I've been an avid listener of Symphonic Metal for an extremely long time now. LEAVES' EYES first found my ears around 6 years ago and I've been listening to them ever since. I've watched them grow as a band with their constantly evolving music and I have to say I think "King of Kings" is their best release to date.

LEAVES' EYES were formed back in 2003 by Symphonic Metal Goddess Liv Kristine, her husband Alexander Krull, and Thorsten Bauer. These three members are the only original members left in the band. This album awakens the 1,000 year old tale of Norway's first king. LEAVES' EYES take on the role of bards in this album and tell the tale through song. This album possesses some alluring "Beauty and the Beast" style vocals that Liv herself helped to pioneer back in the day.

The opening song of this album "Sweven" is extremely atmospheric. It has the power of Symphonic Metal with some WARDRUNA-esque atmospheric undertones. At just over two minutes long this song serves as the graceful, welcoming arms of the album, running smoothly into their next track, which happens to be the title track "King of Kings".
"Halvdan The Black" is one of the most symphonic tracks on the album, beginning with the classic Viking war horn sound with some battle beats before engulfing you in some beautiful soprano vocals. This is the first song on the album to feature the "Beauty and the Beast" vocals. This particular vocal style really adds a dark atmosphere to the music, the contrast in vocal ranges really complement each other.

Two songs later we're presented with a pleasant intermission in the form of a traditional Scandinavian style melody. The song that follows this brief intermission is my absolute favourite on the album. If you ever wanted to throw a Viking drinking session, "Vengeance Venom" would be the anthem. It is terrifically catchy, although I can't help but think it should have been named "Fill Up Your Drinking Horn". The chorus features subtle growls from the lovely Alexander contrasting with the angelic voice of Liv. While listening to this song you feel as though you should be gathered around a hearth, horns filled with mead, partying like it's 900 AD.
Their closing "Swords In Rock" truly sticks out from the rest. It has a memorable groove and tune. The band really end the album on a high note, finishing their tale in true traditional bard style.

"King of Kings" is LEAVES' EYES best release to date. It's a breath of fresh air to have a Symphonic Metal band that stay true to their roots and incorporate their heritage.  If you listened to this album a thousand times over you would always find something new to love about it, it's just one of those types of albums. This album emanates diversity, they merge so many aspects of music into one album. From the soothing sounds of traditional folk music to the heavy rhythm of symphonic metal, there's something for everyone in this album. LEAVES' EYES lead us into battle with this album, and we walk away with one hell of a victory.