Leprous – The Congregation

Releasedate: 05-06-2015; Label: InsideOut Records / Century Media
By: Sabine van Gameren

Leprous has been doing very well the last couple years. Known as Ihsahn’s band they did manage to get their own music going as well. Albums like “Bilateral” and “Coal” have spread over the world and the band toured extensively. This year the Norwegian progmen are returning with album number five: “The Congregation” is out now.

The previous release was a jewel filled with great experimental moments, where vocalist Einar would try different vocal techniques to make an incredible playfield of tensions. It was one that fell very well at our redaction and therefor the hesitation of listening it while the excitement is there just as well. Internal struggles with the question circling around: Can Leprous match that previous release? Set down something just as strong?

At first you may find the release a bit more approachable, the lyrics are easy to follow and it seem to be that these songs are easier for an audience to sing along. (hence being in a photopit between Einar and a singing along crowd last year proved us that at the previous release that was impossible).
Then, don’t let yourself be fooled, Einar has a class in him that not many can match and when further down the release it comes out: No, it is not that easy as you thought. An exquisite opportunity to let the music come to you and experience that class is: “Rewind” and that is just an example early at tracklist, coming further down the tracklist it will only amaze you more and more.
But then, there is so much more in Leprous than these vocals. Guitars are bringing that hypnotic riff and take you by the hand to drag you into the sound. Then there is tension building that comes from the drums, the band uses them wisely and make them more than just a part of the sound by giving it a substantial space in it.

“The Congregation” guarantees you many minutes of intense listening pleasure. Leprous has made an album that is well balanced, maybe even more balanced that “Coal” was in a way. Perhaps a little darker and demanding more of your imagination. It is album that keeps you busy for a while, discovering new parts and beauty. A worthy follow up of “Coal”!

Line Up:
Einar Solberg – synth/vocals
Tor Oddmund Suhrke – guitar
Øystein Landsverk – guitar
Baard Kolstad – drums

Tracklist: 01. The Price 02. Third Law 03. Rewind 04. The Flood 05. Triumphant 06. Within My Fence 07. Red 08. Slave 09. Moon 10. Down 11. Lower

Links:
Leprous Official