Review: Leaves’ Eyes – Song Of Darkness
Reigning Phoenix Music (March 6th, 2026)
Reviewer – David Pearce
Leaves’ Eyes were set up in 2003 by lead vocalist Alexander Krull and since 2016 he has been joined on lead vocals by Finnish soprano Elina Siirala. The two guitarists in the band are Florian Ewert and Luc Gebhardt. The bassist is Dominik Prykiel and the drummer is Simon Skrlec. Their new release is an EP entitled ‘Song of Darkness’ which heralds a new direction for a band that is still innovating after more than two decades in the business.
The opening track of the EP is ‘the title track. ‘Song of Darkness’ starts with a whisper followed by Elina Siralla’s ethereal introduction. When the song kicks into gear, Siralla seems to glide effortlessly above the guitars of Florian Ewert and Luc Ebhardt and the engine room of bassist Dominik Prykiel and drummer Simon Skrlec.
What Siralla does superbly is to keep the listener on their toes as she delivers at the highest and lowest notes and at the highest and lowest volumes. She sings in a way I haven’t heard before, and she instantly sets the band apart.
‘Hall of the Brave’ is a song that calls to mind Viking warriors and is delivered as an epic poem with Alexander Krull growling in the background and then duetting with Siralla. It’s an interesting counterpoint of styles that really works.
‘Until the Last Day’ is another epic song with a very similar approach to the previous song. Skrlec’s drums really come into their own on this track as he provides the percussive drive that really makes it work.
The final track is ‘Roots Eternal’ a beautiful rock ballad that is tonally different from anything else in the album but which really works in this context. The reason it works is because of Siralla’s voice that entrances and fascinates throughout this EP. She really is a singer of the highest quality, and on the evidence of this EP is the reason why this new direction is going to be extremely successful.
Tracklisting:
- Song of Darkness
- Hall of the Brave
- Until the Last Day
- Roots Eternal
Line-up:
Elina Siirala – Vocals
Alexander Krull – Vocals
Florian Ewert – Guitar
Luc Gebhardt – Guitar
Dominik Prykiel – Bass
Simon Skrlec – Drums