Leprous is a band that stands apart from other progressive acts. Their ability to effortlessly experiment while remaining exceptionally grounded in their superior signature and skillful sound is uncommon. This Norwegian five-piece has been labeled as unique and is known to be creatively inventive within the heavy music sphere. Each record they make manages to explore new ground and deliver world-class wonders. They are about to release their eighth full-length record, Melodies of Atonement (InsideOut Music) and its distinctively different approach compared to their previous works proves once again how aptly ingenuous the band is. 

The listener is greeted with a bewitching buzz of bubbling percussion and synths while Einar Solberg’s vocals pounce. “Silently Walking Alone” opens up the album which immediately dives in with both feet and draws you into realms of unadulterated artistry. Many of the song carry sweet, thoughtful lulls that swell to big crescendos. The abundance of quiet to loud junctures are a common theme appearing on most numbers including “My Specter,” “I Hear the Sirens,” and “Limbo.” The big climaxes bring forth sharp, wailing guitars that delicately dance with Solberg’s blaringly bombastic belting. 

The record dips its toe in many different genres including jazz on “Faceless” and prog on “Starlight”. Plus, their use of electronics and elaborate bass work create a range of moments from ethereal,  to pop, to lo-fi. The technicality from each player is graceful while still being weighty. The wide range of movements and moods motivates the listener to get completely lost in the intricate labyrinth of fusing styles. There is plucky intrigue and then suave, nearly sultry atmospheric  moments that cause full immersion. The variety makes the ten-song album feel short. The final number, “Unfree My Soul” is a poetically told piece that shares heartfelt introspection. The band knows how to harness substantial drama while being diverse and articulate. Melodies of Atonement is a more direct, and undiluted work than the last couple albums from Leprous. The instrumentation is heavier and more straight forward, but there is still a lot of subtle, mixed bag ambience, which makes these guys still one of most remarkable acts in the scene. 

Buy the album here:
https://leprousband.lnk.to/MelodiesOfAtonement

8 / 10
RAGIN ROSIE