Since Leprous was founded in 2001, they've gone through a few changes in the line-up, and now consists of Einar Solberg (synth/vocals), Tor Oddmund Suhrke (guitar), Simen Børven (bass), Robin Ognedal (guitar) and Baard Kolstad (drums)
The young quintet have already made themselves visible on the Norwegian prog- and metal scene, and twice the band has made the finals in the Norwegian Rock Championship. Besides Leprous, the guys in Leprous are currently working as a session band of solo artist "Ihsahn", also known as the front figure of the legendary black metal band Emperor.
In August 2008, Leprous recorded their debut album "Tall Poppy Syndrome". As a result they caught the eye of several record companies, and ended up signing with the American label Sensory Records for a May 2009 release.
Prior to "Tall Poppy Syndrome", Leprous have recorded two demos which both received great accolades from the worldwide media, with the demo (self-financed full length album) "Aeolia" among other great reviews received a perfect 10 out of 10 score from the Norwegian webzine www.metal-norge.no. The band at that point decided to hold off on the search for a label to release their albums though, as they knew that they could create even better songs. And now, a couple of years later, "Tall Poppy Syndrome" is ready to hit the shelves.
Backed by Intromental Management & Booking Agency, Leprous spent 2009 promoting the release with numerous shows throughout Scandinavia, and entering 2010 the band and management laid plans for bringing the music of Leprous even further out to fans, by lining up shows around Europe and USA, as well as setting the band up as main support on Swedish orchestral metal band Therion's fall 2010 European tour, taking the band through no less than 17 countries in 30 days.
The music of Leprous is not an easy one to classify. Various genres are included, from progressive rock, to jazz, to pure metal. The vocals alternate between clean and growling, something which gives the music a heaviness it otherwise wouldn't have. To compare Leprous to other bands is practically impossible, but the closest comparisons would be bands such as Opeth, Arcturus, Porcupine Tree, Van Der Graaf Generator or Emperor. An interesting listening-experience for the open-minded music fan.
Studio albums
Tall Poppy Syndrome (2009)
Bilateral (2011)
Coal (2013)
The Congregation (2015)
Malina (2017)
Pitfalls (2019)
Aphelion (2021)
Live albums
Live at Rockefeller Music Hall (2016)
Demos
Silent Waters (2004)
Aeolia (2006)
RED
Leprous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Making decisions when I'm, when I'm around
A proud and protected shape of its own
Easily altered when red flags are shown
Turning against the inevitable red
Confined for what was said
Follow your thread
Turning against the inevitable red
Confined for what was said
Won't sleep in your bed
Follow your thread
Saturate firmly, elastic raft
Balancing steadily, delicate craft
Treacherous thoughts, render a hope
Parallel tragedy, tightening rope
Manual guidance, chosen and, chosen and pure
Manipulating heads that are sure
Turning against the inevitable red
Confined for what was said
Won't sleep in your bed
Follow your thread
Turning against the inevitable red
Confined for what was said
Won't sleep in your bed
Follow your thread
The lyrics of "Red" by Leprous seem to be about being true to oneself and being conscious of one's actions and decisions. The first stanza talks about having a mindful conscience and making decisions when in the presence of others. The second stanza refers to being proud and protective but also being susceptible to red flags and being easily altered. The phrase "turning against the inevitable red" seems to indicate going against what is expected or predetermined.
The third stanza discusses being firm and balanced but also having treacherous thoughts and facing tragedy. The phrase "tightening rope" suggests a sense of impending doom or danger. The fourth stanza talks about manual guidance and manipulation of those who are sure of themselves. The last two stanzas repeat the phrase "turning against the inevitable red" and emphasize not wanting to follow the expected path or sleep in someone else's bed.
Overall, the lyrics convey a sense of defiance and an unwillingness to conform to societal expectations or norms. The use of the color red, which is often associated with passion, danger, and warning, adds an extra layer of meaning to the song.
Line by Line Meaning
Mindful conscience, baseline is sound
I am aware and attentive to my thoughts, and my beliefs are strong and stable.
Making decisions when I'm, when I'm around
I am able to make choices for myself and take responsibility for them when I am present.
A proud and protected shape of its own
My personality and identity are distinct and secure.
Easily altered when red flags are shown
However, I am prone to changing my mind or behavior when warning signs suggest that I should be wary.
Turning against the inevitable red
Despite the inevitability of negative consequences, I resist and rebel against them.
Confined for what was said
I am punished or restricted due to my words or actions.
Won't sleep in your bed
I refuse to be complicit or vulnerable in a situation that doesn't align with my values.
Follow your thread
I will stay true to my own path and beliefs, even if it requires standing up against others.
Saturate firmly, elastic raft
I persevere and remain resilient, like a buoyant raft that can weather sudden changes in pressure.
Balancing steadily, delicate craft
I am able to maintain a sense of stability and equilibrium in turbulent situations, using my sensitivity and finesse to keep my footing.
Treacherous thoughts, render a hope
My negative or pessimistic thoughts can easily damage my sense of optimism or motivation.
Parallel tragedy, tightening rope
When bad things happen in close succession, it can feel like they are conspiring against me, making my situation feel more and more dire.
Manual guidance, chosen and, chosen and pure
I am deliberate and intentional in the way I live my life, with aspirations and values that I hold dear.
Manipulating heads that are sure
However, I can be persuasive in convincing others to see things from my point of view, even if they were previously confident in their own beliefs.
Contributed by Blake D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.