Kate Wilcox at Metal Assault recently caught up with LEAVES' EYES vocalist Liv Kristine to discuss the band's new album, Meredead. An excerpt from the in-depth interview is available below:

Q: How would Meredead compare to albums in the past?

Liv: "Meredead truly has the sound of Leaves' Eyes, yes, however, it is more daring, rough, taking new turns. After the era of Vinland Saga and "Njord" we thought 'Okay, our next album is NOT going to take part in the competition of who's got the biggest classical orchestra in melodic gothic metal.' So we let in new influences to our music. I prefer not to force Leaves' Eyes into a specific musical genre. I would rather say that Leaves' Eyes' music combines elements of gothic metal, classical music, folk music, with history and mythology. We constantly develop; we always want to become better musicians and technicians and bring in inspiration from all kinds of sources when we compose and produce. This band will never stand still. Art is always the product of mental evolution, evaluation and development."

Q: The last time you had your sister (carmen Elise / MIDNATTSOL) do a guest appearance I believe was on Lovelorn? How was it having her singing with you again?

Liv: "I was listening to Midnattsol in the car this morning! I am so proud of my sister! It was a pleasure singing 'Sigrlinn' with her in Norwegian. It's very interesting that we have that different voices, although being sisters. I had wanted to sing a duet in Norwegian with my sister, Carmen, since our debut Lovelorn! It feels so good having her next to me. I think our voices complete each other. Next week-end she will be here to practice with us, and with Midnattsol."

Go to this location for the complete interview.

Leaves' Eyes recently posted another new audio sample from their forthcoming album, Meredead. Check out the track 'Kråkevisa' on the band's official Facebook page.

On April 19th, Leaves' Eyes' five-track EP, Melusine, will be featured in the May edition of Sonic Seducer magazine. The EP contains exclusive tracks and versions of songs which have not been released in this form previously. The title track was recorded only for this EP and Sonic Seducer magazine. For more info on the issue go here.

The band will have a limited amount of the magazine on their upcoming tour and will make them available for purchasing at the merch stand.

Melusine EP tracklisting:

‘Melusine’

‘To France’ (sonic mix)

‘Tell-Tale Eyes’ (alternate version)

‘The Battle Of Maldon’ (remastered version)

‘Legend Land’ (acoustic version)

Leaves' Eyes will release Meredead on April 22nd in Germany, Austria and Switzerland via Napalm Records. The album will be available exclusively as limited edition Mediabook CD including bonus track and bonus DVD Live At The Metal Female Voices Festival 2010, strictly limited edition Deluxe Box Set and regular jewel case.

The Deluxe Box Set (pictured below) is limited to 1000 copies and includes the Mediabook CD including bonus track and bonus DVD Live At The Metal Female Voices Festival 2010 plus pendant (Celtic Cross with LE Branding).

Meredead was produced by Alexander Krull at Mastersound Studio and features the following tracklisting:

'Spirits’ Masquerade'

'Étaín'

'Velvet Heart'

'Kråkevisa'

'To France'

'Meredead'

'Sigrlinn'

'Mine Tåror er ei Grimme'

'Empty Horizon'

'Veritas'

'Nystev'

'Tell-Tale Eyes'

'Sorhleod' (Bonus Track)

Bonus DVD - Live at Metal Female Voices Festival 2010

Tracklisting:

'Njord'

'My Destiny'

'Ragnarok'

'Elegy'

'Frøya's Theme'