Metal Family Tree

This is a project aimed at making it easy to see who inspired the bands you love or even hate. For this I try not to use any influences that the band don’t claim themselves. There will be a focus on predecessors but successors will be added as they site the band. These trees become more and more interactive as new bands are added, allowing you to click any band that has a tree and jump to it.

We want our lists to be better. If you know something that belongs on this list, let us know. When in doubt we will leave it out, so we need reliable sources.

Leaves’ Eyes area symphonic metal band. In general their earlier stuff sounded more gothic and newer stuff has been adding some folk elements. Guitarist Thorsten Bauer and keyboardist / death growls Alexander Krull have been in the band since the beginning. Thorsten in recent years has taken over playing bass as well after a secsession of bass players: Chris Lukhaup, Alla Fedynitch, and J.B. van der Wal. Liv Kristine was the original vocalist until 2016 at which time Elina Siirala took over as vocalist. The band has gone through a few second guitar players: Mathias Röderer, Sander van der Meer, and Pete Streit. (At the time of making this tree Micki Richter is on guitars but the newest album that will feature him is not yet out so his influences will not be looked at for now) The band has had a bunch of drummers if any have writing credits their influences will be noted.

(This Tree is a work in progress. I have been unable to find influences from guitar players in this band with Thorsten being the most notable for his extended time in the band. Because of this I believe this tree is likely lacking important influences. If anyone can provide any interviews that may help with this tree, please let us know.)

Edvard Greig

Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Placido Domingo

Monserrat Caballe

Pink Floyd are one of the most iconic progressive rock bands. Alex named them as an influence.

Deep Purple are a hugely influential hard rock and early heavy metal band. Alex named them as one of his first influences. Liv also says she grew up with Deep Purple

Black Sabbath are the fathers of metal. Liv said they are a band she grew up with.

Abba are a huge Swedish pop band. Liv named them as a influence.

Queen are a well known influential rock band. Elina named Freddy as one of her musical idols.

Judas Priest are the metal gods, one of the most quintessential heavy metal bands. Alex is a fan.

Motorhead hare hard rock / heavy metal legends. Alex is a fan.

Kate Bush

Iron Maiden are one of the most influential metal bands. Alex is a fan.

Venom can be seen as the fathers of extreme metal. Alex is fan.

One of the most aggressive early thrash bands, Slayer. Alex is a fan.

Madonna is the Queen of pop. Liv named her as an influence.

Dead Can Dance started in the goth scene and have drifted into art rock, darkwave and incorporate various other elements. Alex named them as an influence.

Laibach has a sound raging in various styles related to industrial, darkwave and electronic. Alex named them as an influence.

A-ha were a synth pop band. Liv named them as an influence.

Whitney Houston

Enya is known for her popular sad sounding songs. She’s a Irish world/pop singer. Liv named her as an influence.

Lara Fabian

Tori Amos was a classically trained pop / rock singer. Liv named her as an influence.

Alex says he continues to be a fan of new stuff and says he is a fan of Lamb of God.

Liv said she grew up with metal influences but also has non metal influences such as from pop and classical. She mentions admiring Beethoven and Wagner.

Thorsten has been a very important writer in the band since the beginning but I have been unable to find his influences.

Mathias played on the first three albums and was part of the writing process but I have been unable to find his influences.

Sander was part of two albums and at least wrote on one. I have been unable to find his influences.

Pete played on two albums. I’m unsure if he did any writing and I have not found his influences.

Original bassist Chris is the only bassist to my knowledge that has contributed to writing. I was unable to find his influences.

A couple of drummers have possibly written with the band. I did not find influences for them.

Elina studied classical music for years. Besides singing she also played violin and is self taught on piano.

More Family Trees

Sources:

https://crypticrock.com/interview-alexander-krull-of-atrocity/
https://www.moshville.co.uk/interview/2015/11/interview-liv-kristine-and-thorsten-bauer-of-leaves-eyes/
http://www.metalcovenant.com/pages/interviews/interview_leaves_eyes.htm
http://www.metalassault.com/Interviews/041211_Leaves_Eyes.php
https://www.metal-rules.com/2018/02/23/angel-nation-singer-bandleader-elina-siirala/
http://www.deusasdorock.com.br/2016/08/leaves-eyes-exclusive-interview-with.html