Liv Kristine – Skintight

tekst: Gerianne Meijer

band: Liv Kristine
album: Skintight
genre: easy-listening / pop
release: 27 August 2010
label: Napalm Records

De Noorse Liv Kristine is bij mensen uit de metal scene vooral bekend door Leaves Eyes en Theatre of Tragedy. De blonde zangeres heeft daarnaast echter ook een aardige solocarriere opgebouwd: Skintight is haar derde soloalbum. Deze solo uitstapjes zijn minder hard en meer emotioneel en persoonlijk dan haar werk bij voorgenoemde bands.

Ideaal dus voor mensen die niet houden van dit hardere werk, maar die wel graag willen genieten van haar zachte, hoge stem en emotievolle teksten. Het eerste nummer, de titeltrack van het album, is ietwat vreemd. Het begint met een ritmische elektronische intro en bevat popachtige vocalen. Het nummer wordt af en toe wat harder, maar blijft overal de popachtige sfeer houden. Ik heb bij dit nummer het idee dat Liv zich qua zang wat inhoudt en dat ze zeker meer volume kan geven.

Het daaropvolgende Twofold laat zien dat ze inderdaad beter kan. Dit is een prachtig rustig nummer, met fragiele zang en een akoestische gitaar, die later overgaat in een elektrische. Dit samenspel geeft een mooie sfeer, met dank aan de gitarist Thorsten Bauer (Leaves Eyes, die veel meegeschreven heeft).

Love in Grey is ook een mooi ingetogen nummer. De akoestische gitaar schept een melancholische sfeer, die versterkt wordt door de zang. In het refrein laat Kristine even haar hoge uithaal horen, wat erg mooi is. De wisselwerking tussen gitaar en zang verweeft een extra laag door het nummer.

Emotional Catastrophiesis is steviger rocknummer. Het bevat ritmische gitaren en verleidelijke zang. Dit nummer doet af en toe, verrassend genoeg, aan Muse denken. Het refrein is pakkend en de cello op het eind geeft een interessante finishing touch aan het nummer.

Versified Harmonies is een van de beste nummers op het album, het ligt lekker in het gehoor en verveelt niet. De elektrische gitaar legt een goede basis waarop de zachte, hoge en soms hese stem van Liv kan steunen. Samen tillen ze het nummer naar een hoger niveau. Een ruwe diamant, die zekere andere kwaliteiten van deze zangeres laat zien.

Afsluiter The Rarest Flower is een zwaar, emotioneel nummer. De breekbare zang van Kristine wordt alleen ondersteund door een zwaarmoedige piano melodie van Oliver Palotai (bekend van Kamelot!) en cello van Christoph Kutzer. De zang van dit nummer is zonder onderbrekingen opgenomen, wat ervoor zorgt dat het niet overal even perfect is, maar het geeft wel een extra lading aan dit nummer. Erg gedurfd van Liv Kristine om zich zo open te stellen. Een zeer waardige afsluiter!

Conclusie
Al met al laat Liv Kristine hier zien dat ze van meerdere markten thuis is. Alle songteksten zijn door haarzelf geschreven, wat dit album extra eigen maakt. Persoonlijk hoor ik haar liever met een wat hardere achtergrond, maar haar stem komt ook zeer goed tot recht in de pop-rock sfeer die dit album levert. Heb je behoefte aan een album met rustige nummers met een emotionele sfeer en prachtige vocalen, met hier en daar een goed rocknummer, dan is Skintight zeker iets voor jou!

Rating
7.3 /10

Website
Liv Kristine: http://www.livkristine.de/

Leaves’ Eyes – new album ‘ Meredead’ in April

The German, Norwegian gothic metal band Leaves’ Eyes has revealed more details about their fourth album scheduled for 22 April 2011. With ‘Njord‘ (Napalm Records, 2009) the band presented their new line-up and different style elements. The artwork is made by Stefan Heilemann. At the moment producer Alexander Krull is working on the final mix at the Mastersound Studio in Germany.

Singer Liv Kristine comments: “As we began composing the first song ideas for our fourth full-length album, all of us were very eager to take another step in strengthening both the individual sound and concept of Leaves’ Eyes, like we have done album by album. Along with the song-writing process, I made up my mind about the songs’ themes, and drowned myself in different sources of literature. Some songs clearly needed lyrics rooted in northern history and culture, as well as having mystical themes.

Being an Old-English fan, I decided to write some of the lyrics in Old-English, which of course included further studies of grammatical and phonetic knowledge, which I really enjoyed doing. Next to modern English and Old-English, some songs are sung in traditional Norwegian, to keep their strong individuality and focus on certain themes from special genres in Norwegian traditional singing.

