Leprous taking on “Take on Me”? Yeah, you read that right. (Still awake at 2AM, huh?) These Norwegian prog-metal maestros decided to dive headfirst into the iconic ’80s pool of synth-pop nostalgia, and, spoiler alert—this ain’t your typical karaoke night disaster. Within the first few chords, you can feel them ripping apart a-ha’s DNA like mad scientists at a metal lab, slapping on some tempo mutilation and reimagined rhythms, just because they can.
Ever wonder what makes Leprous tick? This is a behind-the-scenes peek at the band’s creative engine room. As they react to the original, the vibe is part reverence, part “hold my beer, I got this.” You can almost picture the gears turning in the background—like time signatures being debated harder than Sabbath vs. Dio debates at your local metal pub. They slap on those signature complex textures and epic builds that’d make any prog fan weep tears of joy. But let’s be real, deadlines are their unspoken MVP here. Because nothing says “get creative” like a ticking clock, right?
By the time they hit the 11-minute mark, it’s clear that Leprous aren’t just covering a song—they’re crafting a sonic experience. Their final cut of “Take On Me” isn’t just a cover; it’s a revelation. The way they push and pull those familiar melodies into uncharted territory is like watching Iron Maiden suddenly decide to cover The Beatles—oddly captivating and somehow fitting.
What’s potentially more riveting is their final performance. Instead of just hammering out a metalized riff-fest, they offer a nuanced take that could sit comfortably next to your old-school metal vinyls. You’ll bang your head and groove along, feeling like you’ve unlocked a secret level where prog and pop, metal and melody meet. It’s wild, yet oddly comforting—like finding out Dimmu Borgir and ABBA could actually pull off a world tour together.
So, there you have it. Leprous proves without a doubt that not even ’80s pop is safe from the claws of metal. Yes, you still skeptical at 3AM, might just rethink your entire Spotify playlist. This cover shines beyond novelty—it’s an inspired reinvention with all the technical prowess you’d expect from seasoned prog-metal adventurers, ready to take on the world, one unexpected cover at a time.
