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Eclipse
Blabbermouth has reviewed "Eclipse", the new album from long-running symphonic metal band Xandria, awarding it 7.5 out of 10. The review frames it as a career highpoint for the German act, who despite over 25 years in the scene have never matched the commercial success of peers like Nightwish or Epica, arguing that this release sees them stepping up to a bigger stage while staying true to their established sound.
The 11-track record, led by guitarist Marco Heubaum and vocalist Ambre Vourvahis, is the second to feature the band's refreshed lineup following 2023's "The Wonders Still Awaiting". Reviewer Dom Lawson singles out tracks including "Colours", "Wave of Tanis" and the eight-minute closer "Lore" for praise, and calls the album Xandria's strongest since 2014's "Sacrificium", suggesting it should appeal to genre devotees and casual listeners alike despite some less memorable moments.
In short
- Blabbermouth reviews Xandria's new album "Eclipse", scoring it 7.5/10
- Reviewer calls it the band's best since 2014's "Sacrificium"
- Praises vocalist Ambre Vourvahis and closing track "Lore"
Explained simply
Xandria are a German band who play symphonic metal, a style that combines heavy guitars and drums with orchestral sounds and melodic vocals. Guitarist Marco Heubaum has led the group through more than 25 years of changing line-ups and releases.
The band shares this corner of metal with better-known acts such as Nightwish and Epica, though it has not reached the same commercial success. Their 2023 album, The Wonders Still Awaiting, introduced a refreshed line-up featuring vocalist Ambre Vourvahis.
Xandria’s place in the genre helps explain why each new release is measured against both its earlier albums and the work of its peers. For longtime listeners, the music’s familiar sound and the band’s changing membership are part of that story.