{"id":630560,"date":"2026-08-10T17:59:16","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T17:59:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/630560\/"},"modified":"2026-08-10T17:59:16","modified_gmt":"2026-08-10T17:59:16","slug":"xandria-eclipse-review-angry-metal-guy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/630560\/","title":{"rendered":"Xandria \u2013 Eclipse Review | Angry Metal Guy"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"I was surprised to learn that we\u2019ve never reviewed Xandria<\/strong> here. The German project of one Marco Heubaum (who covers guitars, keys, and the odd vocal spot), Xandria<\/strong> released their first full-length in 2003, performing gothic and, eventually, symphonic power metal. They first grabbed me with 2012\u2019s Neverworld\u2019s End, a fantastic orchestral metal album that I still enjoy today. But consistency has never been Xandria<\/strong>\u2019s strong suit\u2014apart from Heubaum, the entire lineup changed in 2022, with Ambre Vourvahis being the latest of six lead vocalists, several of whom left on unpleasant terms. There\u2019s a lot going on there\u2014but inconsistent doesn\u2019t necessarily mean bad (or, more accurately, doesn\u2019t mean always bad), so I\u2019m opting to approach Eclipse, Xandria<\/strong>\u2019s ninth full-length release, with fresh eyes.<\/p>\n

Or rather, I tried to approach Eclipse with fresh eyes, but the truth is that it sounds so much like a Nightwish<\/strong> record that I can\u2019t. The thesis statement of Eclipse seems to be \u201cwhat if Imaginaerum<\/a> had breakdowns?\u201d and the result is an album familiar, grandiose, and surprisingly heavy for its style. Throughout, huge choruses, grand orchestrations, and unintelligible chants set the scenes for standard symphonic power metal showdowns, with guest spots for violin (\u201cLore\u201d), tin whistles (most prominently on \u201cThe Shannon\u2019s Home\u201d), and, yes, a children\u2019s choir (\u201cThe Last Generation\u201d) as needed for dramatic or nostalgic effect. Even lyrically, the comparison fits; Eclipse focuses on social issues with heavy-handed poetry that stretches authenticity (\u201cThe Poetry of the Real World\u201d). Alongside the symphonic, there is also a genuine heaviness to Eclipse that albums in this style often lack. Most songs feature a metalcore-style breakdown at some point, occasionally accompanied by Heubaum\u2019s hoarse shouting (\u201cEclipse,\u201d \u201cColours\u201d), and drummer Dimitrios Gatsios puts in an exceptional and lively performance throughout. Admittedly, said breakdowns don\u2019t always feel natural, but they do highlight that Heubaum and Rob Klawonn\u2019s guitars are not neglected, creating a general sense of balance between bombastic orchestration and genuinely heavy metal.<\/p>\n

The result\u2014unfortunately or fortunately, depending on your preferences\u2014is that Eclipse\u2019s strongest moments come as it best imitates its idols. \u201cThe Shannon\u2019s Home\u201d is the best example: a folky, mid-tempo song brimming with saccharine nostalgic wonder that I had to double-check isn\u2019t a Nightwish<\/strong> cover. It really shouldn\u2019t work, but Xandria<\/strong>\u2019s earnest performance pulls it off. \u201cEclipse\u201d is fast-paced and fun, with orchestral hits and a huge, catchy chorus that remind me of Within Temptation<\/strong> too. The heavier moments are a great counterbalance, and I love the guitar solo partway through. On the heavier side. \u201cMasquerade\u201d delivers with riffs, despite a whimsical chorus that, lyrically, evokes\u2014yes, I\u2019m name-dropping them again\u2014Nightwish<\/strong>. Throughout Eclipse, Xandria<\/strong> confidently emulate a sound that, for better or worse, has massively influenced the genre they compose in.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Is that surprising? I\u2019m not sure\u2014but it is a little disappointing that nine albums and twenty-three years in, Xandria<\/strong> still seem like they\u2019d rather emulate others than define their own sound. Maybe that\u2019s a harsh read, but Eclipse feels predictable and restrained precisely because it\u2019s so standard. \u201cThe Grand Delusion,\u201d for example, is the cheeriest song about abuse of power I\u2019ve heard in some time because, despite its grim lyrical content, Xandria<\/strong> maintain a genre-standard tempo and bombastic chorus. \u201cWave of Tanis\u201d has my favorite chorus on the album, but I can\u2019t honestly remember the rest of the song because it\u2019s so over-the-top. None of this is a mark on the band\u2019s talent or skill\u2014on the contrary, everything sounds great\u2014but it does make Eclipse feel repetitive. When Xandria<\/strong> needs drama, a choir starts chanting, most songs end on a modulated final chorus, and even the serious songs are upbeat and catchy. \u201cThe Last Generation\u201d is the only exception, but it\u2019s so heavy-handed as it does so that its meaning gets lost. Well before the twelve tracks clock the hour, you\u2019ve figured out what you\u2019re getting and are never challenged on the assumption.<\/p>\n

And yet, Xandria<\/strong> do it well\u2014Eclipse is strong symphonic power metal, taking a familiar style and basking triumphantly in its glory days. I like it; it\u2019s a good album, but I wish it were fresher, more ambitious, and more willing to take chances. When I close my eyes and recall a time now a decade past, I think I could be blown away by Eclipse. As is, I just think too many others got there first.<\/p>\n

\ufeff<\/p>\n

Rating:<\/strong> 3.0\/5.0
DR:<\/strong> N\/A | Format Reviewed: <\/strong>Stream
Label:<\/strong> Napalm Records<\/a>
Websites:<\/strong> xandria.bandcamp.com<\/a> | facebook.com\/xandriaofficial<\/a>
Releases Worldwide:<\/strong> August 7th, 2026<\/p>\n

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