Norwegian progressive metallers Leprous have announced a new album entitled ‘Melodies Of Atonement’, their 8th full-length overall, which is due to be released in August via InsideOutMusic worldwide. Led by enigmatic vocalist/keyboarder Einar Solberg, someone you’ll know from his vast body of work with Ihsahn, Leprous started putting demos out in 2004, which eventually led to the release of their debut for Sensory Records back in 2009, the now vastly sought after ‘Tall Poppy Syndrome’. In 2011, the Norwegians unleashed ‘Bilateral’, the album that put them on the prog metal map forever. 2013’s ‘Coal’ was another career highpoint, but not wanting to rest on their laurels, they changed styles over the course of their next two albums, focusing less on metallic riffage and more on ethereal melodies, culminating with 2017’s ‘Malina’, an album that had many fans scratching their heads. Fast forward to 2021’s ‘Aphelion’, and Einar and his crew transformed this once powerful riff monster into an art-pop band that nevertheless really delivered the goods with a stunning melodic work. ‘Melodies Of Atonement’ promises a return to their prog metal roots. The band issued the following statement:
“’Melodies of Atonement’ is the name of our new album and like every band on earth thinks about their new album, we feel like it’s our best one so far! But in this case, it happens to be true…The orchestral elements are gone, which gives more space for each individual band member to shine. It’s straight to the point, and heavier than what we’ve been in a while…It’s a new sound. But it’s still Leprous. We can’t wait for you to hear it!”
Leprous recorded ‘Melodies Of Atonement’ across the last months with David Castillo at Ghost Ward Studios in Sweden, while mixing with Adam Noble (Placebo, Biffy Clyro, Nothing But Thieves, etc.) and mastering with Robin Schmidt (The 1975, Placebo, The Gaslight Anthem, etc.). The album’s front cover artwork (To be seen below!) was created based on photography by John Dolan and design by Ritxi Ostáriz.
Further details and information about the new album as well as its first single will be made available soon… But in the meantime, LEPROUS can already announce a first North American headline tour with special guests Monuments and supports Fight The Fight for September and October 2024.
Leprous headline the final day of Radar Festival on Sunday 28th July at 02 Victoria Warehouse Manchester.
Photo by Tomasz Gotfryd.