LEAVES' EYES
Njord / My Destiny
Napalm 2009



As you should all know by now, Leaves' Eyes are my very favouritest, bestest ever gothic metal band. Their "Vinland Saga" epic was a monumental epic that no-one else has come close to. Not even Tarja. So, I'd show you how happy I am at the arrival of their new CD, but my arms simply won't stretch far enough apart. It's my parents fault for smoking all the way through the sixties.

Of course, this is blighted somewhat by being one of those darn blasted promos with voiceovers, but at least the three opening tracks are unsullied. And, to be fair, it's more of the same from Leaves Eyes'. But they do what they do so much better than anyone else, that it really doesn't matter.

I'm not entirely convinced that the songs are up there with their earlier work, but it's early days, and there are no out and out clunkers, so maybe that will come with increased familiarity. However, there are some mighty fine tunes on offer with 'My Destiny', the obvious crossover hit. Mind you, when the guitars get ramped up a bit, and they lay on the atmospherics as on 'Take The Devil In Me', then it's an absolute joy. Buy @ Amazon



Over on the companion "My Destiny" EP, there are a couple of non-album tracks, an acoustic version of 'Scarborough Fair', a tune that appears ofn the main album, and one that will make Ritchie Blackmore very happy, as well as a remix of 'My Destiny'. Buy @ Amazon

Both are excellent, and I don't doubt that repeat plays of "Njord" will leave it a strong contender for the goth-metal album of the year.

:twisted :twisted :twisted :twisted / 4 out of 5