Leaves’ Eyes has released The Last Viking (Midsummer Edition) through AFM Records, an extended version of their 2020 release.
The setting of the symphonic metal album is England in the year 1066. The decisive battle near Stamford Bridge. Warriors fighting death, the grounds soaked in blood. Norway’s king Harald III, called Hardrada (The hard ruler) lies dying. His whole life flashes before his eyes: cruel wars, fights over power, journeys to exotic worlds guiding to powerful women, emperors and kings falling into ruin. The last Viking King is dead – the Vikings’ age is over.
History books were devoured, sagas studied. “Some tv dramas or blockbusters make me smirk when I see the Viking Sagas turned upside down. We don’t mess around in mythology!” said vocalist Alexander Krull, who was responsible for both the album’s conception and its lyrics, with guitarist/bass player Thorsten Bauer supplying the music – The band round out by Elina Siirala (Vocals), Micki Richter (Guitar) and Joris Nijenhuis (Drums)
The 14 tracks build-up, and add atmosphere. Mediaeval instruments like nyckelharpa and fiddle and Celtic horns add spice to the diversified sound. The new versions of the band’s immediately sold-out EP featuring ‘Night Of The Ravens’, ‘Serkland’ and ‘Black Butterfly’ help make these tracks an all-new adventure. The latter surprises with powerful guest vocals of the French rock sensation Clémentine Delauney (Visions of Atlantis, Exit Eden).
Here at RAMzine we offer links to the filmed documentary Leaves’ Eyes made.
There is 100 minutes of it, including the new bonus chapter. Fans will learn everything about the focus and the diversity of Viking lifestyle. With subtitles in German, English, French and Spanish, you’ll be able to experience how incredibly international the scene is nowadays. The documentary shows with a surprising ease the diversity of Viking re-enactment and might just give you the desire to plunge into this hobby yourself.
While The Last Viking is the final chapter in a saga Leaves’ Eyes have been telling over a series of albums, it’s far from a final closure for the band
For more information on the various options of The Last Viking (Midsummer Edition) available go here and visit AFM Records.
