MALINA

Leprous was just another band. A band like many others. Year after year, their albums came out. "Tall Poppy Syndrome", "Bilateral", "Coal", and "The Congregation". All enjoyable albums. All solid albums. Leprous proved itself (over and over again) to be a talented and competent band. But then came "Malina" in the August of 2017. And it is in their album "Malina" that Leprous presents itself as a band that has mastered their craft. Though they certainly sound different, having exchanged their Prog-Metal roots for a more traditional Prog-Rock sound, they come off as one of Prog's greatest modern groups next to the likes of Porcupine Tree and Haken. Some have claimed Leprous lost the power and urgency of their previous records, yet I disagree. It is my humble opinion that it is this album that fully captures the power and emotional appeal of Einar Solberg's voice and the musicianship of the rest of the band.

"Malina" finds the band toning down on some of its indulgent and complex compositions in exchange for stronger, catchier, and occasionally, simpler songs. Yet in their control, they have reached their peak in songwriting. Soaring choruses and captivating polyrhythms are strewn throughout this album that easily flows from one song to the next, cohesive in its sound, songwriting, and design. In "Malina" Einar Solberg displays his voice as possibly the greatest in all of Progressive-Rock's history. In the extreme moments, he makes you want to scream along with him while it is effortless to become lost in his quiet crooning. One particular element that elevates this album above their previous released works is its magnificent harmonies. They are flawlessly tight and emotionally intense, displaying a sense of importance to this their newest record.

In conclusion, "Malina" is not only Leprous' best and most mature record, it is one of Prog's towering masterpieces that is developing and foraging into the future of Progressive-Rock.