Leaves' Eyes

Biography

Leaves' Eyes is a symphonic metal band based in Germany, formed in 2003 by Liv Kristine (ex Theatre of Tragedy) and Alexander Krull (Atrocity). Kristine departed in 2016 and was succeeded by Elina Siirala. The band has released nine studio albums, a live album and DVD as well several singles and EPs.

Formation and Lovelorn (2003–2005)

Liv Kristine performed with the band Theatre of Tragedy from its formation in 1993 and featured on first five albums by the band. She met Krull in the mid 1990s, and they married in 2003. The same year, they formed Leaves' Eyes after Kristine was dismissed from Theatre of Tragedy and enlisted members from Krull's band Atrocity.
Signed to Napalm Records, they began recording their debut album, Lovelorn×Lovelorn24 May 2004 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracks1Norwegian Lovesong3:432Tale of the Sea Maid3:483Ocean's Way3:334Lovelorn4:115The Dream5:006Secret4:327For Amelie3:398Temptation3:459Into Your Light5:3410Return to Life4:08. The concept behind the album was based upon a treatment written by Kristine during her literature studies. The album was preceded by the single "Into the Light" in April 2004. The band toured as support to Atrocity in Europe throughout the year, and appeared at the Summer Breeze and Wave Gotik Treffen festivals.
By the end of the year drummer Martin Schmidt had left both outfits, with Moritz Neuner hired as a replacement.

Vinland Saga and Njord (2005–2011)

One year after Lovelorn, Leaves' Eyes released their follow-up album, Vinland Saga×Vinland Saga30 May 2005 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1Vinland Saga3:122Farewell Proud Men4:043Elegy5:074Solemn Sea3:455Leaves’ Eyes3:596The Thorn4:057Misseri (Turn Green Meadows Into Grey)3:518Amhrán (Song of the Winds)2:489New Found Land3:2810Mourning Tree4:0411Twilight Sun3:2312Ankomst3:5613Senses Capture5:0114A Winter’s Poem4:07, in 2005, inspired by Viking explorer Leif Eriksson. The album's single, Elegy×Elegy2 May 2005 · EPSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 6 tracks1Elegy (single version)4:332Senses Capture4:593A Winter's Poem4:074Solemn Sea (demo version)3:485Mot fjerne land2:296Elegy5:06, charted in Germany for four consecutive weeks. The band continued to tour, mostly as support act, to for instance Subway To Sally and Paradise Lost.
The band embarked on their first tour of North America, which suffered some cancellations after an accident with their bus in Detroit. A companion EP Legend Land×Legend Land18 May 2006 · EPSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 8 tracks1Legend Land3:422Skraelings3:343Viking's Word3:354The Crossing3:185Lyset2:156Legend Land (extended version)4:447Senses Capture8Elegy was released in July 2006, which charted in Germany. The band did a headlining tour around the UK and Northern Europe, and toured South America for the first time.
The band continued to tour in 2007, including North America as support to Kamelot. They also performed at several festivals, including the Metal Female Voices Festival, which was filmed.
By the end of the year it was announced that both Neuner and bassist Chris Lukhaup had left the band. Drummer Nick Barker joined the band for live dates during 2008, but left by the summer, with Alex Holzwarth as a temporary replacement.
In October 2008, Chris Antonopoulos joined the band on drums, while Alla Fedynitch was recruited on bass. As the band had been writing and recording their third album Njord×Njord26 August 2009 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 14 tracks1Njord6:142My Destiny4:133Emerald Island5:244Take the Devil in Me3:515Scarborough Fair4:046Through Our Veins3:407Irish Rain4:018Northbound4:239Ragnarok5:1110Morgenland2:5411The Holy Bond3:4112Frøya's Theme8:2313Landscape of the Dead4:3614Les champs de lavande2:41 for much of 2007, Fedynitch did not yet feature on the recordings. Instead, the main composer Thorsten Bauer contributed most to the songs.
In February 2009, the band released a 2 disc DVD featuring We Came with the Northern Winds tour documentary, as well as the 2007 En Saga i Belgia concert with a double live album. Released in July, the EP My Destiny×My Destiny24 July 2009 · EPSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 6 tracks1My Destiny4:132The Battle of Maldon4:233Scarborough Fair (acoustic version)3:244Northbound4:225Nine Wave Maidens3:246My Destiny (remix)4:12 charted in France. The album Njord appeared in August of that year, and was described as "a sweeping, epic album" with "many alluring charms". The album features the Lingua Mortis Orchestra conducted by Victor Smolski and a cover of the English folk ballad "Scarborough Fair".
The band toured in support of the album, while bassist Fedynitch was replaced by Oliver Holzwarth due to suffering an injury. She made her last appearance with the band during an acoustic set at the 2009 Metal Female Voices Festival, and was replaced by JB van der Wal a year later.
In January 2010, guitarist Mathias Röderer left the band, and was replaced by Sander van der Meer, while in March drummer Antonopoulos resigned. He was replaced by Roland Navratil, before the band toured as support Kamelot again around Europe and North America. In May 2010 the band released an expanded version of Njord that included the EP At Heaven's End×At Heaven's End9 April 2010 · EPSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 8 tracks1At Heaven's End4:452Angus and the Swan3:443Irish Rain (acoustic version)3:544The Battle of Maldon4:235Scarborough Fair (acoustic version)3:236Nine Wave Maidens3:247My Destiny (remix)4:128My Destiny4:17.

