What makes Symphonies of the Night by Leaves' Eyes notable?

The album received positive critical reception, with particular praise for its orchestral arrangements and vocal performances. It debuted at number 23 on the Norwegian Albums Chart, marking a significant commercial achievement for the band, showcasing their growing popularity in the genre. Symphonies of the Night is Leaves' Eyes' fourth studio album, following their 2011 release, Meredead. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their identity within the symphonic metal scene while expanding their lyrical themes to include historical narratives and literary references.

Who is Symphonies of the Night for?

Symphonies of the Night works well if you're into long, immersive listening sessions, steady, consistent energy levels and atmospheric background focus.

How many songs are on Symphonies of the Night?

Symphonies of the Night has 11 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Released 13 years ago this November

Symphonies of the Night

Leaves' Eyes · 2013

51 min · 11 tracks · gothic metal

A haunting blend of symphonic melodies and gothic metal riffs that evoke a sense of dark, ethereal beauty.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Hell to the Heavens — This opening track establishes the album's grandiose soundscape with powerful instrumentation and dramatic vocals, setting a compelling tone for the journey ahead.
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Maid of Lorraine — Incorporating folk elements and a captivating narrative about Joan of Arc, this track illustrates the band's ability to blend storytelling with heavy symphonic arrangements.
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Symphony of the Night — The title track epitomizes the album's thematic essence, weaving together lyrical motifs of night and mystery with lush orchestration and emotive melodies.
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Éléonore de Provence — This song showcases intricate harmonies and dynamic contrasts, highlighting the band's skill in balancing heaviness with melodic sensitivity while telling a historical tale.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The blend of orchestral and metal elements showcases strong craftsmanship but remains within established genre boundaries.

What we noticed

The album features orchestral arrangements that frequently intertwine with heavy guitar riffs, creating a dynamic contrast between symphonic and metal elements.
Vocal performances alternate between male growls and female operatic singing, enhancing the dramatic tension throughout the tracks.
Several tracks incorporate choral backing vocals, which add depth and a haunting quality to the overall sound.
The last three tracks slow down the tempo significantly, allowing for a more reflective and atmospheric conclusion to the album.

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: 6/10
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

long, immersive listening sessions
steady, consistent energy levels
atmospheric background focus
dynamic emotional journeys

Where this album fits

Career context: Symphonies of the Night is Leaves' Eyes' fourth studio album, following their 2011 release, Meredead. At this point in their career, the band had solidified their identity within the symphonic metal scene while expanding their lyrical themes to include historical narratives and literary references.
Stylistic neighbors: Nightwish· Epica· Within Temptation