ALBUM REVIEW: Pitfalls – Leprous

LEPROUS have always been the kind of band that monopolise attention. Whether creating a soundscape of beautiful atmosphere or building a devastating prog-metal crescendo, the Norwegians have a knack for producing some of the most memorable music we have seen in recent times. As with all innovative bands, they have evolved at every turn, both honing their sound and adding depth, and it is for this reason that the announcement of their latest album Pitfalls was met with such rampant excitement earlier this year. We are now painstakingly close to the release, prepped and ready to experience the latest instalment in what is quickly becoming one of the most exciting stories in modern metal.

It feels like an age since the last full length Malina was released, and although it has only been two years, even the most patient of fans will be desperate for more. The contrast is immediate and stark, and it quickly becomes apparent that this is a pivotal album in the LEPROUS journey. It might be a by-product of the band reaching new heights of popularity lately, but they appear to have turned down the heat a notch and taken a more reserved, collected approach. Amidst the unmistakable LEPROUS traits there are hints of MUSE at times, and the strings/electronics feel more prominent than ever.

The album is kicked off by the lead single Below, led by eerie synth and the ever more soaring vocals of Einar Solburg. This early encounter gives way to a characteristic riff that throbs with melodrama and wouldn’t sound out of place fronting a Bond film, courtesy of it’s orchestral approach. We then drift into a section of trippy drumming whilst intricate guitar battles for involvement in the mix. Einar continues his emphatic wail, and the track continues to rise and fall in prolific style. It is undoubtedly LEPROUS, but the scale is unprecedented and only feels a step short of overwhelming.

Next up is I Lose Hope, and it is here that we really begin to understand how far LEPROUS have stepped with Pitfalls. Jagged keys feel like a sonic strobe and the early vocal hooks are pulled straight from the world of pop. As usual, there is so much happening at once that it will take more than one listen to absorb the level of detail on display, but as a whole, it is a melee of mesmerising aptitude. This is also true of Observe The Train, another opportunity for Einar to demonstrate how competent a vocalist he actually is.

And this could perhaps be the album’s only drawback. Without question, there is so much happening within the music, but there is a feeling that there could be more. The vocal performance is effectively flawless, but the only question would be whether it comes at the price of even better musicianship. Whether or not it is too much of a focal point is open to interpretation, but either way it doesn’t take away from the majesty of Pitfalls. By My Throne is led by a prodigious guitar and drum combination before wandering bass meanders into a lull of finely woven instrumentation.

Alleviate is similar; it isn’t brash and doesn’t feel the need to punch us in the gut, instead we are able to sit back and soak up the grandeur. Einar‘s vocal range feels completely unbridled and leads us into two of the album’s longer tracks, At The Bottom and Distant Bells. LEPROUS have always created incredible song structure, and the versatility shown within each track is a wonder to behold. From piano-led beauty to towering prowess, they reach both ends of the scale with ease, and every moment of the album heaves with experience and class. 

As Foreigner offers a punchy look into a more traditional LEPROUS sound, we are carried by a slightly heavier tide and wind up in the 11-minute masterpiece that is The Sky Is Red. It takes effect like a rip current, and if there were ever any doubt that the musicianship is too reserved in the album, it will surely be swept away with this final track. It has everything that a LEPROUS track should, choppy riffs, hostile ambience and flamboyant vocals are at loggerheads with otherworldly drumming and ethereal synth. 

The beauty of Pitfalls is not only that it shows LEPROUS on their A-game, but is actually proves that they are capable of so much more. It is a turning point that promises an exciting future for the band, but in the present, we can sit back and divulge in yet another chef d’oeuvre courtesy of sheer Norwegian genius. We’re sure there will be endless debate about whether or not this is the right direction to have taken and there are arguments on both sides, but regardless of whether or not Pitfalls matches what you expect, it is nothing short of spellbinding.

Rating: 9/10

Pitfalls is set for release on October 25th via InsideOut Music.

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