Leprous Brings the Melodies of Atonement Tour to The Opera House, Toronto

Norwegian prog-metal band Leprous brought their distinct blend of intricate rhythms and emotive vocals to The Opera House, Toronto, in support of their latest album, Melodies of Atonement, released on August 30, 2024, via InsideOutMusic. It has been three years since their last release, Aphelion, and their return was highly anticipated by fans.

Opening the night were Leprous’ fellow Norwegian buddies, Fight the Fight, who brought their infectious energy to the stage. When I arrived, they were just finishing their set, but I caught a fun moment where a fan from the crowd was invited on stage and handed a band member’s phone to snap a picture of the band with the audience behind them, adding a personal touch to their performance.

Direct support came from The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die—definitely the longest band name I’ve ever encountered! Their unique post-rock soundscapes created a captivating atmosphere. Songs like “January 10th, 2014” and “Dim Sum” were emotionally charged, and their haunting melodies kept the audience fully engaged. Their set provided a dynamic shift in tone, perfectly setting the stage for the headliners.

Though originally slated to tour with Monuments, the band had to cancel due to the health condition of their guitarist Browne, who was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis. Monuments shared a heartfelt statement reflecting the challenges of touring, sending love and support to Browne as he takes time to focus on his health.

When Leprous took the stage, the energy shifted to a more immersive, almost hypnotic experience. They opened with “Silently Walking Alone,” and from that moment, I was fully absorbed in their intricate sound. Einar Solberg’s vocals soared over the dense layers of progressive instrumentation, blending emotion with technical mastery. Standout moments included “The Price” and “Third Law,” which showcased the band’s complex yet accessible songwriting.

Midway through the set, however, a brief altercation in the crowd led Solberg to address two fighting audience members during “Alleviate.” His frustration was evident as he asked, “Do you have zero brain cells? What the fuck, man? If you can’t behave, get the fuck out of here.” The crowd erupted in applause, appreciating Solberg’s no-nonsense attitude, and the show swiftly resumed with a renewed focus.

One of the evening’s standout moments occurred during “Faceless.” Solberg shared that the song featured contributions from 170 fans, who provided vocals for the album version. A group of lucky fans, pre-arranged to join the band, took the stage to perform it live. After the song, the band members hugged the fans before departing the stage, adding a special touch to the experience.

This Toronto show also marked the debut of Harrison White, the band’s new keyboardist from the UK, whose contributions added depth and freshness to their live sound. His seamless integration into the band was immediately apparent, particularly during the atmospheric segments of the set.

For the encore, Solberg introduced a unique twist, telling the crowd they could pick three songs, but ultimately, the band would choose which one to perform. After presenting the options, the band selected “Slave,” much to the delight of the audience. This fan-favorite ended the night on a climactic note, wrapping up an immersive performance that showcased their intricate musicianship, emotional depth, and profound artistry.

Solberg also took a moment to reflect on Leprous’s last performance in Toronto back in 2014 at The El Mocambo, a venue famously graced by legendary bands like the Rolling Stones. He humorously recalled how only one side of the house speakers worked, adding humor to his reflection, and expressed excitement about finally playing at The Opera House

Leprous continues to push the boundaries of progressive metal, delivering a performance that was both musically complex and emotionally resonant. The Melodies of Atonement tour highlights their new music and solidifies their reputation as one of the most creative bands in the genre. As a newcomer to their music, this night at The Opera House was a mesmerizing introduction that I will not soon forget.

Thank you so much, Sarah Lutz from Looters for the accreditation.

Leprous

The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die

Fight the Fight

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Drew Osborne

I’m Drew, the founder and editor of Front of the Stage. I have a strong love for music and photography, which started at a very young age. There’s just something I love about experiencing live music and capturing memories that will last a lifetime, and that’s how Front of the Stage came to be.