New Zealand Heavy Metal Forum & Discussion

[Phlegm]

I wrote this review for another site but thought it might as well go here too.

Most of us try and block that awkward, adolescent phase when our voices went from soprano-pitch to deep and throaty within an instant. Curiously, there are a number of metal vocalists with a perverse need to bask in such pubescent uneasiness. Take for example Norway's LEPROUS, a band that treads the same progressive metal waters as OPETH, dispensing long tracks with structures all over the place and the alternating clean/death vocal approach.

"Phantom Pain" starts as a jazzy piece with quiet vocals, quickly metamorphosing into a more metalish sound complete with death grunts, the band proudly showing off their driving skills with a number of reverses and keys holding the whole thing together. "Dare you" sports a promising metallic intro, transforming into a pulsating instrumental following some shrill vocals, gears shifting this way and that up to the track's conclusion. Somewhat unexpectedly, LEPROUS totally abandon the death vocals and enter ballad territory with "Fate", Einer Solberg's softer vocal approach proving a good match for the tempo.

The disc isn't without lackluster moments. "He Will Kill Again" annoys with vocal pretentiousness that enters into "Phantom of the Opera" territory (Sorry, but the trade-off use of death type grunts isn't a case for redemption from the unforgivable Andrew Lloyd Webber sneak attack). Brutal riffing opens "Not Even White" but it's interspersed with a jumble of jazzy keyboards, death grunts, more metal riffs and a few short moments reminiscent of FNM's "The Real Thing".

There's no argument that LEPROUS are highly competent musicians capable of flirting with a wide range of musical styles. Too often though, the vast array of sounds and approaches crammed into a single track is to the band's detriment. For all the changing and switching off, the album lacks a real bruising wallop-to-the-face factor.

2.5/5

[Obzen]

Thats a damn good review. You should put more reviews on here.

Hadnt heard of this band, but after youtubing some, its definitely something im gonna be into. Sounds fucken rad!

[Phlegm]

Thanks for the compliment. I figured others here might enjoy the album more than I did.

[Phlegm]

Found this review of their newest album....I didn't know it was even out (story of my life these days though)

http://www.angrymetalguy.com/leprous-bilateral-review/

[Obzen]

I've been addicted to this album (Tall Poppy) over the past couple of weeks. Fucking love it.

[blastman]

I saw Leprous live back in September 2010 at the ELECTRIC BALLROOM in Camden, UK.

They are Ihsahn's backing band who was the main act I saw that night.