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)
The Valley
Leprous Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lyrics of Leprous's song The Valley touch upon themes of aimlessness, shame, redemption, and personal struggle. The opening lines describe how the singer spent ten years searching for a purpose or a meaning to their life, but the search was futile. The feeling of being lost is reinforced by the line "valley in sin," which could be interpreted as a metaphor for a dark, desolate place that is hard to escape. The next lines mention the singer's admiration for someone who is "honest and brave." The mention of this person could be seen as a desire for guidance or someone to inspire the singer in tough times.
The chorus ("where you are, my secret star") could represent a glimmer of hope or a source of comfort in times of struggle. Moving away and the vanishing sun could indicate that the singer feels as if they are facing the unknown alone, with no easy path to follow.
The bridge of the song could represent a turning point. The phrase "visibly frail" suggests a moment of introspection and reflection, leading to the realization that something needs to change in order to "prevail." The final lines of the song are especially poignant, with the "valley within" suggesting that the struggle the singer is experiencing is internal, but very real.
Line by Line Meaning
When it began Lacking a goal
At the start, I had no purpose or direction in my life.
Ten years I ran In hunt for a soul
For the past decade, I've been searching for meaning and a sense of purpose.
Adhesive flame Endless it seems
This burning desire inside me to find my purpose and soulmate feels never-ending.
Intriguing shame Too late to redeem
It's both fascinating and shameful that it's taken me this long to realize what I want, but it feels like I've missed my chance to make up for lost time.
Everyone knows Honest and brave
Others see me as honest and courageous, but they don't know the inner turmoil I'm going through.
What lies too close Something to save
The thing I desire most is within reach, but I fear I may lose it if I don't act quickly.
Valley in sin This valley I'm in
I feel trapped in a place of darkness and wrongdoing.
Where you are My secret star
You are the one I long for, but I can't let anyone know or risk losing you.
Moving away Nowhere to run
You're leaving me behind and I feel like I have no escape from my own emotions.
No one can stay Vanishing sun
Everyone eventually leaves, just like the sun sets each day.
Visibly frail Easy to see
My vulnerability and weakness are apparent to anyone who pays attention.
How to prevail Still there it lies
I don't know how to overcome my struggles and find my way, but deep down I know the answer is within me.
In rivers thin Down in disguise In my valley within
My true feelings and struggles are buried beneath a thin veneer of normality, hidden away in the depths of my soul.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: EINAR SOLBERG, OYSTEIN LANDSVERK, REIN BLOMQUIST, TOBIAS ORNES ANDERSEN, TOR ODDMUND SUHRKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind