Album Review: Leonov – Wake (Fysisk Format)

Ever since its formation in 2010, Leonov has found inspiration for its celestial doom in the existential, the darkness and affliction, as well as the curiosity and hope in things beyond our reach and comprehension.

Wake is their new album and will be out on October 26th 2018 via Fysisk Format.

Doom. Mournful and dejected doom. Leonov’s Wake is a melancholic listen but one that has no issue delivering heaving levels of darkness in the guitars and drums. In fact it’s really only the haunting vocals of Taran Reindal that keep it sounding more melodic then it actually is. Her eerie tones are both beautiful and horrifying at the same time. The kind of voice that transfixes you, beckoning you to follow into the darkness.

Eucharist is a grand example of this. The vocals swirl around the body and mind while the riffs and beats work at dragging you down into the mire. It’s an incredible contrast but one that works way better then you might expect.

Only 5 tracks long, it’s up to the likes of Shem and its near 11 minute run-time to satisfy and it does. The slow rhythm picks up in pace and the vocals take a bit of a backseat to the sound of traumatic drumming. It’s a unrefined track, a little loose and wilder but just as enjoyable.

That’s nothing in comparison to the 15 minute closer that is the title track. Wake is every bit as morose as you could expect. A track that encompasses everything haunted and horrid about loss while also feeling like a sign of positive things to come. After only a couple of minutes eerie sounds mixed with an uncomfortable droning effect take over and last for ages before hope returns with softly sung vocals leading to a wonderfully frantic and heavy finish.

Excellent.

Leonov – Wake Full Track Listing:

1. I am Lion, I am Yours
2. Eucharist
3. Shem
4. Oceanode
5. Wake

You can order the album via Fysisk Format here and via Bandcamp here. Find out more about Leonov over on their Facebook Page and follow them on Twitter.