Xandria: New Album Eclipse

Album cover of Eclipse by Xandria

The new album by Xandria is out since August 7th, three years after their previous full length album (The Wonders Still Awaiting, 2023), although they released an EP with a few new original works in the meantime. The previous album saw the introduction of their new singer Ambre Vourvahis, and the other band members Tim Schwarz, Dimitri Gatsios, and Rob Klawonn, as only Marco Heubaum remains as longtime member and founder. Xandria used to have an operatic approach to the vocals, but with Ambre as new vocalist they have taken a pop sound as new main vocal style, although she does harsh vocals very well too. This relatively new approach is continued on the new album Eclipse, so let’s dive into it.

Their main feat is, as one would expect in symphonic metal, the inclusion of an orchestra and choir. On this album it is once again very well executed, I really like the epicness it gives their sound. Previously, it made a lot of sense with their operatic approach, but they managed to pull it off with their more pop production in recent works. They create immediate tension as the album starts by having an introductory track that blends into the first actual song. As the album progresses, the focal point in the music keeps shifting between orchestra, guitars and choir, which creates great dynamics. Of course, this all happens around Ambre’s great voice.

Even though their sound has that smooth sound that’s heard in pop productions, the compositions are much more interesting than your average pop song. Each song on the album takes you on a journey beyond the standard verse - chorus - verse - chorus structure. What I like most about their compositions is their elaborate intro’s, it really creates a cinematic atmosphere. On this album, they use more folk melodies as the basis for their songs. Combined with the cinematic atmosphere, it creates a sense of whimsiness and a Lord of the Rings vibe. As if Ambre takes you on a road trip to Middle Earth.

Most of the lyrics are written by Marco Heubaum, who writes mostly about global injustice on this album. Themes like war and critique at the people who have the means to change this is central on the title song. Also diversity and social injustice is written about, for example on Colours. Even though I aplaud these themes to be present on this album, I wonder to what extent Ambre has a say in the lyrics. As a philosophy graduate, I expected her to have more writing credits on this album than she has right now. I also wonder how these themes relate to the tensions in the band with previous singer Dianne van Giersbergen. According to her, there was a hostile culture in the band when she was their singer, and she has spoken out against Marco Heubaum since her departure. How do those actions rhyme with what he is writing about. Maybe there is a change in culture now, as the whole band is replaced since Dianne left, but every time I hear these lyrics I can’t stop thinking about those events leading to Dianne leaving Xandria. I hope that with Ambre, the situation is different.

Overall, I think the album is great. I love the folksy, epic sound they have now, combined with the so-called Disney choruses. The album cover looks awesome, and I feel they have progressed as band since their previous work. They are often compared to Nightwish, as their sound can be similar to them. But I feel that that comparison does not do justice to Xandria. They have a clear own identity, and a very different approach to composing music. They are a great band in the symphonic metal genre, and I am always happy with a new Xandria album.

Band: Xandria
Album: Eclipse
Release date: 07 August 2026
Label: Napalm Records
Related bands: Epica, Nightwish, Within Temptation