Vinland Saga

Since the end of the last century, symphonic metal has become an extremely popular subgenre. In a few years hundreds of bands of this genre have sprung up, some excellent and others, unfortunately, mediocre. Leaves' Eyes is one of the bands that have achieved good results, and Vinland Saga is the second work, and probably one of the best.

One of the best features of this band is their love of themes related to Scandinavian history and mythology, very common themes in metal but less in this subgenre. This aspect is concretized in particular in this disc, which, as can be guessed from the title, is a concept album on the journey to Vinland (a territory of North America) made by the Vikings led by Leif Erikson around the year 1000. To enrich the story already in itself fascinating is also the love story narrated in the lyrics, which transforms the album into a truly pleasant experience for lovers of poems and sagas, both those who wish to focus on battles and adventures, and those who prefer the romance.

The ethereal atmospheres give the impression of being really on the coasts of ancient Norway, ready to leave for an expedition that will be great and glorious (also there are some parts sung in Norwegian, which besides being a language very musical to be Germanic in this case it is also definitely spot on). Apart from the excitement of those who leave, however, it tells of the fear of those who are left behind. Liv Kristine's vocals are truly touching, still rather immature but certainly expressive in staging the melancholy, doubts and hopes of the main characters. Alexander Krull's acid growl in the refrain balances it quite well. There are also many acoustic songs such as Leaves' eyes or Mourning tree, not paarticularly exciting but pleasant, and many folk elements.

From a technical point of view, perhaps the weakest part is constituted by the vocals, still not powerful enough but which certainly do not lack pathos. The other musicians, especially violinists and harpists, are instead very capable of reproducing the melody and above all the right atmosphere.

In conclusion, this is an album that is a bit too soft but that still rises above the average thanks to the theme and the fact that the songs are actually well built. Recommended for fans of symphonic metal and those who do not like particularly aggressive music. And maybe even to those who can not stay away from the Vikings but can enjoy soft songs.

Best tracks: Solemn sea, Farewell proud men, The thorn

"Vinland Saga", Leaves' Eyes second full-length album, is a slight improvement from “Lovelorn”. However, not a lot has changed. They’re still the kings and the queen of symphonic gothic metal.

Vocals are definitely the album's highlight. Liv Kristine is my second favorite gothic metal vocalist (right after Tristania’s Vibeke Stene). Her voice is extremely peaceful and tranquil. This can sometimes create a powerful contrast in the heavier, faster tracks like "Farewell Proud Men". As for male growls, I don't mind them at all. Alexander Krull may not be my favorite growler, yet he adds a great touch to some of the songs ("Solemn Sea" for example")

Musically, this album is very varied. It gets as heavy as the intro music of "Farewell Proud Men" to the folky, serene "Mourning Tree". Some songs even contain Celtic instruments; like "Amhram" and "Leaves' Eyes".

Lyrically, the album talks about Norse and Viking history. All songs have great lyrics (the ones which are in English, at least). My favorite lyrics are the few English-spoken lines on the title track; "The new world they found they called Vinland; The Land of Wine"

The only thing that bothered me on this album is the slight overuse of ballads. There are 5 ballads in this album. In my opinion, that's a little too much. Some ballads are actually amazing; like "Vinland Saga" and "Ankomst". Yet some turned out to be sleepy, boring lullabies; like "Amhram" or "Leaves' Eyes".

As for highlights, they’re: "Vinland Saga", "Farewell Proud Men", "Elegy", "Solemn Sea", "Misseri", "Twilight Sun" and "Ankomst". The rest of the tracks aren't very great; I tend to skip some of them. My favorite track has to be the amazing title track. A very powerful song in which Liv's voice is at its best and the music is just mesmerizing.

So, all in all, “Vinland Saga” is a very good release. It’s less straight-forward than their previous or later release. So, I'd recommend purchasing "Lovelorn" and "Legend Land" before this. However, you have to buy this along the way. 9/10