Canadian Symphonic / Celtic Metal artist Leah has released some new information on her upcoming concept album, “Ancient Winter,” and has also launched the albums crowdfunding campaign for it’s release.
The album will be a hybrid of Celtic, fantasy, medieval and folk sounds, featuring a total of eight tracks, with five original pieces, and three covers of traditional songs.
Leah has also once again brought in many other musicians that will be making guest appearances such as: Troy Donockley (Nightwish) Anna Murphy (Cellar Darling) Shir-Ran Yinon (Eluveitie) Oliver Philipps (Everon, Phantasma) Rupert Gillett, with artwork from Jan Yrlund and mixing and mastering by Tom Mueller.
Leah states: I’m very excited to officially announce the coming of a new album, entitled Ancient Winter.
The idea came to me in January of this year. A friend mentioned that I really should do a Christmas-type album, and since I had heard that request so many times, it really solidified the idea in my mind. And seeing that it was still January, there was time for me to pull this off. So, I went straight to work.
It’s very different from the past albums which were more of a symphonic metal style with a touch of Celtic, folk & fantasy.
This is quite different! Many people requested I do a Christmas album, and while I do love Christmas I wanted to create something a little broader so everyone can enjoy it for longer than one month out of the year.
“Ancient Winter” definitely has a festive vibe, but I would describe it as very Celtic, Worldly, Folk, with a lot of Fantasy and Medieval vibes. There’s no metal to be found on this one, but I think you’ll find it’s not missing anything at all.
I’m just getting some mixes now and they sound not only amazing, but they are so lush and full… I think you’ll be in Winter heaven!
Tracklist:
1. The Whole World Summons
2. Light of the World
3. Upon Your Destiny
4. Redemption
5. The Messenger
6. Gaudete
7. Puer Natus
8. Noel Nouvelet
As a completely independent artist, Leah will again be crowdsourcing the release at the album’s official website, and will be offering various tiers and rewards.
She adds: You probably know I’m 100% independent recording artist which means I’m responsible for all the financing, the project, organization, merchandise, everything! It’s quite an undertaking and not for the faint of heart!
By pre-ordering a bundle for this limited time – you’re helping to bring this entire album to fruition and I consider YOU my co-creator and my label!
I think you will love love love this new album- anyone who’s a fan of fantasy, Celtic culture, and winter and holidays – you’ll love this, I know you will!
So join me in this Ancient Winter adventure and let’s launch this together!
Video (audio) for ‘Redemption
Video (audio) for “Ancient Winter”(samples)
Leah‘s latest album “The Quest” has been released on Oct. 5th in Europe and North America through Inner Wound Recordings.
“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.
Our review of “The Quest” can be found here.
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