Leverage – Gravity
(Frontiers Music SRL - 2025)
(Genre: Heavy Rock)
Delivering their sixth studio release via the Frontiers label come the Scandinavian six piece, Leverage. ‘Gravity’ sees these Finnish rockers unveil their MK III lineup for the first time.
Upon reading into the band’s history, I learned that Leverage’s previous Vocalist sadly passed away in 2022. There was talk naturally that the band might call it a day, until main songwriter and Guitarist, Toumas Heikkinen decided to strive forward. New Vocalist, Paolo Ribaldini (Delain) and Violinist, Lotta-Maria Heiskanen join this new line-up of Leverage.
Along with Toumas Heikkinen the remaining members are Marko Niskala (Keyboards), Valtteri Revonkorpi (Drums) and Sami Norrbacka (Bass). Leverage deliver a style that draws from Classic 80’s Rock/Metal titans, to Power and Symphonic Metal elements. They bring these influences to help create their own style and sound. Leverage waste no time in showcasing what they can produce from the get-go here on ‘Gravity’.
Album opener, ‘Shooting Star’ has hints of Rainbow and Symphony X throughout showing their diverse sound. The musicality of the band shines immediately with great guitar parts and powerful drumming from Revonkorpi. ‘Tales of the Night’ has great riffs dispersed throughout from Heikkinen and Revonkorpi is a force behind the drums again. Niskala’s keyboard helps create a song of real gravitas along with Ribaldini’s vocal that has touches of Tony Martin at times.
All aboard the ‘Hellbound Train’ for a pulsating metal infused rocker! Leverage are tapping into 'Painkiller' era Judas Priest for this track. ‘Moon of Madness’ gives Niskala more space to shine on keyboards. This song is brimming with catchy melodies and hooks. It also gives us the first real glimpse of Lotta-Maria Heiskanen on violin.
Track 5 is ‘Eliza’ which has neo-classical stylings similar to Alcatrazz as well as a vocal part that could be Rob Halford from the ‘Nostradamus’ album. Possibly the best song so far comes in ‘All Seeing Eye’. It delivers power, melodic swagger and metal might, which just like the album title suggests will pull you in with its power!
More blood pumping energy from Revonkorpi on drums, skillful fret work Heikkinen and powerful vocals from Ribaldini are on offer in ‘King Ghidorah’. It brings us to the album closing title track ‘Gravity’. At just shy of 10 minutes, it allows these Finnish Juggernauts to unleash their full musical mastery! The song flows superbly with dynamic drumming, great guitar work and a brilliant vocal from Ribaldini.
Leverage are a true Finnish force in rock based on reviewing their latest album ‘Gravity’. It is eight tracks of powerful, epic music that is deserving of your time, should you wish to give it. The strength of ‘Gravity’ has just ‘leveraged’ this album into the conversation to best I have reviewed so far in 2025!
By Carl Mace