EP Review: Leaves' Eyes - Song of Darkness (Reigning Phoenix Music, 2026)
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Written: 1st March 2026
It has been two years since symphonic Viking metallers Leaves’ Eyes released Myths of Fate (review here) and the interim has seen several changes to their line-up. Joining founding member Alexander Krull, guitarist Luc Gebhardt, and vocalist Elina Siirala — who celebrates ten years with the band this year — are guitarist Florian Ewert, bassist Dominik Prykiel and drummer Simon Skrlec. As part of the induction for the new members, the sextet are set to release EP Song of Darkness on 6th March 2026.
Whispered words, Hear now my song of darkness, from Elina Siirala open the title track before her glacial voice begins high above us. Every time I dream / When silence falls upon me / Every time I dream / Hope is strong but fear inside me. Mid-paced and in many ways the most straightforward track here, Song of Darkness is inspired by the medieval Icelandic saga of Gisli the Outlaw which tells the story of a man who avenges his brother‑in‑law’s death and is forced into years of exile. The various elements that fans will expect from the band’s music are here: orchestral flourishes, the atmosphere of heroic enterprise and soaring guitar solos. Although it features only Siirala on vocals – her voice especially captivating during the quieter central section – there is still enough of Leaves’ Eyes’ darker edge present to keep the track engaging.
From the first moments of Hall of the Brave, there is a clear shift in tone, with both the symphonic and Viking elements becoming far more prominent. Through tempestuous, authoritative riffs and percussion, the aura of an important quest and the feeling of victory shines through. Krull and Siirala alternate vocals in traditional Leaves’ Eyes fashion with both displaying just how vital they are to the band’s sound. Exploring camaraderie, honour and sacrifice, the melodic drive supports its uplifting, battle-ready themes. Cold winds of the North / They are calling me home / From distant shores / Brave legends unfold.
Until The Last Day is an eloquent celebration of everything that fans enjoy about Leaves’ Eyes. It veers from fist-pumping symphonic bombast and muscular riffs to refined elegance and entrancing vocals. Obviously, Krull and Siirala bring distinctly different strengths to the music but it is the way his growls and her soprano complement rather than compete with each other that gives the band its character. Emotionally darker and centred on perseverance during moments of despair, Until The Last Day leans into the struggle for hope, giving it a personal, human weight. In the maze of desperation / In times of endless grief / Believe in you / Believe in me / Our souls remain until the last day.
Slower and more balladlike in nature, Roots Eternal ends the EP. Drawing on mythic imagery of the world tree and cyclical rebirth, it is a reflective piece built around the idea of ancestral connection and renewal. Ancient roots of destiny / Coming back to life again / Miracle will spread their wings / Cosmic circle never ends. Although it features only Siirala on vocals, this seamlessly entwines with the song’s contemplative direction. Its structure unfolds through stately, expansive passages – including a beautiful guitar solo – balanced by gentler interludes with understated folk nuances.
Song of Darkness serves as a welcome interlude between full‑length releases, with each track carrying its own identity. While it does not explore unfamiliar musical ground, it shows a band working confidently within their strengths and secure in their identity. The addition of the new members demonstrates their musical ability, yet their arrival makes only a modest difference because under Krull’s firm direction – which is meant as a complement - since day one, the group’s inherent DNA is unlikely to shift. It will satisfy listeners until the next album arrives and the songs will fit well within the band’s setlist on their upcoming tour.
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