LIV KRISTINE: Audio Samples Of Four Solo Tracks Posted Online

Audio samples of four tracks ("Twofold", "Train to Somewhere", "The Rarest Flower" and "Love in Grey") from "Skintight", the new solo album from the Norwegian singer Liv Kristine (LEAVES' EYES, ex-THEATRE OF TRAGEDY),can be streamed on her MySpace page.

Kristine's track-by-track descriptions of the songs:

"Twofold":

"This is one of my own faves on 'Skintight'. My co-composer, Thorsten Bauer, left this guitar idea 'open' on our recording folder one late night about one and a half years ago, this being one of the first demo tracks written for the album. As I heard it, Johnny Cash immediately came into my mind — his honest and calm face, and his warm voice and excellent guitar tunes. I thought [to] myself, 'This is going to be a song about honesty, trust, and deep feelings,' moreover, 'the fear of being left alone.' I would like to dedicate this song to all Cash fans and friends in memory of one of the still brightest shining stars in music heaven ever. And least but last, thank you, Thorsten, for your 'spicy' solo — it is breathtaking!"

"Train to Somewhere":

"This is more of an up-beat rock song which has a quite different mood than most other songs on 'Skintight'. If you liked the title track, you will enjoy this one, too! The lyrics are based on a personal experience I had back in 1998: My best friend and I jumped on the next train to Prague, just like that, because all lessons had been cancelled at the university that day, and we had a fantastic trip! 'Train to Somewhere' is the perfect song to start your day off, leaving stress and hard work at a distance; the sun is shining, your friends are waiting, the world is yours! Just catch the next train to 'somewhere' — forget your sorrows, and have a wonderful time!"

"The Rarest Flower":

"'The Rarest Flower' is the final song of the album, and my friends and fans who have already heard it have told me that it goes immediately under your skin, and stays there. It is longer than all other tracks on 'Skintight' and based on only the piano and the cello. As our great friend and guest piano player, Oliver Palotai, added his personal note on this song by playing and recording our demo idea one afternoon, I really felt that this is a true musical pearl. Only one 'spice' was missing: Christoph Kutzer and his amazing cello solo! The vocals were recorded in only ONE complete go, to be able to underline the direct and intense emotional expression throughout the whole song. I owe a great thank you to Tori Amos, who gave me this brilliant idea."

"Love in Grey":

"'Love in Grey' is based on one of Thorsten Bauer's brilliant guitar ideas, composed in cold and snowy February 2009. Lyric-wise, it unveils an important and tricky issue: what happens to love when it has become 'everyday-like?' What happens to passion, all memories, honesty, and communication in a relationship when love is not anymore like it used to be in the very 'beginning?' In my booklet you will find eleven wonderful pictures painted by my friend Katja, who actually is able to paint my dreams. Her painting to 'Love in Grey' is a direct visualization of what I had in mind when I wrote this song's lyrics. The visual and auditory effect of 'Love in Grey' will catch your heart and senses. Have a short break, lean back and enjoy!"

Liv Kristine 's "Skintight" video can be viewed below. The clip was shot last month with director Patric Ullaeus of Revolver Film Company, who has previously worked with DIMMU BORGIR, LACUNA COIL, IN FLAMES, SONIC SYNDICATE and KAMELOT, among many others.

"Skintight" will be released in North America on September 14 via Napalm Records.

"Skintight" track listing:

01. Skintight
02. Twofold
03. Train to Somewhere
04. Love in Grey
05. Emotional Catastrophes
06. Life Line
07. Boy at the Window
08. Wonders
09. Versified Harmonies
10. The Rarest Flower
11. One Of Them (limited-edition digipack bonus track)

The CD was recorded at Mastersound Studio and the artwork (see below) was created by Stefan Heilemann.

Liv previously stated about the new LP, "My main aim is to release an album which goes directly under your skin, and into your hearts. Being authentic, but perhaps not flawless, is the philosophy I follow artistically. It is not necessary to tune and shape a singing voice when it comes from the heart, from deep within. This is why I chose the title 'Skintight'.

"Most recordings were done 'in one go,' i.e. record a complete song without breaks. Moreover, we've kept and paid attention to the natural processes which take place during singing, like breathing, movements of the lips, emotional expression and strength etc. All this makes the album authentic, real, and direct. The music is played with only a few, however, original instruments.

"[It is] a very down-to-earth album, and absolutely 'real,' like as if you were sitting next to me and I would sing a song to you.

"All songs have been written by Torsten Bauer, and myself. [Liv's husband] Alexander Krull [ATROCITY, LEAVES' EYES] produced the album.

"My lyrics tell about my childhood ('One of Them', 'Wonders'),and my observations of the fast, cold, superficial and grey society of the masses ('The Rarest Flower', 'Boy at the Window').

"'Skintight' is dedicated to the children of this world — our future. Children embody real, true and endless love; love towards nature, and love between human beings.

"This is an album which will open your hearts."

Kristine released her sophomore solo album, "Enter My Religion", in March 2006 via Roadrunner Records. The follow-up to 1998's "Deus ex Machina" was produced by Alexander Krull (ATROCITY, LEAVES' EYES) at Mastersound Studio in Stuttgart/Fellbach, Germany.