“The decision to omit early music lends credence to the idea that they’re embracing pop influences”: Leprous’ An Evening Of Atonement live extravaganza
It’s all ears on Einar Solberg’s unique voice during this 21-track recording from the Netherlands from early 2025
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Recorded in February 2025 at the Poppodium 013 in Tilburg, Netherlands,An Evening Of Atonement is the most expansive live release inLeprous’ catalogue to date.
Presented as a three-vinyl LP set, or two CDs, or two CDs and a Blu-ray, it’s a marathon listening experience containing 21 tracks. The setlist favours their most recent work, with six songs taken from 2024’sMelodies Of Atonement and three each from 2021’sAphelion and 2019’sPitfalls.
The decision to omit any selections from early releases likeAeolia from 2006 and 2011’sBilateral lends credence to the idea that the Norwegians have evolved in a direction that’s leading them away from the prog metal of their formative years.
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SinceMelodies Of Atonement prompted discussions about the band’s changing sound and apparent embrace of pop music influences, this live album may well fuel further debate on that score.
An emergent pop sensibility can be attributed to the prominence ofEinar Solberg’s vocals in the mix and arrangements – everything about the music here seems designed to shine a spotlight on his remarkable voice.
One enduring hallmark of progressive rock and metal is the emphasis on extravagant musicianship; pity the poor frontman having to occupy themselves during a 10-minute instrumental section. However, Solberg stands front and centre.
To his considerable credit, he’s on top form, hitting all the big notes with clarity and precision, his range and control ably demonstrated by the long, high peak he holds at the climax ofPassing.
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The piano-ledCastaway Angels and the catchy feel ofFaceless lean into the progressive pop side, but Leprous burnish their metal credentials with the heavier riffage ofSlave, courtesy of guitarists Tor Oddmund Suhrke and Robin Ognedal.
The crafty syncopation ofFrom The Flame andAtonement nod towards math rock. Likewise,Forced Entry is a workout in metric modulation, with drummer Baard Kolstad skilfully manipulating the time feel, whileOn Hold is a slow, moody work of introspection.
The one odd choice is the decision to close the night withThe Sky Is Red. Arriving after all Solberg’s vocal gymnastics and emotive outpourings, its droning, dirge-like pulse provides an anti-climactic conclusion to the proceedings.
An Evening Of Atonementis on sale now via InsideOut.
After starting his writing career covering the unforgiving world of MMA, David moved into music journalism at Rhythm magazine, interviewing legends of the drum kit including Ginger Baker and Neil Peart. A regular contributor to Prog, he’s written for Metal Hammer, The Blues, Country Music Magazine and more. The author of Chasing Dragons: An Introduction To The Martial Arts Film, David shares his thoughts on kung fu movies in essays and videos for 88 Films, Arrow Films, and Eureka Entertainment. He firmly believes Steely Dan’s Reelin’ In The Years is the tuniest tune ever tuned.
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