******
- Verified Buyer
Leaves' Eyes has marked their 10 year anniversary as a band with their best album yet. Symphonies of the Night will please old- time fans as well as bring them many new ones. Easily their darkest and most symphonic effort to date, Liv's vocals are particularly lovely, with the just the right amount of Alex's grunts thrown in to balance them out. The lyrics of each song are based on a particular historical or fictional woman, and Liv has honored them beautifully.The album begins with the track Hell To the Heavens, one of the strongest songs on the album. Based on the Greek Goddess Hecate, this song invites you into the world of Leaves' Eyes and promises an epic adventure to follow. The second track is Fading Earth, which took me a few listens to get into. Although not a personal favorite, it's pleasant with interesting lyrics. Track three is Maid of Lorraine, which dramatically showcases both Liv's and Alex's vocals and hauntingly concludes with a spoken verse by Liv.Galswintha was the next stand-out track for me. This song is utter perfection. If I were to introduce someone to this band, this is the song I would choose. Liv's vocals are never better, and Alex breaking in with lyrics such as "Mercy, there is no mercy", this song is dark, spellbinding, and epic. Next is the title track, Symphony of the Night, based on a lesbian vampire who falls in love with her victim. This song tells a story and demands that you listen. "Am I here just to be a sacrifice?"Track six, Saint Cecelia, is the first true ballad and Liv's vocals are soaring and gorgeous. The use of a choir really brings this song to life, and the music makes you feel like you're floating along on a beautiful yet tragic journey. Track seven is Hymm to the Lone Sands. This song starts off soft but then quickly unleashes its ferocity to become the fastest and hardest on the album. The stand-out moment is the guitar solo, unparalleled on any of the band's previous albums. Next is Angel and the Ghost, one of my favorites on the album. Liv and Alex's vocals have never blended better, and the lyrics are appropriately haunting. When Alex proclaims "My ghost will seek you at night!" you believe it.Track nine is Eleonore de Province, which has its slower and faster moments, and they mesh well. The music is particularly beautiful, again seeming to let you float along with it at some spots, while relentlessly propelling you forward at others. More great guitar work on this song, Thorsten and Sander truly shine on this album. Next is Nightshade, a quiet, unassuming ballad that features only Liv's voice and one that could easily be lost among the album's more explosive tracks, but is very lovely in its simplicity.Ophelia is the final gem on the album, and another favorite. Inspired by Shakespeare's tragic heroine, the lyrics are especially gripping. "She fades away!/I fade away into black water". This is a song that tends to stay with you after you've finished listening to it. The first bonus track is Eileen's Ardency, a duet with Liv and his sister Carmen. This is a gentle, smooth ballad that is very pleasant to listen to. The final bonus track is One Caress, a cover of Depeche Mode. I'm personally not a fan of covers, but it is well done.Although a fan of all Leaves' Eyes work to date, I find Symphonies of the Night to be their greatest effort. I hope they remain on this path for future albums.
