Although they're a smidge behind when it comes to their consistent, biannual release schedule, the unveiling of ’s eighth full-length is nonetheless worth the wait for the band’s increasingly burgeoning and avid fanbase. Having continued to move further from the chug of their more overtly metallic beginnings, your favourite gambling app could have good odds on the Norwegians eschewing their heavier foundations altogether and releasing their own take on . However, while keyboards form the prime focus from the off on , angular riffs are onhand to lift the chorus of opener .
Though it might seem a selfish and childish notion to want bands to hold onto their roots, particularly those who have heavy ones, Leprous are so delicate in nature that the heaviness offers an extra dimension that would be missed if removed. Einar Solberg is the most overwhelmingly identifiable part of the music, thanks to his extraordinary, enchanting set of pipes, and the band’s latest trio of albums – , and – have seen his keys increasingly come to the forefront, shifting the focus and dynamic further from his bandmates. While the stabbing electronics and washes of synth are still very much in the ascendency, as a whole is more of an organic, stripped-back effort, with all members coming to the forefront of the evocative builds and crescendos of each track.
Taking away the orchestral elements hasn’t diminished the wall of sound the band are able to produce, with the songs acting like the perf.