PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
24th February sees the release of Lyriel’s fourth album, Leverage. It could be said that this album is more powerful in many ways than their previous ones, but don’t go expecting anything heavy, because that’s not what Lyriel are about. Simply put, this is not heavy metal. So what is it? To define them at all is not an easy task as there are so many elements to their music that on paper it may not make sense. Listen to any of their songs and you will hear Celtic, rock, folk, metal and classical influences mixed together, and this album has all of these in abundance. A good example is Aus der Tiefe which clearly shows the Celtic influences. Also, look out for Wenn Die Engel Fallen which has Thomas Lindner (Schandmaul) as guest vocals.
If you can’t wait for the album to be released, go to their website (www.lyriel.net) and watch the video from the title track on the album, which is very likely to be their first single from the album. Hopefully this will be followed by White Lilly which I think is one of the best tracks on the album; it holds the aforementioned influences as well as sounding not unlike Lacuna Coil (with perhaps a little bow to Alice Cooper’s Poison?). If you want a heavier sound listen to Voices In My Head. If you are in the mood for a more ballad-type song choose The Road Not Taken which shows yet another side to singer Jessica Thierjung´s voice, in a song that could easily be described as haunting.
It is hard to categorise this album because of the variety and richness of influences that fill each song. It is not heavy, that is clear….but it definitely not weak. In my opinion it is the unique combination and unashamed declaration of influences that make this album and mark it out as clearly Lyriel.
I would highly recommend this album.
Track Listing
01. When it’s coming to an end…
02. Leverage
03. Parting
04. Voices In My Head
05. The Road Not Taken
06. White Lily
07. Aus Der Tiefe
08. Wenn Die Engel Fallen
09. Side By Side
10. Repentance
