Leaves' Eyes Vs Liv Kristine - Statements

The shock announcement that Liv Kristine was being replaced as lead vocalist of Leaves' Eyes this week has rocked the symphonic metal world. Posted just the day before the band were due to play their first concert in Indonesia, the announcement that Elina Siirala was to take her place was shared by both the band and (partly) by Liv. Liv later added that it was a very hard time for her and that "this chapter in my life would have to end so soon was not my intention". Many fans were left confused and outraged, particularly as the band began to share numerous pictures of their new line-up and posts from other musicians deriding "entitled, spoilt" fans and defending Elina.

Amid flying personal rumours from accounts linked to Liv's family members, Leaves' Eyes took to their Facebook page once again to post a full statement:

"LET THE MUSIC TALK!

Dear Fans and Friends, we are just back from a great weekend in Indonesia. Our first show with Elina went awesome! Despite a heavy tropical storm before the gig 21.000 people showed up in front of the stage!

We understand that many fans and friends are surprised and shocked about the change in our band. We all know Liv had an important role for the band in the past, and we understand people are sad as it was not an easy decision for every one involved. But since a lot of hateful and disrespectful comments are in the social media, we would like to take the opportunity to make some points very clear: Leaves’ Eyes has always been a band, and not a project, nor a Liv Kristine solo project at all. We always worked as a team in Leaves’ Eyes. In the last decade Tosso and Alex wrote the music for Leaves’ Eyes and Liv took care of the lyrics.

Liv’s solo project is called "Liv Kristine“. We supported Liv also in her solo career, writing music, recording and producing albums and doing management in the past.

The decision to part ways with Liv was taken by all Leaves’ Eyes members, including Liv. A mediator - a friend of Liv and Alex - was at the band meeting who can witness that the decision of parting ways was agreed by all members. Liv was happy to have the opportunity to plan changes in her future life and she does not have to go on tour so much any more. The idea to go separated ways came up already in January.

Elina was no part of this decision or process.

It was also agreed to help Liv for her solo project "Liv Kristine" and record her new demo songs and her further projects at the studio just like in the past.

Please respect the privacy of Liv and Alex! Disrespectful postings and bashing is harming their family situation and their son Leon. Liv and Alex don’t want to split fans - don’t give false rumors, haters and bashers a chance!

At the moment we can’t tell you more details as legal actions are in process.

To our world wide fans who are there for the music and not the gossip: LET THE MUSIC TALK!

We are looking forward to present new material with Elina soon!

Stay tuned for news of our upcoming video clip, music and tour updates.

Rock on!

Leaves’ Eyes

PS: We will post the protocol of the band meeting by the mediator! The truth always remains."

But Liv's page showed a somewhat different side of the story with her own statement, which reads:

"Dear Fans & Friends,

Without you I wouldn't have the strength to continue with music. What you all have done for me with all your endless support and passion keeps me going on in these difficult times. 

Thank you for warning me concerning new postings by someone in Leaves' Eyes, done to harm me and make my situation even worse. I have nothing to hide, nothing to fear. I was told a bit longer than a week ago that I am not preferred as the band's singer for further tours and recordings any more. I asked for the situation concerning Indonesia and the soon-to-happen up-coming shows. The answer was "no". I asked if there's a replacement and I got no clear answer. I can't believe this process happened behind my back, parallel to a huge disappointment in my private life. A few days later there certainly was a replacement. I must say - that was "quick"😉! 

I still see Leaves' Eyes as "my baby" and I will miss playing these gigs, feeling the good vibes, sensing the real Norwegian Viking power with the audiences. Inside my heart I will always treasure Leaves' Eyes for all the good music, tunes, themes, concept and true Viking power. The melodies I used to sing will always stay alive in my ears.

I can't wait to unveil good news for you soon. There will be good news coming from Norway!

Love, 

Liv"

It remains to be seen what the future will hold for both Liv and the band after this split  - but for the sake of all parties involved and the fans, we hope an agreement can be reached so that everyone can move forward.

Edit: The plot thickens in the Leaves' Eyes camp as the band have retaliated by releasing the following write-up of their mediation meeting from the 6th of April. It's worth a read - it does confirm what was agreed about the separation, but interestingly does not seem to disprove Liv's claims that she was only recently removed from the band or that she had no idea about Elina being announced as her replacement.