Hey there! This time, I’m going to share my thoughts on one of my all-time favorite bands, Leprous, and their new album “Aphelion.” I’m super excited about writing this, so let’s dive in!

Leprous, a band known for not fitting neatly into any single genre, has once again demonstrated their versatility with “Aphelion,” released on August 27, 2021. Ever since their first album, they’ve continuously evolved, never fully settling into one style. Depending on which album you choose, you might hear electronic, pop, or progressive rock/metal elements.

Given that a significant portion of Leprous’ fanbase is from Turkey, I thought “Aphelion” would create quite a buzz here. Even though it didn’t get the reaction I expected from people, I personally had a massive experience with its release. While I’m aware that Leprous is a band that constantly renews itself, “Aphelion” felt a bit underwhelming to me, especially following the masterpiece that was “Pitfalls.” Even with Einar Solberg’s unique vocals, the vocal performances on “Aphelion” didn’t stand out as much as in their previous albums.

Tracks like “Castaway Angels,” “Running Low,” and “The Silent Revelation” had already been introduced to listeners. “The Silent Revelation,” from its opening riff to the atmosphere created by the strings, is what I expected from Leprous and “Aphelion.” “Running Low” starts with simple beats and catches fire when Solberg steps in. With contributions from Raphael Weinroth-Browne on cello, Chris Baum on violin, and the Norwegian brass group Blåsemafiaen, it achieves a symphonic core. There’s even a hint of RHCP in some parts.

Then we get to “Out of Here,” which takes things down a notch. This track features synths and vocal harmonies, making it slower and darker. The synth really takes the lead in the next song, “Silhouette.” With striking riffs and heavy synths, “Silhouette” became my most-played track from the album. Despite being the shortest song, it’s one of the most captivating and intense. I can only imagine how amazing it would sound live.

“All the Moments” blends strings, piano, and Einar’s calm vocals, stepping away from the album’s general vibe. At first, it feels like a country song cover but loses that feeling halfway through. After the optimism of “All the Moments,” “Have You Ever?” messes with our emotions with anxiety-inducing synths and bass. Similar to “Below,” this track also features Eastern-influenced string instruments. Einar’s constantly changing vocal style also caught my attention here. The powerful vocal games and cries we were used to from Pitfalls and earlier albums are less frequent now. However, with more falsettos, “Aphelion” achieves a delicate and touching vocal quality.

“The Shadow Side,” with its dark-pop influences, isn’t the most striking track but has a unique feature rarely found in bands like Leprous. They complete the story of “The Shadow Side” with a guitar solo. Despite being categorized as progressive rock/metal, these bands lean more towards pop sounds, making guitar solos a rarity. It’s fascinating to think about what they could achieve if they incorporated more solos.

Then there’s “On Hold,” carrying the influence of “Malina” and being the longest track on the album. It successfully creates the crescendo effect expected from Leprous. The song’s lyrics, filled with hopelessness and depression, can pull you into the same mood. To fully appreciate its impact, I recommend connecting with the lyrics and closing your eyes to rise with Einar.

Leprous wraps up the album with “Nighttime Disguise,” a track sure to please longtime fans. This song was created through a fan collaboration where they voted on various parameters (tempo, instruments, vocal styles, lyrics, etc.). It’s an epic and breathtaking closing track. Einar’s Ihsahn-like growls that catch us off guard add a fantastic touch, ending the album in the best way possible. I’m sure Ihsahn, Einar’s mentor, is proud.

In the end, “Aphelion” offers a mix of old favorites and new discoveries. Whether this change and evolution are good or bad is subjective. However, I believe that anyone who appreciates Einar’s voice will find something they like in this album. For those who prefer a sample before diving in, “Silhouette,” “On Hold,” and “Nighttime Disguise.” are my humble recommendations. Happy listening!

Asuna Pehlivan