: Leprous – Malina

Leprous are a standout band in the new wave of progressive rock, a genre that seems to be having a renascence of sorts.  I wont claim that Leprous’ 5th album Malina  is a metal release (even though I’m acutely aware of the name of this website) – and whilst the album may be a little bereft of metallic attributes don’t let that deter you from giving it a listen because Leprous are a band in top form and Malina might just be one of the most impressive releases you’ll hear this year.

As you would expect the album is reasonably diverse – there are up-tempo pieces such as Stuck, From The Flame, Mirage and Illuminate and more sombre pieces like Leashes, Malina and The Last Milestone –  but all of the tracks make an impact.  It’s a bit of a tired cliché but the album really is remarkably consistent. I’d struggle to nominate any of the 11 tracks as filler and in the same breath I’d find it equally hard to nominate a favourite track too.

For the most part the songs on Malina centre around memorable vocals, uplifting chordal progressions and a large dynamic  range. The complexity of Leprous’ music is less about head turning shred or outlandish time signature changes and more about deft syncopation, unpredictable  rhythmical nuances, and changes of mood and feel which catch you off guard. Leprous aren’t alone with this approach but the 5 piece from Norway seem to have mastered these elements better than most.

The musicianship is exceptional across the board, but Baard Kolstad (Drums) is particularly impressive. His playing is virtuosic, yet subtle and song orientated – at times that it’s hard to believe this is the same drummer who plays flat-out-black-metal-blasts in Gaahls Wyrd and Borknagar. On the same theme, who would have thought someone with an angelic voice Einar Solberg would be a live member of Emperor? I’m aware of the family connection between Solberg and Ihsahn, but it still catches me off guard every time I consider how proficient these guys are on their instruments across such a diverse range of styles.

Leprous have always had an uncanny ability to write some very memorable melodies, and this is again the case on Malina where Einar Solberg’s vocals are a real focal point. I really like Einar’s vocal style but if you don’t there’s a good chance this album wont be for you; such is the emphasis on the vocal lines. His voice is crystal clear and his melodies transcend the other instruments to create a cohesive link which completes each song perfectly. Beyond the vocals the band have created some really moving pieces of music, helped along by the stings/orchestration provided by Raphael Weinroth-Browne. The string arrangement on The Last Milestone in particular helps to conclude the album in a sombre but unforgettable fashion.

Malina is a very good album and will be well received by new and old fans alike. Casual fans might miss some of the heavier elements of the bands sound, but I’m sure there an equal number of fans will lap up the direction taken on this album too.

There’s something intoxicating about this release. It’s an easy listen, yet it’s not easy listening. It’s complex, yet catchy. It’s moody and brooding yet uplifting. When the last track finishes you feel compelled to listen to it all over again to better understand what it offers. Malina is a quality album and stacks up incredibly well against Leprous’ back catalogue.  I feel that I wont know exactly where it ranks until I’ve given it many more hours of play time, but it’s still clearly one of the best new albums I’ve heard in 2017.

Band: Leprous
Album: Manila
Year: 2017
Genre: Progressive Rock
Label:  Century Media Records / Inside Out Music
Origin: Norway