Moscow‑based post‑DSBM/gothic metal formation Léan emerges as a compelling new coalition of musicians whose combined histories have shaped an arresting sonic identity. The project unites Vaarwel — recognised for his work under the windswept banner of Frozen Ocean and the enigmatic Goatpsalm — with the bleak, abrasive force of Meister Leonhardt, and Lorelei Ether, keyboardist and vocalist known from prolific gothic metal acts The Lust and Goot. Their convergence has produced an alchemical blend of sound, weaving echoes of their past endeavours into something wholly new.

Vaarwel reflects on the origins of this creative venture: "It started several years ago when Lorelei was depleted of music she likes to listen to and thus decided that, in that case, she needed to write this music herself. Since it is something between gothic metal, DSBM, post punk, atmospheric black metal, depressive rock and blackgaze, the window was quite narrow! She wrote some songs, about two dozen, and I helped her to develop those to the point of completion".

From his words, it is clear that Léan's story is only beginning. Yet first comes "Desuetude" — a debut single crafted to introduce the world to this distinctive project. Interestingly, the song has existed in a simpler form for many years, as Vaarwel explains: "It was initially a song that Lorelei wrote when she was about 13, just accompanied by an acoustic guitar. I severely reworked and rearranged it, made it much more complex and wrote appropriate lyrics, also adding male vocals, trying to aggregate all the features of our music in a demonstrative way".

The result is remarkable: Lorelei's delicate, youthful composition is transformed through Vaarwel's engulfing layers, intricate arrangements and evocative lyrical approach into something strikingly atmospheric and emotionally resonant.

"Desuetude" opens with a cascade of glittering, fragile notes before powerful guitars and drums rise beneath them like surging waves, propelling the piece with irresistible momentum. Lorelei's soft, crystalline voice intertwines with Vaarwel's full, rounded tones, while a blackened whispered rasp completes a triad of complementary vocal textures. Deeply emotive, the track carries a strong current of melancholy, yet its closing moments offer a sense of catharsis — a quiet release, a letting‑go.

This is only the beginning for Léan, but what a fantastic first offering it is. With unsettling cover art created by Vaarwel, "Desuetude" is now out — be there from the start. Link