Band Line Up 2026

Leprous
Formed: 2001, Notodden, Norway
Founders: Einar Solberg (vocals, keyboards) & Tor Oddmund Suhrke (guitar, backing vocals)
Genre: Progressive metal / rock, avant-garde, art rock
Labels: Sensory Records (debut), Inside Out Music / Century Media

Early Years

Leprous began as the brainchild of childhood friends Solberg and Suhrke in Notodden, a Norwegian town long associated with progressive and experimental music. After self-releasing the demos Silent Waters (2004) and Aeolia (2006), the group stabilized their lineup and issued their first full-length, Tall Poppy Syndrome, in 2009 on Sensory Records.

Rise to Prominence

The band’s profile rose sharply when they became the live backing band for Emperor’s Ihsahn, who later contributed to their studio recordings. Their 2011 release Bilateral on Inside Out was widely considered a breakthrough, blending prog-metal complexity with surreal artwork and influences ranging from King Crimson and Pink Floyd to Tool.

Albums & Evolution

• Coal (2013) pursued a darker, more intense aesthetic while retaining dynamic arrangements.

• The Congregation (2015) earned them their first Spellemann award nomination and expanded their international touring reach.

• Malina (2017) introduced guitarist Robin Ognedal and shifted the band toward more melodic, art-rock territory—eschewing harsh vocals in favor of atmosphere and songcraft.

• Pitfalls (2019) offered a deeply personal, orchestral, and emotionally charged exploration of vulnerability and resilience.

• Aphelion (2021) emphasized experimentation, ambient textures, and electronic elements, with contributions from cellist Raphael Weinroth-Browne.

• Melodies of Atonement (2024), produced by David Castillo at Ghostward Studios, marked a return to a leaner, band-driven sound with strong electronic undertones—praised as a revitalized chapter in their career.

Band Members

Current lineup

• Einar Solberg – vocals, keyboards (2001–present)

• Tor Oddmund Suhrke – guitar, backing vocals (2001–present)

• Baard Kolstad – drums (2014–present)

• Simen Daniel Børven – bass, backing vocals (2015–present)

• Robin Ognedal – guitar, backing vocals (2017–present)

Former members: Halvor Strand, Rein Blomquist, Øystein Landsverk, Tobias Ørnes Andersen, among others.

Songwriting & Style

Leprous are celebrated for defying categorization. While rooted in progressive metal, their music also embraces art-rock, synth-driven soundscapes, pop sensibilities, and cinematic ambience. Solberg typically composes on piano or keyboards, while Suhrke crafts the majority of the lyrics. Their philosophy prioritizes emotion and innovation over technical repetition, drawing inspiration from artists as diverse as Radiohead, Massive Attack, Arvo Pärt, and Gojira.

Discography

• Tall Poppy Syndrome (2009)

• Bilateral (2011)

• Coal (2013)

• The Congregation (2015)

• Malina (2017)

• Pitfalls (2019)

• Aphelion (2021)

• Melodies of Atonement (2024)

Touring & Impact

Through tireless touring and acclaimed festival performances at ProgPower, Euroblast, and beyond, Leprous have cultivated a devoted global following. They have shared stages with Therion, TesseracT, Devin Townsend, and many more, while headlining major club tours across Europe and North America.

In 2025, their live stature reaches a new milestone as Leprous headlines the Sophie Lancaster Stage at Bloodstock Open Air on August 8th, a testament to their enduring impact and growing presence within the international metal and progressive music community.

Why Leprous Matters

Since their debut, Leprous have evolved with every release, challenging expectations while maintaining emotional depth and artistic integrity. From their roots in progressive metal to their current role as one of the most adventurous and affecting bands in modern progressive rock, they continue to connect with audiences worldwide—offering music that is at once boundary-breaking and deeply human.