What does one get if Theatre Of Tragedy and Atrocity are forged together? That's right; Leaves' Eyes, a Gothic metalband full of emotion!

I once reported on the release of the first single of the band, Into Your Light. I didn't know how they sounded back then and I must admit I wasn't too impressed when I first saw the video. 

But there was something about Leaves' Eyes that caught my attention and wouldn't let go.

Vocalist Liv Kristine has a beautiful voice, which could be seen as a mix of the voices of living legend Kate Bush and Tarja Turunen of the populair Gothicband Nightwish. But for someone who knows Liv's ex-band Theatre Of Tragedy, the pureness of her voice is not a secret anymore.

I was astounded when I heard these two elements of her voice come together in Ocean's Way, where Atrocity frontman Alexander Krull implements vocals of his own, which give the song a more 'classic' Gothic metal feel. 

About the music... wow, where to start?

The songs are each very melodic with a lot of romance stirred through the whole. In Return To Life, which seems to be a tribute to mothers, a lot of emotion can be heard when Liv expresses herself. This song is my personal favourite.

The ballads Lovelorn and For Amelie are not just the 'required few' on the album, they carry meaning and that really shows.

The Guitarsounds, as well as the drums, totally connect on this album, giving it a natural feel throughout the time you're listening. 

I'll give it to you straight: I'm not a Gothic metal fan.

But I can tell you this: Atrocity and Theatre Of Tragedy cease to exist when you hear this album. This is Leaves' Eyes and don't you forget that!