01/2016 till:end color:vocals
  bar:Bauer from:01/01/2003 till:12/31/2021 color:guitar
  bar:Bauer from:01/01/2013 till:12/31/2021 color:bass width:3
  bar:Meer from:01/01/2010 till:01/31/2015 color:guitar
  bar:Pete from:01/31/2015 till:01/01/2019 color:guitar
  bar:Micki from:01/01/2019 till:end color:guitar
  bar:Luc from:09/22/2022 till:end color:guitar
  bar:Mathias from:01/01/2003 till:01/01/2010 color:guitar
  bar:Chris from:01/01/2003 till:01/01/2007 color:bass
  bar:Alla from:01/01/2007 till:01/01/2010 color:bass
  bar:Wal from:01/01/2010 till:01/01/2013 color:bass
  bar:Nasso from:01/01/2022 till:end color:bass
  bar:Martin from:01/01/2003 till:01/01/2004 color:drums
  bar:Barker from:01/01/2004 till:01/01/2005 color:drums
  bar:Neuner from:01/01/2005 till:01/01/2007 color:drums
  bar:Barker from:01/01/2007 till:01/01/2008 color:drums
  bar:Seven from:01/01/2008 till:01/01/2010 color:drums
  bar:Roland from:01/01/2010 till:01/01/2012 color:drums
  bar:Born from:01/01/2012 till:01/09/2013 color:drums
  bar:Joris from:01/09/2013 till:end color:drums
  bar:Alex from:01/01/2003 till:end color:keys

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  at:05/30/2005 color:Studio layer:back
  at:08/26/2009 color:Studio layer:back
  at:04/22/2011 color:Studio layer:back
  at:02/27/2009 color:Live layer:back
  at:11/15/2013 color:Studio layer:back
  at:09/11/2015 color:Studio layer:back
  at:01/12/2018 color:Studio layer:back
  at:10/23/2020 color:Studio layer:back
  at:03/22/2024 color:Studio layer:back

</timeline>

Discography

Studio albums

Title	Album details	Peak chart positions					Sales
		GER <ref name="ger">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	SWI <ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	BEL (FL) <ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation		CitationClass=web }}</ref>	BEL (WA) <ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	US Heat <ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Lovelorn	* Released: May 26, 2004	* Label: Napalm Records	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	—	—	—	—	—
Vinland Saga	* Released: May 30, 2005	* Label: Napalm Records	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	62	—	—	—	—
Njord	* Released: August 26, 2009	* Label: Napalm Records	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	30	88	58	82	—	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Meredead	* Released: April 22, 2011	* Label: Napalm Records	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	32	—	97	—	37	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Symphonies of the Night	* Released: November 15, 2013	* Label: Napalm Records	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	49	—	172	124	18
King of Kings	* Released: September 11, 2015	* Label: AFM Records	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	15	54	90	130	52
Sign of the Dragonhead	* Released: January 12, 2018	* Label: AFM Records	* Formats: CD, LP, digital download	21	33	189	—	—
The Last Viking	* Released: October 23, 2020	* Label: AFM Records	* Formats: CD, LP, digital download	28	62	—	—	—
Myths of Fate	* Released: March 22, 2024	* Label: AFM Records	* Formats: CD, LP, digital download	—	—	—	—	—
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Live albums

Title	Album details	Peak chart positions
		GER <ref name="ger"/>
We Came with the Northern Winds: En Saga i Belgia	* Released: February 27, 2009	* Label: Napalm Records	* Formats: CD, DVD	75
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

EPs

Title	Album details
		Into Your Light	* Released: August 3, 2004	—	* Label: Napalm Records	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>|| —
Elegy	* Released: May 2, 2005	76	* Label: Napalm Records	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>|| —
Legend Land	* Released: June 9, 2006	75	* Label: Napalm Records	* Formats: CD	—
My Destiny	* Released: July 24, 2009	—	* Label: Napalm Records	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>|| 54
At Heaven's End	* Released: April 9, 2010	—	* Label: Napalm Records	* Formats: CD, digital download	—
Melusine	* Released: April 19, 2011	—	* Label: Napalm Records	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>|| —
Fires in the North	* Released: October 8, 2016	—	* Label: AFM Records	* Formats: CD, digital download	—
Black Butterfly	* Released: November 22, 2019	—	* Label: AFM Records	* Formats: CD, digital download	—
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Music videos

Year	Title	Directed	Album
2004	"Into Your Light"	check|unknown=|preview=Page using Template:Center with unknown parameter "_VALUE_"|ignoreblank=y| 1 | style }}	Lovelorn
2005	"Elegy"	check|unknown=|preview=Page using Template:Center with unknown parameter "_VALUE_"|ignoreblank=y| 1 | style }}	Vinland Saga
2006	"Legend Land"	check|unknown=|preview=Page using Template:Center with unknown parameter "_VALUE_"|ignoreblank=y| 1 | style }}	Legend Land
2009	"My Destiny"	Patric Ullaeus<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	Njord
2010	"Take the Devil in Me"	check|unknown=|preview=Page using Template:Center with unknown parameter "_VALUE_"|ignoreblank=y| 1 | style }}
2011	"To France"	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	Meredead
2013	citation	CitationClass=web }}</ref>	check|unknown=|preview=Page using Template:Center with unknown parameter "_VALUE_"|ignoreblank=y| 1 | style }}	Symphonies of the Night
2015	"Symphony of the Night (feat. Maite Itoiz – Spanish Version)"	check|unknown=|preview=Page using Template:Center with unknown parameter "_VALUE_"|ignoreblank=y| 1 | style }}
2015	"Halvdan the Black"	check|unknown=|preview=Page using Template:Center with unknown parameter "_VALUE_"|ignoreblank=y| 1 | style }}	King of Kings
2015	"The Waking Eye"	check|unknown=|preview=Page using Template:Center with unknown parameter "_VALUE_"|ignoreblank=y| 1 | style }}
2016	"Edge of Steel"	check|unknown=|preview=Page using Template:Center with unknown parameter "_VALUE_"|ignoreblank=y| 1 | style }}

External links

• Official website