The album is given the title “Meredead“, as one of the songs on the album. It is my own word-creation (at least I haven’t found it in a dictionary yet), and it may mean both “dead by/in the sea”, or “the mortal or killing sea”.

In my lyrics you will find traditional themes from Viking literature and Norwegian song tradition, moreover, tales from the Irish isles, some from already existing sources, some made up myself. Sometimes you will hear about men going on adventures.

Some ending up drowing in the sea, their wives, evil witches, three-headed trolls, or spell-bound princesses, as well as marble halls and blood-thirsty creatures. I allowed myself more freedom for the concept of “Meredead“, telling a number of different stories, real, mystical or sometimes maybe even both.”

Leaves’ Eyes will perform on the Metal Female Voices Fest in Wieze, Belgium on 22 th October 2011. Together with Doro, Therion, Stream of Passion and many others.

Summer Breeze Open Air 2010 – day 3

copyright text: Silvia Deurwaarder
copyright photo’s: Monica Duffels

The last day begins with a promising sunshine. It seems that everyone wants to show all their energy for the last time, and there is an unforgettable feedback on every band this day. When for the last time the bags are counted, a double feeling occurs: it was a long week without my favourite habit (a long shower), so I am longing for home. But Dinkelsbuhl became a new home too. Where bands are easily amenable, fans are always optimistic, and the German politeness is heart warming.  Driving around the church, down the hill, passing green fields to the highway (where we totally give full power in our yellow bird) the complete happiness is there. Summerbreeze makes the summer complete and I am very thankful it exits, this little escape from reality.

It is a fact that a ray of sunlight make people happy and with a golden waze, the gods are with us today. There is no green grass left, because the whole field is packed. A dynamic crowd welcomes Van Canto and stays enthusiastic till the end.  The band has an easy start, because they are so unbelievable popular. I saw them once, but this time the power is unprecedented. They introduce themselves as ‘We sing some metal songs for you  A capella.’ It is erudite and very talented how this formation manages to create such a natural sound, not indistinguishable from the original.

Opener ‘Lost Forever’ (own composition) immediately grabs the attention, front woman Inga Scharf has a high pure voice, a perfect contrast with the heavy men parts producing the sounds of guitars, rhythm section and accompanied by Bastian Emig on drums. The high and poppy voice from Dennis Schunke is a real eye-catcher and also he is a natural front man with a lot of charisma. Touring in Europe with Blind Guardian at the moment, no wonder they cover ‘Bards Song ’ with strong melodies, two high voices and five vocalists, the drummer also participates.

The crowd gets crazy on ‘Master Of Puppets’ and it is in my eyes even better than the original with compliments to their energy and intensity. It is not only their talented voices, but also the natural charisma and the pleasure they reflect on the crowd and so easily to like. It gives you pimples to see all those hands in the air. ‘Fear Of The Dark’ is last song of a much too short set, and the big climax.  They give the audience so much energy, good music and a big smile on their faces. Vielen Dank Vocanto!

For many years vocalist Liv Kristine is the figurehead of female singers in the metal. She invented the gothic metal, and with Leaves’ Eyes she developed a whole new style. With their recent album ‘Njord’ the success is taking a big step forward.  Tortured by the sun, but with all the energy they got presenting an excellent setlist, the best I have seen of them.  ‘Emerald Island’ is a personal favourite and it starts to bubble inside me. With bombastic arrangements, groovy guitars and the powerful voice of Liv Kristine the adrenaline is soon on the surface.

It is also very special to see them perform for their own crowd, with many fans and a very, very excited clapping crowd! Dutch team JB from Aborted (bass) and Sander van der Meer (guitarist) has a more heavy sound and together with the new drummer Roland Navratil  (ex-Sirenia) the set is very uptempo and powerful.

It is like Liv Kristine says: ‘Good that you face the heat’ and that the sign for the security to move the fire hose and that makes the crowed even more excited.  On ‘Farewell Proud Men’ Liv Kristine shows what a good front woman she is, moving her dress, arms and easily produce such a high clear tone. Fascinated, and a real eye-catcher! Also grunter Alex Krull knows how to create a good atmosphere. Like on the latest hit ‘ Take The Devil In Me.’ Everyone is waving their hands, singing along and clapping on the rhythm.