Meredead and Symphonies of the Night (2011–2015)

After the personnel changes, the band began recording new material in the middle of 2010. In April 2011, Leaves' Eyes released their fourth studio album, Meredead×Meredead22 April 2011 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 12 tracks1Spirits’ Masquerade6:312Étaín3:583Velvet Heart3:424Kråkevisa4:345To France4:376Meredead5:207Sigrlinn8:478Mine tåror er ei grimme2:549Empty Horizon4:5810Veritas0:4811Nystev4:4012Tell-Tale Eyes3:58. The record emphasised the 'varied folk elements' that featured on previous albums nad included a cover of "To France".
The 2011 EP Melusine×MelusineMay 2011 · EPSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 5 tracks1Melusine3:342To France (Sonic mix)4:383Tell-Tale Eyes (alternate version)3:584The Battle of Maldon (Remastered version)4:235Legend Land (acoustic version)3:46 was a special release in collaboration with the German magazine Sonic Seducer.
In an interview with Valkyrian Music, Leaves' Eyes announced they had begun writing material for their fifth studio album, which they aimed to release in spring 2013. On January 7, 2013, the band announced on their official Facebook page that the title of their fifth studio album would be Symphonies of the Night×Symphonies of the Night3 November 2013 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 13 tracks1Hell to the Heavens4:322Fading Earth4:333Maid of Lorraine5:134Galswintha4:155Symphony of the Night4:596Saint Cecilia4:137Hymn to the Lone Sands5:238Angel and the Ghost3:379Éléonore de Provence6:2510Nightshade3:4211Ophelia4:2412Eileen's Ardency3:0413One Caress3:31.
On May 9, 2013, the band announced that the vocal recordings were complete and that Alexander Krull had begun mixing the album. The band premiered the first new song from the album, titled "Hell to the Heavens," at the Summer Breeze Festival.
The artwork for the new album was released on August 26, 2013. A few days later, the band released a video announcing that they would be performing at Metal Female Voices Fest 2013. A teaser of the studio version of "Hell to the Heavens" was also included in the video.

King of Kings and departure of Liv Kristine (2015–2016)

Leaves' Eyes stated in 2015 that they would release a new album titled King of Kings×King of Kings4 September 2015 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 13 tracks1Sweven2:032King of Kings4:483Halvdan the Black4:224The Waking Eye4:425Feast of the Year0:386Vengeance Venom3:187Sacred Vow4:218Edge of Steel5:069Haraldskvædi3:2410Blazing Waters7:3111Swords in Rock3:0212Spellbound4:0613Trail of Blood3:55, which would feature the London Voices choir and guest vocals by Simone Simons of Epica. This album would also be their first release on AFM Records after parting ways with their longtime label, Napalm Records. King of Kings is a concept album centered around the sagas of Norway's first king, Harald Fairhair (Harald Hårfagre).
In an interview with Sonic Cathedral webzine, Liv Kristine discussed her inspiration for the album:

The nicest thing for me is that it is said in the sagas that Harald became the first king of Norway after he won a battle that took place in one of the Norwegian fjords called Hafrsfjord. You know, that is a very important place—not only for the history of Norway—but also for me, because I was born there. So, this album is a concept album, but it's also a very personal album.
The first official video from King of Kings is for the track "The Waking Eye," which was filmed in Norway (for the background scenes) and in Germany (for the action scenes). The Viking reenactment group Værjaborg supplied over 40 members for the battle and action sequences. Leaves' Eyes considers "The Waking Eye" to be their most ambitious video to date.
On April 15, 2016, the band announced they had parted ways with lead vocalist and co-founder Liv Kristine. Since then, both parties have provided different accounts of how the split occurred, with the band stating that the decision regarding Kristine's departure was made in January. While the band initially stated that it had been a mutual decision, Kristine disputed this claim, indicating she was dismissed and that it was not her decision.

