{"id":4945,"date":"2017-08-14T16:12:58","date_gmt":"2017-08-14T15:12:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.progradar.org\/?p=4945"},"modified":"2026-08-21T15:53:08","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T14:53:08","slug":"review-leprous-malina-by-roy-hunter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/progradar.co.uk\/index.php\/2017\/08\/14\/review-leprous-malina-by-roy-hunter\/","title":{"rendered":"Review- Leprous – Malina – by Roy Hunter"},"content":{"rendered":"

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I\u2019ve had very little listening experience of Leprous<\/strong>, so the offer of a chance to review this album was eagerly grabbed! Firstly, my credentials. Since July 5th 1969 (a date famous for King Crimson\u2019s<\/strong> appearance at The Rolling Stones<\/strong> Free in Hyde Park gig) I\u2019ve been an avid prog fan. OK, that’s out of the way so here goes:-<\/p>\n

The amount of prog hurled at us these days is bewildering, and a chance to get an early listen to a new album free of any expectations or recommendations aroused my curiosity.<\/p>\n

Norway\u2019s Leprous<\/strong> isn\u2019t easily pigeon-holed in a sub-genre? The album opens with Bonneville<\/strong><\/em> – a beautifully thought out track that shows off Einar Holberg\u2019s<\/strong> ethereal voice to perfection. The depth of sound gradually increases drawing the listener in to? Stuck<\/strong><\/em> – a more upbeat song with a twanging guitar backing those soaring vocals once more. The drums lay down a compelling rhythm complimenting everything else. This is a longer track at 6 minutes 49 seconds but it flies by, never getting stuck at all. A very pleasing satisfying experience.<\/p>\n

Next up is From The Flame<\/strong><\/em> – another song with drive and a great hook that is still going round my head! Job done – can see this one becoming a favourite and possibly released as a single? Ahh – Captive –<\/strong><\/em> a punchy opening to the shortest track (3.44), melodic vocals over a pizzicato guitar and strange rhythms. Great harmonies too but it will take a bit of time to understand I think.<\/p>\n

Illuminate<\/strong><\/em> & Leashes –<\/strong><\/em> two 4 minute tracks, slower in pace and highlighting the soaring counter-tenor voice of writer\/keysman Einar. His is a voice that intrigues me, soft and gentle at one point, rocky and strident at another? I could listen to him all day long!! (I now plan to seek out the Leprous <\/strong> back-catalogue)?<\/p>\n

Shimmering keys work opens the next track, Mirage<\/strong><\/em>, leading to a wall of sound that then fades to a song that shows traces of a Middle-Eastern structure? Intriguing bass line around 3.30 into the track? I have been trying to break out for too long from the cage? <\/em> sings Einar! Oh definitely they\u2019ve done that!<\/p>\n

Malina<\/strong> <\/em>– Bulgarian for raspberry – but no raspberries for this album so far! Beautiful lyrics over a lighter beginning that builds to a crescendo and some frenzied drumming from Baard Kolstad<\/strong>. Roses for this one!<\/p>\n

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Followed by Coma,<\/strong><\/em> a shorter track much like 5 & 6. Dare I say that this track didn\u2019t exactly place me in a coma? Great – I still feel the heat, no retreat <\/em> !!!<\/p>\n

Next up a heavier song, The Weight Of Disaster<\/strong><\/em> – those heart-string tugging vocals again, why hasn\u2019t Leprous<\/strong> loomed over my horizon before?<\/p>\n

The Last Milestone<\/strong><\/em> is the last song on this fabulous album. This track wouldn\u2019t be out of place performed at a concert of modern classicist composers like Henryk G?recki<\/strong><\/em> Plaintive vocals over strings and keyboards. Eat your hearts out audiophiles!<\/p>\n

Altogether, this one album has opened up a new sound-world for me. I thought that, although I\u2019d heard it all, there is always something new around the corner! I shan\u2019t be so smug in future, and indeed will look forward to the NEXT milestone!<\/p>\n

I read from the press release that this album is a change in style for Leprous<\/strong> – I hope they continue to develop it further. Now for that back catalogue – my interest has been kicked in the backside and made to wake up!<\/p>\n

Line-Up:<\/p>\n

Einar Solberg<\/strong> – vocals\/synth<\/p>\n

Tor Oddmund Suhrke<\/strong> – guitar<\/p>\n

Baard Kolstad<\/strong> – drums<\/p>\n

Simen B?rven<\/strong> – bass<\/p>\n

Robin Ognedal<\/strong> – guitar<\/p>\n

Released 25th August 2017<\/p>\n

Pre-order ‘Malina’ from InsideOut<\/a><\/p>\n