The arc of energy is reaching his highest point on ‘Elegy’ the most famous hit. A moment of rest to calm down your heart beat. Once again Liv Kristine ravishes you with her dreamy, fragile voice and sweet smile.  The high guitar sound from Thorsten Bauer fit very well into the Viking story and the atmosphere grows on ‘Froyas Theme’ where the same elements are bound in the most compact, convincing song I ever heard of them. It is this combination of song what reflects to rise of Leaves’ Eyes through the years the best.  There is a lot of interaction on stage and the audience grabs their breath. After so many times they surprise me on unexpected moments, that is their strength. Always demanding the best of themselves, with hard work and lots of energy and that simply reflects on the listener. Impressive!

Every band is totally different, and it is that diversity what creates the best festival day of the whole Summer Breeze edition 2010. Its a strong advice for the upcoming editions. Eisbrecher is an Industial rockband, a genre very vivid in Germany and it is no surprise that front man lives near the festival ground, one hour distant. There is one word for this show: smooth.  Every element is well prepared like performance, sound, entourage.

The bold Singer Alex Wesselky has a deep low voice, although his German is not easy to follow sometimes. Dressed up in a black suit, and hand gloves he looks very catchy and when the clouds cover the sunbeams I bet he is happy to stay sweat-less and shiny. The songs have a lot of references with ice, war and nationalism. Like opener ‘Eiszeit’ or ‘Leider.’ Halway the set someone brings him a new hat, and the big oil tons appears on stage. He starts the intro with a flute and the show element is strongly build up. Sometimes the songs have a poppy beat, even a easy listening part then it is perfectly mixed with metal elements and even cyber gothic. For everyone there is something recognizable and that explains also why the crowd carries them on their hands.

An unprepared moment when guitarist Noel Pix has a bleeding finger ands needs a minute. The tie goes of, hat is trown away and the power continues on ‘Heilig’ and reached the peak on ‘Amok.’ A very convincing and well prepared show of high quality: an excellent first impression.

Finnish band Poisonblack is back with a new album ‘Of Rust And Bones’ after their success with ‘Rush.’ Singer Ville Laihiala, became famous with Sentenced and decided to give this band his full attention. A good choice, because Poisonblack has not only a very poetic name, but also has many freedom to switch easily from doom metal into a more catchy sound.

It is still a big secret why Finnish bands are talented in creating a catchy emotional sound, and it is confirmed again today.  The whole setlist is filled with great melodies, beautiful dark vocals, fast guitar solos and even soft piano parts.  I haven’t heard them in ages, but I immediately recognize ‘Nothing Else Remains’ when I hear the first tones. It stays in your head and that is the strenght of Poisonblack. Of course there is Ville with his hypnosis, deep and unique voice. Over the years he has a raw edge, but it fits very well (or was it the lack of sleep and too much alcohol). Shame that his long hair covers his eyes all the time, somehow there is less interaction with the crowd. And there are many fans, even with banners and tears.

No idea where all those girls came from, but they are popular without any doubt.  Like Ville says:  ‘Not much talking, greets from Finland’ because the set is short, too short. A critic is that they perform very static, also guitarist Janne Markus and hardly to see in the back the other members.  ‘Rush’ is played halfway the set, closed by ‘Bear The Cros.’ I expect a bit more action on stage, and the sound quality was not so good. I think they deserve a higher position on the bill next time. They are very unique, even for a Scandinavian band.

The yellow bird decided to leave a bit earlier, due to expected traffic problems at the end of the day and eight hours in a car is a long way to go. Thank word to the excellent organisation and hopefully till next year!

Leaves’ Eyes – frontlady Liv Kristine about their success story

Update on the Kamelot tour with Leaves’Eyes – May 2010

text: Silvia Deurwaarder
photo’s: Monica Duffels

The German gothmetal band Leaves’ Eyessurprised the whole music-scene with their latest album ‘Njord’ (Napalm Records 2009). For the second time, Leaves’Eyes is touring in Europe as supportact from Kamelot. Liv Kristine Espenæs Krull has some time left after their concert in Paradiso, Amsterdam.

In December 2009 the band did an own headliner tour in Europe, at that time vocalist Liv Kristine lost her voice and decided to continue the tour. During those shows she showed how strong she really was: standing there, fighting against her illness and still finding the motivation to perform night after night. The fans were supportive and such a strength for her.

Liv Kristine: “ I am fine, it took me four weeks to get the voice back. After eight weeks it was completely there. I was wondering in the middle of everything if I was able to sing ‘Elegy’ again. It went alright, but I’ll never take a vaccination before I go on tour.”
You still had a great time on ‘ The Beauty And The Beast ’ tour? I can imagine it is hard when you are worried about your voice.

