Leprous is not known for being a band that follows any rules. Their new record “Malina” is proof of that. A few listenings of this album makes it clear that at each passing record the band keeps challenging the way we see progressive music nowadays.
On a slightly different note, Leprous’ fifth studio work “Malina” focus more on Einar’s beautiful voice, rather than betting on instrumental lines complexity. Compared with its predecessor this comes across as a less heavy record. We can see why they would want to locate the attention on the vocals since we can easily tell how much they keep evolving since the band’s earlier works. The second track, “Stuck”, is an example of the fine vocals work found in this release.
However, knowing this band is composed by utmost talented musicians, one can get the feeling that some songs come across way too simple. It’s with that thought in mind that we can clearly note that some tracks stand out by easily getting stuck in your head for days. Songs such as “From The Flame” (the first released single), “Mirage” or “Weight Of Disaster” are some of the most inspired moments in this work.
Even though in some cases less could be more, in here we observe the opposite. This record could have gained more if sometimes the instrumental lines were slightly more complex, just as the band has gotten us used to. This is the only flaw on a record that is otherwise inspired and once more redefines the concept of progressive metal.
In a year that so far brought us great albums in this musical genre, Malina is definitely a album you should listen to, especially if you’re into bands that defy rules and dare to do something different.
8/10
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