Former Cradle Of Filth guitarist Marek “Ashok” Šmerda has shared the following update: “I am excited to announce I’ll be playing bass for the amazing team in Leaves’ Eyes for their upcoming European/UK shows.” Šmerda will fill in for Leaves’ Eyes’ original bassist Dominik Prykiel, who is handling other commitments.
“I am excited to give my best in a new role, surrounded by a horde of Vikings,” Ashok stated.
He thanked Alexander Krull and the Leaves’ Eyes team for the opportunity.
Leaves’ Eyes have announced their European/UK tour dates, with Marek “Ashok” Šmerda joining the lineup. The shows will take place from March 5 to April 15 and include stops in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, the UK, and other locations.
The full itinerary is as follows:
March 5 – Dordrecht, Netherlands – Bibelot March 7 – Übach-Palenberg, Germany – Rockfabrik March 8 – Karlsruhe, Germany – Die Stadtmitte March 12 – Kortrijk, Belgium – DVG Club March 13 – Enschede, Netherlands – Metropool March 14 – Milton Keynes, UK – The Craufurd Arms March 15 – London, UK – The Underworld
Tickets are available here: https://www.leaveseyes.de/tour/
Leaves’ Eyes recently released the official video for “Song Of Darkness,” the title track of their new EP, Song Of Darkness, available March 6 via Reigning Phoenix Music.
Vocalist Elina Siirala stated: “Song Of Darkness is like a play with contrasts: it combines the mysterious and dark with light and angelic.” Founder Alexander Krull added: “Our Song Of Darkness transports you to a world of dark dreams and inner turmoil, where mystical spirits from ancient times guide your destiny. A tragic love story, but no happy ending.”
Stream or download the single here: https://leaveseyes.rpm.link/sodsinglePR
For more than two decades, Leaves’ Eyes have forged their own path through the realms of symphonic and Viking metal, uniting mythic storytelling with boundless musical imagination.
Founded in 2003 by vocalist and producer Alexander Krull, the band stands as a meeting point between power and poetry.
With Finnish soprano Elina Siirala fronting the band since 2016, their sound has evolved into a breathtaking blend of classical precision and visceral energy.
Joined by Florian Ewert and Luc Gebhardt on guitars, bassist Dominik Prykiel, and session drummer Nils Kreul, Leaves’ Eyes create immersive worlds that bridge ancient history and modern emotion.
In 2026, the band enter a new chapter with the release of the EP Song Of Darkness, marking the dawn of a creative cycle that expands both their sonic and conceptual horizons.
Recorded at Mastersound Studio under Krull’s production, the record refines their signature fusion of orchestral depth and metallic intensity.