Liv Kristine: “ I am so thankful to the press, the audience and my friends. Nobody said anything harmful about my show. Everybody was so supporting and helpful.

The critics have been great, although for me it was a hard time. The easiest thing was to cancel the shows, but I am a human being and we can get sick sometimes. The best way is to be honest about it, saying ‘I am not doing fine today but I do my best.’ I think you get rewarded by that. I felt a lot of love coming back.”
For the second time you are touring with Kamelot in many packed venues, and sold-out gigs, all over Europe. Tonight is the third gig in a row, how is it going so far?

Liv Kristine: “ It is nice to tour again with them, because we know them for a couple of years and there is a good friendship on tour. It is good to be back! It is goo to see that, even in the music business, you have strong friendships. I think we make a very good team, and it is a good combination on stage. Both bands are dynamic and bombastic. “

It will be a busy summer, looking forward to it?

Liv Kristine: We have a lot of festivals, the only period when we have no shows is during the soccer world championship in South-Arfrica. We all have planned to watch the championship. Hopefully Germany is doing well, but I expect it will be better than Norway. 

New bandmembers

Over the years band members come and go, but Leaves’Eyes had a lot of changes the last couple of years. Finally it seemed to be calm after the release of ‘Njord’ but it was only for a short term. On the first day of the tour a new guitarist and drummer were welcomed to the crowd.

Liv Kristine: When Matze (former guitarist) parted ways with us and drummer Seven too, that was something not foreseeable. We couldn’t see it coming, and it was something that happened very fast. It were just personal reasons and it had nothing to deal with the ‘The Beauty And The Beast Tour.’ I know Matze since I moved to Germany, and even before that, so that is 15 years ago.

He’s been Alexander Krull (vocalist, producer Atrocity and Leaves’Eyes – SD) best friend for many years. Now he is out of the band, it seems like he is disappearing. It is like an empty space.

“Then Sander van der Meer (Cypher) came along and he is doing more than great! Actually I thought Sander played the bass. After the last show from ‘The Beauty And The Beast’ tour I asked Alex Krull; we have to think who can we ask now? One week later on the phone I discovered that he played guitar. Sander came in the band all of a sudden and it is perfect missing-link in the band. “

How did you found a new drummer so fast?

Liv Kristine: “With Seven (ex-drummer) it was clear after a couple of conversations with me, Thorsten Bauer (guitarist Leaves’Eyes and Atrocity) and Alexander Krull, it was clear that we had to go our own ways because of different interests. Roland Navratil (ex-Sirenia drummer) had in mind to play with Sirenia, but now he ends up with us. When he came over he had already practised some songs. It was pure luck. “

It is not only the work; it is also about the friendship. With Sander van der Meer & Roland Navratil there is a growing friendship and teamwork. In general, there is no use pulling a big chariot of a band, if one or two persons aren’t helping, just standing there and watching you. You have to be a strong team, do it together. Both are very flexible, and professional. 

Suddenly Roland Navratil enters the dressing room for a shower, smiling when he heard the last words of Liv Kristine. He is modest, making jokes and it for sure helps a lot that they toured together on the ‘Beauty And The Beast Tour.’ A very successful tourpackage for not only Leaves’Eyes, but also for Sirenia and the other bands on the tour: Atrocity, Stream Of Passion and Elis.

Special fan edition

There is a special fan edition released from Njord, with new songs. Are you currently working on new Leaves’Eyes material?

Liv Kristine: There are two brand new songs on the fan edition: ‘ Angus And The Swan’ and ‘ At Heaven’s End.’ There is a special version from ‘ Irish Rain’ with my sister Carmen Elise Espenaes (vocalist Midnattsol). She is fine, right now she stays in my house in Germany. Not much news, we practised two days with both new band members before we went on this tour. 

Then Roland Navratil explains more about the preparations for this tour: I practised a lot at home, it won’t work another way, right? It has to be like that when you tour a lot.

Liv Kristine: He was well prepared when he came to the studio, we are not used to that (smiles).

Interactive question
Dutch gothic metal band Stream Of Passion has a special question:
” Is there a chance to have an other Beauty And The Beast tour with all the bands?”

Alex Krull (vocalist): The promoters want to bring the ‘ Beauty and the Beast’ also to some countries outside of Europe, too. In North and South America they asked already for playing a festival tour like this. It would be a very cool idea!

After that the bands has to pack their equipment, and leaves Paradiso for a long journey to Engeland together with Kamelot. Many festivals are planned for them this summer, so check http://www.leaveseyes.de/ for more tourdates!