The Norwegian band Leprous is certainly one of the cornerstones of the new generation of Progressive Rock artists and among the bands that have most innovated the genre. Their eighth and new album “Melodies Of Atonement” was released on August 30, 2024 via InsideOut Music and contains 10 tracks between 4 and over 6 minutes long for over 50 minutes of finely composed and performed music. The album opens with “Silently Walking Alone,” a mixture of well-constructed riffs and electronic sounds enhanced by modulations and effects. In a constant musical crescendo, the band evolves the song with dynamic, incisive vocals and sounds that incorporate elements of different genres and styles, standing out for their originality and sonic innovation. A song full of pathos in the vocal parts and very elaborate, culminating in a choral finale enriched by a fine work of melody development. The exploration of new sounds and the evolution of the band’s personal style continues with “Atonement,” which we enjoyed as the single from the album. A concentrate of energy and fresh, modern sounds, without ever losing the progressive touch that has characterised their personal style. A dynamic and expressive vocal interprets the lyrics with passion, while guitar and keyboards weave in the melodies. The rhythm section blends electronic and acoustic sounds in the drumming and deep, load-bearing bass lines, enriched by continuous tempo changes and elaborate passages. In a fine and refined interweaving of vocal and instrumental parts, the band delivers a powerful, fresh and modern yet highly elaborate song. The album’s shortest track “My Specter,” which comes in at almost four minutes, features a softer first part with electronic sounds and a very expressive emotional vocal. In the middle the band evolves the theme of the track with more heavy elements, elaborate keyboard textures and well-constructed guitar work. Another track with an original style, brilliant in its composition and execution. Atmospheric sounds and a dreamy vocal open “I Hear the Sirens,” with a delicate, deep sound. The intensity increases as the minutes go by, incorporating more heavy elements and enhancing the vocal that delivers a masterful performance. In a succession of emotions, the track accompanies us for over four emotional and pathos-laden minutes. “Like a Sunken Ship” opens with a repeated, hypnotic bass line, enveloping keyboard melodies and a dynamic, elaborate vocal. An intricate rhythm section and melodic lines characterise the first part, before evolving into more Progressive Metal sounds with heavy guitar riffs and a more aggressive vocal. Another vocal proof of absolute value, giving its own personal touch to an incisive and complex song that encompasses energy, melody and technique. We return to the band’s more classic sounds with “Limbo,” characterised by a driving bass line and a melodic vocal. The rhythm incorporates funky elements, more heavy elements in the second half and is enriched by intricate drumming and rich tempo changes. The choruses and melodies catch on and remain in the mind even after listening to the song, which is intense and enjoyable from start to finish. The album’s longest track “Faceless” opens with a refined double bass line and solid drumming over which a warm and expressive vocal interprets the lyrics with intensity. In a steady musical crescendo the band incorporates more Metal elements, in keeping with the sounds of the first part of the album. The interweaving of more Heavy sections and more delicate openings with double bass and refined lead guitar inserts is interesting. A track that enhances the band’s compositional and performing technique, adept at blending classic and modern sounds through its own markedly personal touch, an absolute masterpiece. A guitar arpeggioand a warm, expressive vocal open “Starlight,” gently accompanying us toward the more Heavy and elaborate sounds of the middle part of the song. Deep, load-bearing bass lines, interweaving keyboards and heavier guitar riffs and solid, elaborate drumming evolve a fresh, modern Prog piece. Interesting solo cue in the final instrumental section, then return with the arpeggios of the intro and conclude. A melodic choral vocal opens “Self-Satisfied Lullaby” to which is added an electronic rhythm section with a hypnotic bass line. A track that incorporates retro elements and sounds while bringing them into a modern context and adding the band’s personal toco. An engaging track that brings the sounds of the 80s into the new millennium thanks in part to keyboard work at center stage. The album ends with “Unfree My Soul,” which returns to the sounds that characterized the album’s first tracks. Modern elements blend with the band’s classic sounds, and a vocalist gives another excellent performance interpreting the lyrics with pathos. Meaningful lyrics that enhance the bdn songwriting as well as the interpretation and writing of such an innovative track. A band that confirms that it is among the best in today’s music scene, offering a markedly personal and original sound. Another album of absolute valorie in the discography of this band, skilled in building their own personal sound made also of new sounds and allowing them to be forerunners in their genre. One of the best discographic releases of recent years, in my opinion a masterpiece of modern Progressive music.
Tracklist
01. Silently Walking Alone (4:05)
02. Atonement (4:49)
03. My Specter (3:56)
04. I Hear the Sirens (4:31)
05. Like a Sunken Ship (4:04)
06. Limbo (5:57)
07. Faceless (6:26)
08. Starlight (6:09)
09. Self-Satisfied Lullaby (6:21)
10. Unfree My Soul (5:22)
Lineup
Einar Solberg / Lead Vocals, Synth
Tor Oddmund Suhrke / Guitar
Robin Ognedal / Guitar
Simen Daniel Børven / Bass
Baard Kolstad / Drums
2 thoughts on “[Review] Leprous – Melodies Of Atonement”