Leaves’ Eyes

Formation and Early Years

Leaves' Eyes, a German symphonic metal band, was formed in 2003 by Liv Kristine and Alexander Krull, who had previously collaborated in the band Atrocity. The inception of Leaves' Eyes came after Kristine's departure from Theatre of Tragedy, where she had been a prominent member since its formation in 1993. The band quickly signed with Napalm Records and began recording their debut album, "Lovelorn," which was released in 2004. The album's concept was inspired by Kristine's literature studies and was preceded by the single "Into the Light." The band toured extensively in support of Atrocity and participated in major festivals like Summer Breeze and Wave Gotik Treffen. However, by the end of 2004, drummer Martin Schmidt left, and Moritz Neuner was brought in as his replacement.

Rise to Prominence

In 2005, Leaves' Eyes released their second album, "Vinland Saga," which drew inspiration from the Viking explorer Leif Eriksson. The album's single, "Elegy," achieved notable success, charting in Germany for four weeks. The band continued to tour, including their first North American tour, which faced challenges due to a bus accident. They also released the EP "Legend Land" in 2006, further solidifying their presence in the metal scene. Over the years, Leaves' Eyes released several more albums, including "Njord," "Meredead," and "Symphonies of the Night," each exploring themes of Norse mythology and the Viking Age, often featuring a blend of melodic and growled vocals.

Lineup Changes and New Era

In 2016, after more than a decade with the band, Liv Kristine departed, and Elina Siirala took over as lead vocalist. This marked a new era for Leaves' Eyes, as they continued to evolve their sound and maintain their thematic focus. The band has since released albums like "Sign of the Dragonhead" and "The Last Viking," showcasing their commitment to their musical roots while embracing new influences. With a lineup that includes founding members Alexander Krull and Thorsten Bauer, along with newer members, Leaves' Eyes remains a significant force in the symphonic metal genre, continuing to captivate audiences worldwide.