What makes Malina by Leprous notable?

Malina received widespread acclaim from critics, showcasing a more melodic and atmospheric approach compared to previous works while still maintaining the band's signature complexity. The album debuted at number one on the Norwegian Albums Chart, further cementing Leprous' status within the genre and influencing a wave of contemporary progressive metal bands seeking to blend technicality with emotional depth. Released on August 25, 2017, Malina is Leprous' fifth studio album and marks a significant evolution in their sound following the critically acclaimed Coal from 2013. By this time, the band had solidified their reputation for innovative compositions and complex arrangements, establishing themselves as leaders in the progressive metal scene.

Malina works well if you're into dynamic journey with emotional peaks, atmospheric soundscapes for deep focus and haunting melodies that linger.

How many songs are on Malina?

Malina has 12 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

Malina

Leprous · 2017

63 min · 12 tracks · progressive metal

A seamless blend of intricate rhythms and emotive melodies, pushing the boundaries of progressive metal into new sonic territories.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Stuck — This track showcases Leprous' ability to fuse catchy hooks with intricate musicianship, making it a standout representation of their evolved sound on Malina.
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From the Flame — With its haunting melodies and dynamic shifts, this song encapsulates the emotional core of the album while highlighting the band's lyrical maturity.
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Illuminate — This track combines lush instrumentation with introspective lyrics, embodying the themes of self-discovery and enlightenment that permeate Malina.
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The Weight of Disaster — The song's powerful build-up and cathartic release exemplify Leprous' signature contrasts between melodic beauty and heavy instrumentation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

Malina showcases intricate compositions and a blend of atmospheric elements, enhancing its replay value.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that build in intensity, culminating in the title track 'Malina', which introduces a more atmospheric sound.
The album closes with 'Root', an instrumental piece that contrasts sharply with the preceding vocal-heavy tracks, providing a reflective ending.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic journey with emotional peaks
atmospheric soundscapes for deep focus
haunting melodies that linger
engaging narrative across tracks
wave-like pacing for reflection

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
avoid lengthy, immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on August 25, 2017, Malina is Leprous' fifth studio album and marks a significant evolution in their sound following the critically acclaimed Coal from 2013. By this time, the band had solidified their reputation for innovative compositions and complex arrangements, establishing themselves as leaders in the progressive metal scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Between the Buried and Me· Haken· Tesseract