What makes Meredead by Leaves' Eyes notable?

Meredead received positive reviews, particularly for its ambitious blending of genres and lyrical depth, cementing Leaves' Eyes as prominent figures in the gothic and symphonic metal scenes. The album charted well in several countries, showcasing the band's growing influence and appeal in the European metal community. Released in 2011, Meredead is Leaves' Eyes' fourth studio album, following the 2009 release of Njord. At this point in their career, the band had established a dedicated fan base within the gothic metal scene, building on their signature sound while exploring deeper themes of folklore and mythology.

Meredead works well if you're into haunting melodies for introspection, dynamic ebb and flow experience and evocative themes of mythology.

How many songs are on Meredead?

Meredead has 14 tracks, running approximately 62 minutes.

Meredead

Leaves' Eyes · 2011

62 min · 14 tracks · gothic metal

A haunting blend of gothic and symphonic metal, rich with ethereal vocals and sweeping melodies that evoke ancient tales.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Étaín — This track highlights the band's ability to fuse melodic elements with heavier instrumentation, featuring captivating vocal harmonies that reflect the album's mythological themes.
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Kråkevisa — An engaging reinterpretation of a traditional Norwegian song, this track showcases Leaves' Eyes' dedication to cultural heritage while maintaining their distinctive sound.
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Meredead — The title track serves as a cornerstone of the album, encapsulating its thematic essence with lush arrangements and powerful storytelling through music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends gothic and symphonic elements effectively, showcasing strong craftsmanship but with some unevenness in pacing.

What we noticed

Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements, such as strings and choirs, enhancing the symphonic quality of the music.
The tempo varies significantly across tracks, with some maintaining a steady pace while others shift dramatically, creating dynamic contrasts.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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

haunting melodies for introspection
dynamic ebb and flow experience
evocative themes of mythology
for twilight listening
immersive journey through sound

Maybe skip if you

seeking upbeat instant gratification
prefer short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2011, Meredead is Leaves' Eyes' fourth studio album, following the 2009 release of Njord. At this point in their career, the band had established a dedicated fan base within the gothic metal scene, building on their signature sound while exploring deeper themes of folklore and mythology.
Stylistic neighbors: Nightwish· Epica· Within Temptation