The Sludgelord: Leprous- 'The Congregation' (Album Review)

Tuesday, 26 May 2015

Leprous- 'The Congregation' (Album Review)

Album Type: Full-Length

Date Released: 25/5/2015

Label: InsideOut Music

‘The Congregation CD//DD//LP track Listing

1. The Price (5:14)

2. Third Law (6:18)

3. Rewind (7:07)

4. The Flood (7:51)

5. Triumphant (4:25)

6. Within My Fence (3:16)

7. Red (6:35)

8. Slave (6:37)

9. Moon (7:13)

10. Down (6:26)

11. Lower (4:34)

Leprous is :

Einar Solberg - Lead Vocal, Keys
Tor Oddmund Suhrke - Guitar
Øystein Landsverk - Guitar
Baard Kolstad - Drums

Review:

Since 2001 Leprous have been showing the world their black soul, maybe not in explicit manifestation through their music but it remains at the core of what they do. The Norwegian prog Lords have a blackened edge to them, be it from their roots, from performing as Ihsahn’s backing band or simply their dark, stormy souls of discontent. It is of no matter why; suffice it to say it separates them from the hordes of Prog acts around. Even in its fragility, this dark side has helped them to define what and who they are, it has play a significant role in perpetuating and propelling them into the limelight; highlighting their expertise within the experimental arena.

Picking up where their 2013’s ‘Coal’ left off it sees their pioneering ways dulled somewhat, meaning that some of their intrigue, alas, has faded with it. Cleaner, lighter and far too safe for its own good, I find that the tracks on ‘The Congregation’ are significantly trimmed down, with Solberg having almost total control over the song writing and vocals, repetition abounds. Riffs that previously would have been dense, treacly clusters of heaven are now the diet version, simplified. The technicality within the rhythm are still strong, Kolstad’s drumming needs a special mention here, yet the guitars and bass are most definitely taking a time out. Pushed to the back, ignored like the naughty step child, they are missed.

Lacking in experimentation when compared to previous offerings, this album could definitely be missed, drifting by unnoticed and I for one think that is a shame as despite the criticisms I have about it there are some things they do well, very well. ‘The Price’ which opens the album starts with a catchy drum/guitar beat that will hook you immediately. Catchy it is and for me, a hit. Replete with thrums that keep the tempo up, the haunting vocals are soft and melodic, the track is little slow at first, but building up to the chorus that is a definitive ear worm. One you will not shake easily. Almost Muse like in its offering; I wonder if that is why I am drawn to it.

‘Rewind’, ‘Red’ and ‘Slave’ all highlight just how powerful Solberg’s vocals can be, growling and screaming with abandon it is also representative of some of the more emotive elements of Leprous’ work. The songs find vocals deftly switching between beautiful vocals and screaming, powerful and evocative stuff. The ‘Third Law’ leaves a Muse/Bellamy aftertaste and the Muse comparisons keep on coming.

‘The Flood’ almost a ballad in constitution plays with differing elements, with a rock style chorus lifting the song from the timid and ominous verses, to an all out “blast in the car” kind of track. The music is well composed, albeit a little bland for my tastes at times, considering how strong their last two efforts were. Whilst a hint of their former blackness still persists it is clear that Leprous are ready, aimed and firing at the mainstream and this album has all the elements to make it so, with modern sounding memorable hooks.

Words by: Kat Hilton

“The Congregation” can be purchased in Europe from the following loactions:

http://smarturl.it/thecongregationIOM

http://smarturl.it/tcAMAZON

http://smarturl.it/tcleprousITUNES

http://smarturl.it/tcgAMAZONMP3

And also in Germany

http://www.jpc.de/jpcng/poprock/detail/-/hnum/7268465?iampartner=ngk

Or also as shirt-bundle option from the InsideOut Webshop in Europe here: https://www.insideoutshop.de/Search?q=The+Congregation

The North American pre-order can be found here:

http://manicmusiconline.com/

Also, check out the track “Rewind” here: