What makes Njord by Leaves' Eyes notable?

Njord received positive reviews from both fans and critics, highlighting its ambitious orchestration and lyrical depth rooted in Norse mythology. The album helped further establish Leaves' Eyes as key players in the symphonic metal scene, contributing to the genre's growing popularity during the late 2000s. Released on January 1, 2009, Njord is Leaves' Eyes' third studio album, following their critically acclaimed record Vinland Saga. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique blend of gothic and symphonic metal, carving a niche that combined heavy instrumentation with thematic storytelling.

Njord works well if you're into dynamic journey with emotional peaks, haunting themes of ancient tales and immersive storytelling through sound.

How many songs are on Njord?

Njord has 14 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

Njord

Leaves' Eyes · 2009

63 min · 14 tracks · gothic metal

Epic orchestral arrangements intertwine with haunting vocals, creating a mythical soundscape steeped in Norse mythology.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Njord — The title track serves as an overture for the album with its majestic orchestral intro and powerful vocal delivery, encapsulating the thematic essence of the record.
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Take the Devil in Me — This track stands out with its driving rhythm and poignant lyrics, showcasing the band's ability to balance aggression with melodic beauty.
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Emerald Island — With its rich textures and evocative storytelling, Emerald Island transports listeners to a mythical landscape, highlighting Leaves' Eyes' knack for immersive narratives.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

Njord combines orchestral depth with strong vocal interplay, creating a distinctive sound within gothic metal.

What we noticed

The album opens with a title track that features layered orchestral strings and choral elements, setting a grand tone for the record.
Several tracks incorporate traditional folk instruments alongside electric guitars, creating a fusion of modern metal and ancient sounds.
The vocal arrangements often feature both male and female leads, alternating between soaring melodies and deep growls, enhancing the mythological themes.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, allowing for a reflective conclusion to the album's narrative.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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
haunting themes of ancient tales
immersive storytelling through sound
wave-like pacing for deep focus
reflective moments of quiet intensity

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released on January 1, 2009, Njord is Leaves' Eyes' third studio album, following their critically acclaimed record Vinland Saga. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their unique blend of gothic and symphonic metal, carving a niche that combined heavy instrumentation with thematic storytelling.
Stylistic neighbors: Nightwish· Epica· Within Temptation