Leprous are impossible to pigeonhole and that’s just the way they like it. Starting life at the dawn of the new millennium in Norway as a progressive metal ensemble, the band members have meanwhile made it clear they do not feel any affiliation with any specific genre. The band around vocalist/keyboardist Einar Solberg likes to dip its toes into an array of different genres, with a predilection for progressive elements in combination with inventive art rock harmonies. One of the most striking elements is Solberg’s vocals, which cover the entire gamut from a soulful timbre to a falsetto shriek. Leprous initially gained notoriety as the backing band for Ihsahn, who is not only Solberg’s brother-in-law but has also contributed guest vocals and produced their first three studio efforts. The band’s latest effort ‘Melodies of Atonement’ has been hailed by some as a return to the Leprous of old but more than anything it is a worthy addition to their discography that has seen them headlining festivals all over Europe. (#GMM26)
