Leah – ‘The Glory and the Fallen’ (2024)
Rating: 7/10
Release: 16 Febrary 2024
Label: Ex Cathedra Records
Leah is a Canadian heavy metal singer and “The Glory and the Fallen” is her sixth album. The Leah website sets up the lineup: “The … new release features appearances from renowned musicians Mark Jansen (Epica, MaYaN), Timo Somers (Arjen Lucassen, Ex Delain), Sander Zoer (Delain), and was produced by Oliver Philipps (Everon, Phantasma).” I’m a fan of some of this talent, certainly Delain, Epica, and Arjen’s Ayreon, and I’ve always seen Leah advertised to me. I’ve been routinely made aware of its existence by various algorithms, so I was excited to sit down and listen to an album and figure out what this is all about. And I’m so sorry, reader, but this isn’t my cup of tea.
There’s a lot of talent and production value here. Leah’s own copy likens her to Enya, and while I like Enya and dislike this album, I see the connection. Vocals are light and breathy, and even some of the percussion has an Enya-like vibe. There are Christian and inspirational themes in songs like “Unshakeable” and “Revive”. My ears would perk up at some of the guitar riffs present in almost every track. Leah mingles epic lyrics with mellow vocals, and almost every track has some lighter-swaying moments. There are great bridges all around.
“Little Stars”, “Unshakeable” and “Wings Of Time” (especially the verses) have some catchy melodies and strong progressions. “Sleeping Giant” has a melody that, in parts, sounds like a famous Christmas song. This is New Age music with plenty of pop and prog influences sprinkled on top. Sure, there’s metal here, too, but in a supporting role. “Dream Voyage” is probably my favorite. It deviates from the album’s norm and delivers a decent adventure and lets that metal shine through more.
But then, songs like “Speak to Me”, “Before This War Is Over”, the final two tracks, and so much of the album are all so moody and sedate. The album has a strong vision and a lot of talent, but it’s just not folksy or metal enough for my tastes. I’m glad that it exists, though. It’s perfect for a foggy tramp through some meadows, concentrating on a rainy day, or heading home from the New Age shop with fresh crystals and incense. Cheers!
Tracklist
- Archangel
- No More Fear
- Unshakable
- Speak to Me
- Dream Voyage
- Revive
- Little Stars
- Wings of Time
- Sleeping Giant
- Before This War is Over
- Victory
- Glow