The five-piece Norwegian prog-metal group Leprous has been making a name for itself since their first album in 2009. Now, they’ve released a video of their live cover, which was created as a part of Musora’s YouTube channel challenge: Covers on the Spot! In this series, each band is tasked to ‘take on’ a surprise song of the director’s choice.
This Northern European–infused cover goes hard, but still manages to keep a bit of that lighthearted feeling that the original 1985 hit had. Not to mention, this video is live and fun. When musicians make music live and are figuring things out, there’s often swearing and laughter. You’ll find both in this 17-minute challenge-based video.
In the end, Leprous comes up with a riveting cover that is full of intricate drums, uniquely timbred vocals, and layers and layers of sonic richness. Throughout the process, the band completely deconstructed every element of the tune…just to build it back up and make it truly their own.
It begins pared down, deep and menacing, with echoes and reverb…Quietly, soulfully, and just a tad mournfully-eerie, the lead singer begins. It builds as the words ‘Take on me’ enter for the first time, and the guitars become intricate, melodic. A four-on-the-floor drum beat takes us to the next section, which is contrasting, melodic and sweet. Rhythmically and emotionally, this version of “Take on Me” ebbs and flows like the tide. Listen to it below!
For more great A-Ha covers, click this link! https://www.covermesongs.com/tag/a-ha
