Though they first gained prominence as the backing band to Emperor legend Ihsahn, Norwegian progressive metal act Leprous have slowly made a name for themselves all on their own. Their latest release on InsideOut Records, titled The Congregation, was once again mixed by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street studios, and continues their breathtaking ride to the top of the prog-metal mountain. Relying more on textures, melodies, and emotion rather than relentless burst of musical virtuosity, The Congregation is a fascinating listen from start to finish, bubbling with addicting passages of atmosphere, just the right amount of heaviness, and Einar Solberg's intoxicating vocal delivery.
Let's be clear; Solberg is an exceptional singer with uncanny range and emotion. Just listen to him soaring to the heavens on the stunning "Third Law", a dramatic, symphonic slice of progressive metal that focuses not only on the vocals, but complex rhythms, crisp guitar riffs, and atmospheric keyboards. "Rewind" reminds of a more aggressive Anathema in spots (love those spooky keyboards), as does the moody "The Flood" with its uncanny vocals, bleak melodies, and dark riffs. "Triumphant" seems like the bands proggy take on early '80s hard rock (Moving Pictures era Rush perhaps?), while "Within My Fence" sports metallic riffs and quirky rhythms for one of The Congragation's more upbeat tracks. For some really heavy moments, check out parts of "Red" to hear Tor Oddmund Suhrke & Øystein Landsverk really lending some crushing riffs in what is otherwise a somber, atmospheric rocker. Those alluring vocal harmonies grab your heart throughout "Moon", and again, I can't help but be reminded of the wonderful recent work of Anathema here, as well as on the emotional "Lower". Just beautiful stuff. For some complex, heavy prog, make sure you check out "Down", a real exciting piece that shows the dexterity of the rhythm team of Baard Kolstad (drums) and Martin Skrebergene (bass).
Overall, The Congregation is a varied, impressive collection of songs that shows Leprous evolving into much more of a mature and polished band than we first saw a few years ago when they initially burst on the scene. If this will be your first exposure to the band, you've come on board at the right time.
Track Listing
1. The Price
2. Third Law
3. Rewind
4. The Flood
5. Triumphant
6. Within My Fence
7. Red
8. Slave
9. Moon
10. Down
11. Lower
Bonus Track (on CD and LP only)
12. Pixel
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