Canadian Symphonic / Celtic Metal artist Leah will release her new album “The Quest” on October 5th in Europe and North America through Inner Wound Recordings. The first single ‘Edge of Your Sword’ is out now and can be streamed below.
Leah checked in with the following:
CONFESSION: I’m a bit nervous about this album release.
Why?
Because I’m doing something this time around that is kind of unheard of.
I’m not INITIALLY releasing my album to digital stores or streaming sites.
Why on God’s green earth would I do that?
Very simply, the digital music industry has come a long way but it still has a ways to go.
In full transparency, it’s difficult to make a living from streaming and digital stores with the way they have it structured.
So for a period of time the album — in both digital and physics formats — will be available via my website/shop only.
I don’t know how long that will be, it could be a month or 6 months.
I’m not very conventional and don’t do what everyone else does. I also realize not every person will be happy about this.
In the end, I have to go with my gut.
And it’s also important that fans realize that for independent artists the BEST way to show support for the art you love is to get it from the source – from the artist.
Want more music? More art? Try to support them directly.
I know so many of you already do! But not everyone is aware, so I’m making things really simple and I hope you’ll spread the word to folks who are wondering why the full album isn’t on Spotify on Oct. 5th.
It’s a really bold decision from me, especially when you consider I could have the potential to chart. But I think you and I agree that charts are about vanity and popularity, and nothing more.
I care more about making more music and making the world a more heavenly, magical place than I do about where I end up on a score board.
So if you come across questions or concerns please direct your fellow fans to this post and hopefully they will understand.
The pre-sale for the album begins TOMORROW – Monday, September 17th on the shop: www.theleahshop.com
There will be an entire collection waiting for you, including The Quest in Digital, CD & Vinyl format, t-shirts, hoodies, and other goodies!
Thank you all who have supported me thus far – and thanks for letting me be honest and transparent with you!
Love you all!
P.S. If you are a IGG contributor – you don’t need to do anything – we will be shipping out your order before the release date!
P.P.S Also — don’t forget about the HOLIDAY season that is right around the corner! The pre-order is the perfect time to think about GIFT-GIVING!
There will be a few perks to purchasing during the pre-order, so check your email tomorrow!
-Leah
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“The Quest” was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen [Volbeat, Amaranthe, Evergrey] and musicians on the album includes Troy Donockley [Nightwish], Timo Somers [Delain], Chen Balbus [Orphaned Land], Barend Courbois [Blind Guardian] and Sander Zoer [ex. Delain].
With a strong Celtic & Fantasy connection, some prog rock elements, ethereal ambiance, combined with traditional Symphonic Metal elements, this is an album Leah is very proud to present.
The concept for “The Quest” is very simple: we’re all on a journey, and sometimes we lose our way. There are adventures, wildernesses, treasures, monsters, looters, people out to send us down the wrong path. Through it all, we must grow in wisdom and experience, find our compass once again and find our way back to the true path in order to reach our full potential: our destiny.
“The Quest” track listing
01. The Quest
02. Edge of Your Sword
03. Lion Arises
04. Heir
05. Ruins of Illusion
06. Labyrinth
07. Abyss
08. Oblivion (Between Two Worlds)
09. Ghost Upon a Throne
10. The Water Is Wide
Weblinks: Website / Facebook / Bandcamp / Twitter / Instagram
Video (audio) for ‘Edge of Your Sword’
Video for “The Quest” (Making-Of Documentary)