- "Leoniden doesn't identify as a circus musical ensemble" or "Leoniden distinguishes itself from a carnival band" are possible paraphrases for the given text.
According to Leoniden, the Kiel rock band, their successful formula isn't something they can easily pull out. As frontman Jakob Amr tells the German Press Agency, "The music we create is actually quite intense, loud, and distorted. Our live shows are no different." Contrary to what he'd advise others, it's these intense, distorted tunes and not-so-happy lyrics that have kept the band at the top for years. Thus, it's fitting that their fourth album, released today, is titled "Melancholic Masterpieces."
Lennart Eicke, the guitarist, is obviously proud of Leoniden's unique sound. He says, "The crazy chaos we create is pretty awesome." Fans have already got a taste of the new album with singles like "Never Never" and "Keep Fumbling." The new album, he says, is diverse and varied - a stark contrast to their three previous albums.
Eicke, 34, discusses the new album further. "Previously, we'd announce the next album while still on tour. This time, we had more time. So, you could say this is our first real album - not just a collection of songs finished at a particular time." According to him, the fourth album is "a bolder, more consistent, more thoughtful, and more considered version of Leoniden."
With the new album, Leoniden aims to make it clear that while their concerts are wild parties and their music great for dancing, their lyrics are never simple or shallow. "We're not a circus band," adds Amr, also 34.
The lack of cheerful song lyrics from Leoniden indicates that music-making for them is mainly a way of processing. Amr says, "We write songs about stuff that keeps us awake at night or that we've been carrying around for ages." These are often not specific topics, but rather vague feelings.
From October, Leoniden will be back on tour with songs from their new album. They'll also be performing tracks from their 2021 album "Complex Happenings Simplified Into a Basic Plan," which topped the German album charts. That's what you call success.
The fourth album release, titled "Melancholic Masterpieces," marks a bolder and more considered evolution of Leoniden's sound, as discussed by guitarist Lennart Eicke. He also mentioned that this album is their first real album, offering a diverse and varied listen compared to their previous releases.
