Leonov – Shape Of Ash EP
Leonov – Shape Of Ash EP
Pelagic Records
04/07/2025
Review by Oli Gonzalez
8/10
Some things sometimes come full circle in this crazy world of album reviewing. For you see, it was around November 2023 when I was introduced to the band Leonov and their album “Procession”. I gave the album a rather modest 7/10, and described it as a ‘brave effort’ but also highlighted the potential the band have. Renowned label Pelagic Records seem to recognise this potential, who now can name the Norwegian Celestial Doom Metal band as one of their own. The band speak of a refinement to their sound in the most recent history, and describe their upcoming release as a powerfully entrancing experience. Let’s see how the sound has evolved in the last 2 years or so…
Well it’s June here in the UK. The island is being baked in an unusually hot temperature reaching the high 20s. Yet still, I can’t ignore the frosty chill down my spine as my ears are locked onto Taran’s ethereal and haunting voice during the opening to ‘Samaritan’! I had a similar experience watching Darkher perform only a few weeks ago, so for anybody familiar with them should definitely check out Leonov. It’s like the musicians know how to get the very best out of this very talented woman’s voice, and create a bleak austere atmosphere that compliments her voice perfectly. That’s before they decide to switch things up and go down the direct take no prisoners Doom Metal assault approach! It would be easy for a voice like Taran’s to become lost in a sea of distorted guitars and crushing drums, but she ups her game and volume, offering a much more dramatic and dynamic quality in her voice that manages to cut through all of this! Fair play!
If you’re looking for hypnotic overdriven bass lines that are going to stay lodged in your subconscious for hours after first listening to them, then ‘Aud Asholk’ is definitely for you. I can see why the band have compared themselves to post-rock legend Julie Christmas. It makes sense with this and Taran’s unorthodox vocal style soaring majestically above. What doesn’t make sense is how they could possibly pack so much emotional depth into the 5 minutes and 37 seconds journey that is ‘Bygg En Menneskekropp’. The music stripped down, ambient, the platform was set for the exquisite vocal duet of Taran and guest folk vocalist Jake Siah, who’s rich and deep bass voice offer a wonderful juxtaposition to Taran’s.
The EP closes with its title track ‘Shape Of Ash’. If I’m honest, I did fear that this was too similar to ‘Samaritan’ and felt like a carbon copy of one another. Though the slower, more brooding dynamic that occupies the first few minutes of the song is necessary. Necessary to build tension, intrigue, and anticipation for the climax. Be patient, stick around, and that perseverance will be paid off with a wonderful cathartic and atmospheric shoegaze crescendo to the song and album as a whole! Come to think of it, that’s probably the best way to sum up the experience of this EP and the album as a whole. You may have to be patient at times and may not be instantly gratified. The band is very different and will take some getting used to. Yet they’re sticking to their guns and their own creative direction, which I fully admire. Take the time to adjust to Leonov’s sound, listen to them more than once, and it’ll certainly be worth your while!
TRACKLISTING:
01. Samaritan
02. Auld Ashok
03. Bygg En Menneskekropp
04. Shape of Ash
LINKS:
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