“A nutritious feast of razor-sharp songwriting and masterful ensemble performances, “Melodies of Atonement” marks a significant change in the way Leprous express themselves. Shorn of previous albums’ orchestral sumptuousness, and stripped to the bare bones reality of five musicians playing together, repurposing LEPROUS’ progressive metal roots to create something that is both thrillingly alien and reassuringly familiar. Mixed and mastered by Robin Schmidt, it is easily the most succinct and memorable album the Norwegians have ever made, “Melodies of Atonement” is another bold stride forward.”

The album has ten songs, and “Silently Walking Alone” is first. The opening tones are heavy with electronica, but the vocals are very expressive, and it’s like a statement that the band makes with confidence. “Atonement” also has a weighted electronic sound that dives deep in the chorus, with heavy accents and harmonized vocals. Perhaps the most interesting part of the song is the speed at which it goes from pensive tones to an all out sound that mirrors the title. “I hear the Sirens” has tense tones…almost like that odd silence that people talk about following a big explosion, and it’s the vocals again that carry much of the emotional sound. “Like a Sunken Ship” moves with a sexy groove, and images of a smoky nightclub in the wee hours of the morning come to mind for me. When that big riff drops, it explodes like a meteor hitting soft ground.

“Limbo” has a similar swing. The band plays with a pretentious border so closely, but never quite reach it, and I like the mystery embedded into this song. “Faceless” moves with light bass notes, piano, and a sad sound that is quite catchy. Make no mistake however, when the band wants to turn it up, they command with power and confidence. “Self-Satisfied Lullaby” perhaps encapsulates the band’s sound best…there is just something oddly familiar with their unorthodox approach to songwriting. Somehow, they turn the peculiar into something fetching. “Unfree My Soul” closes the album, and it has so much to say, with a heavy emotional sound. When your soul is free, the possibilities are endless, and that is what “Melodies of Atonement” is truly about.

The album is a little stripped down from their usual sound, but it is no less vibrant and colorful. They have a very uncommon way of composing songs, but they can go from a lamb’s gentle cry to a wolf’s rabid howl at the turn of a dime. It’s quite a personal and reflective album in my opinion.