Arrival of Elina Siirala and Sign of the Dragonhead (2016–2019)

On April 15, 2016, the band announced Finnish singer Elina Siirala as their new lead vocalist. Siirala made her debut with the band on April 18, 2016, at the Hammersonic Festival in Jakarta. A tour edition of the album King of Kings×King of Kings4 September 2015 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 13 tracks1Sweven2:032King of Kings4:483Halvdan the Black4:224The Waking Eye4:425Feast of the Year0:386Vengeance Venom3:187Sacred Vow4:218Edge of Steel5:069Haraldskvædi3:2410Blazing Waters7:3111Swords in Rock3:0212Spellbound4:0613Trail of Blood3:55 was released on June 3, 2016.
On October 7, 2016, the band released the EP "Fires in the North×Fires in the North7 October 2016 · EPSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 5 tracks1Fires in the North4:192Fires in the North (Acoustic version)3:523Edge of Steel (2016 version)5:064Sacred Vow (2016 version)3:215Swords in Rock (2016 version)4:02," which featured a brand new song as well as three re-recorded tracks from King of Kings with Siirala on vocals. Following the release of the EP, the band embarked on a North American tour in support of Sabaton. On November 27, 2017, the band announced their new album, Sign of the Dragonhead×Sign of the Dragonhead12 January 2018 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 11 tracks1Sign of the Dragonhead4:062Across the Sea3:493Like a Mountain4:444Jomsborg3:255Völva3:386Riders on the Wind3:537Fairer Than the Sun4:208Shadows in the Night3:489Rulers of Wind and Waves3:0010Fires in the North4:2111Waves of Euphoria8:03. The same day the album was announced, the title track was released as the lead single. The song "Across the Sea×Across the Sea2 January 2018 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 3 tracks1Across the Sea3:502Across the Sea (Acoustic)3:513Across the Sea (Instrumental)3:50" was released as the album's second single on December 31, 2017, with an accompanying music video. The band released "Jomsborg" as the album's third single on January 11, 2018.
Sign of the Dragonhead was released on January 12, 2018. The band toured throughout Europe in support of the album, and on August 30, 2018, they released the song "Riders on the Wind×Riders on the Wind7 September 2018 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 3 tracks1Riders on the Wind3:542Across the Sea (acoustic version)3:513Jomsborg (acoustic version)3:24" as the album's fourth and final single. The music video for the song featured footage from the Sign of the Dragonhead tour. On September 7, 2018, a tour edition of Sign of the Dragonhead was released, which included the "Riders on the Wind" physical single.

The Last Viking, departure of Thorsten Bauer, Myths of Fate, and Song of Darkness EP (2020–present)

The Last Viking was released on October 23, 2020. The album continued the trend toward folk metal and historical lyrics. On May 23, 2021, the band announced the addition of bassist Andre Nasso. On December 29, 2021, it was announced that Thorsten Bauer would leave the band by the end of 2021.
On December 9, 2023, the band revealed the title of their ninth studio album, Myths of Fate×Myths of Fate20 March 2024 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 11 tracks1Forged by Fire4:472Realm of Dark Waves4:583Who Wants to Live Forever4:204Hammer of the Gods4:345In Eternity3:396Fear the Serpent4:307Goddess of the Night4:158Sons of Triglav4:529Elder Spirit3:4910Einherjar5:1211Sail With the Dead4:42, which was released on March 22, 2024. On June 20, 2024, it was announced that guitarist Micki Richter left both of Krull's bands. His replacement is Florian Ewert.
On December 12, 2025, the band revealed the title of their EP, Song of Darkness×Song of Darkness9 December 2025 · SingleSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Song of Darkness4:08, scheduled for release on March 7, 2026. The band released the title track of the EP on the day of the announcement.

Style

Most of Leaves' Eyes' lyrics, written by Liv Kristine until her departure in 2016, focus on Norse mythology and the Viking Age and have frequently incorporated naturalistic themes. This also features in the stage set-up. The melodic vocals of Liv Kristine and her successor, Elina Siirala, are occasionally complemented by death growl vocals from Krull.

Band members

Current
Alexander Krull – keyboards, unclean vocals (2003–present)
Elina Siirala – lead vocals (2016–present)
Luc Gebhardt – guitar (2022–present)
Florian Ewert – guitar (2024–present)
Dominik Prykiel – bass (2024–present)
Simon Skrlec – drums (2025–present)
Live
Oliver Holzwarth – bass (2009)
Niels Löffler – bass (2011–2015)
Gijs Coolen – bass (2015–2016)
Ferry Duijsens – bass (2016–2020)
Marek Šmerda – bass (2026–present)
Former
Thorsten Bauer – guitars, bass (2003–2021)
Liv Kristine Espenæs – lead vocals (2003–2016)
Mathias Röderer – guitars (2003–2010)
Chris Lukhaup – bass (2003–2007)
Martin Schmidt – drums (2003–2004)
Nick Barker – drums (2004–2008)
Moritz Neuner – drums (2005–2007)
Alla Fedynitch – bass (2007–2010)
Seven Antonopoulos – drums (2008–2010)
Sander van der Meer – guitars (2010–2015)
J.B. van der Wal – bass (2010–2013)
Roland Navratil – drums (2010–2012)
Felix Born – drums (2012–2013)
Pete Streit – guitar (2015–2019)
Micki Richter – guitar (2019–2024)
Andre Nasso – bass (2021–2024)
Joris Nijenhuis – drums (2013–2025)