Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Eclipse is the ninth studio album by the German symphonic metal band Xandria, scheduled for release on August 7, 2026, via Napalm Records. It follows The Wonders Still Awaiting (2023)—which marked the band's "renaissance" with its current lineup (including vocalist Ambre Vourvahis)—and the EP Universal Tales (2024).
The album features 11 tracks and is described by both the band and the label as the most diverse, cinematic, and outspoken work in their discography. Each song possesses its own distinct identity—forming a journey of discovery—yet all belong to the same sonic and thematic universe. The title Eclipse alludes both to the astronomical phenomenon (the sun being obscured by the moon's shadow) and to the idea that the "light of civilization" can be overshadowed by darkness. The lyrics deal almost entirely with the current state of the world: a dark, colorful, and defiant manifesto championing reason, empathy, democracy, pluralism, and an open society at a time when these values are under attack. The phrase "No more songs without a voice that counts" (from the track "The Last Generation") encapsulates the album's more politically engaged stance.
While symphonic metal remains at the core, the album blends various elements: classic 80s-inspired riffs, modern down-tuned guitars, cinematic orchestral arrangements (influenced by Hans Zimmer and John Williams), Celtic folk elements, dark electronic touches, intimate rock moments, and even a guitar solo closer in style to Pink Floyd than to any metal subgenre.
The production process prioritized creative freedom: songwriting began in early 2025, with recording sessions taking place later that same year. Vocals were produced by Marco Heubaum and Ambre Vourvahis at Neverworld Studio—free from external studios or time pressure—resulting in Ambre’s most versatile and impressive vocal performance to date. The album features orchestrations by Hollywood film composers (Lukas Geppert and Ishaan Tyagi) and contributions from the Sofia Session Orchestra & Choir (known for work on series and films such as His Dark Materials). Mixing and mastering were handled by Jacob Hansen.
The album reinforces Xandria’s more mature and ambitious phase, characterized by renewed energy and a clear artistic direction. Early reviews highlight the band's natural evolution—without losing its identity—as well as Ambre’s vocal versatility and the richness of the musical contrasts. A European tour is scheduled for September–October 2026 (the Eclipse Europe Tour, featuring Seven Spires as special guests on several dates).
In short, Eclipse is an epic, diverse, and socially conscious work that blends Xandria’s signature symphonic grandeur with bold experimentation and a strong contemporary message.
MEMBERS
Ambre Vourvahis – vocals
Marco Heubaum – guitar, keyboards (main composer)
Robert (Rob) Klawonn – guitar
Dimitrios Gatsios – drums
(Note: bassist Tim Schwarz left in April 2026; Heubaum is handling bass duties live on a temporary basis.)
TRACKLIST
1. Syzygy | 00:00
2. Eclipse | 01:23
3. Colours | 06:39
4. The Shannon's Home | 11:43
5. The Grand Delusion | 17:31
6. Waves of Tanis | 22:00
7. Northstar | 26:59
8. Masquerade | 32:58
9. The Last Generation | 38:29
10. The Poetry of the Real World | 44:04
11. Lore | 49:00
SOCIAL MEDIA
Bandcamp: xandria.bandcamp.com
Deezer: deezer.com/artist/8009
Facebook: facebook.com/xandriaofficial
Instagram: instagram.com/xandria_official
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/1jzIEzXVJ4p1kFDmio6LEL
YouTube: youtube.com/@XandriaOfficial
COPYRIGHT
All music written and produced by Xandria. All rights reserved to Reclamante on behalf of Napalm Records. Streaming is cool, but buying the physical album is what really keeps the band alive.
#xandria #symphonicmetal #epicmetal
⚡️PROMOTION - Promote new independent bands or the publication of albums that have already been released in previous years that deserve to be highlighted. 🔇Please let me know by commenting the video if you're seen in the video or own the copyright and don't like my promotion! Ofcourse I'll pull down the video if you ask! It's all done for the love of your music!
Eclipse is the ninth studio album by the German symphonic metal band Xandria, scheduled for release on August 7, 2026, via Napalm Records. It follows The Wonders Still Awaiting (2023)—which marked the band's "renaissance" with its current lineup (including vocalist Ambre Vourvahis)—and the EP Universal Tales (2024).
The album features 11 tracks and is described by both the band and the label as the most diverse, cinematic, and outspoken work in their discography. Each song possesses its own distinct identity—forming a journey of discovery—yet all belong to the same sonic and thematic universe. The title Eclipse alludes both to the astronomical phenomenon (the sun being obscured by the moon's shadow) and to the idea that the "light of civilization" can be overshadowed by darkness. The lyrics deal almost entirely with the current state of the world: a dark, colorful, and defiant manifesto championing reason, empathy, democracy, pluralism, and an open society at a time when these values are under attack. The phrase "No more songs without a voice that counts" (from the track "The Last Generation") encapsulates the album's more politically engaged stance.
While symphonic metal remains at the core, the album blends various elements: classic 80s-inspired riffs, modern down-tuned guitars, cinematic orchestral arrangements (influenced by Hans Zimmer and John Williams), Celtic folk elements, dark electronic touches, intimate rock moments, and even a guitar solo closer in style to Pink Floyd than to any metal subgenre.
The production process prioritized creative freedom: songwriting began in early 2025, with recording sessions taking place later that same year. Vocals were produced by Marco Heubaum and Ambre Vourvahis at Neverworld Studio—free from external studios or time pressure—resulting in Ambre’s most versatile and impressive vocal performance to date. The album features orchestrations by Hollywood film composers (Lukas Geppert and Ishaan Tyagi) and contributions from the Sofia Session Orchestra & Choir (known for work on series and films such as His Dark Materials). Mixing and mastering were handled by Jacob Hansen.
The album reinforces Xandria’s more mature and ambitious phase, characterized by renewed energy and a clear artistic direction. Early reviews highlight the band's natural evolution—without losing its identity—as well as Ambre’s vocal versatility and the richness of the musical contrasts. A European tour is scheduled for September–October 2026 (the Eclipse Europe Tour, featuring Seven Spires as special guests on several dates).
In short, Eclipse is an epic, diverse, and socially conscious work that blends Xandria’s signature symphonic grandeur with bold experimentation and a strong contemporary message.
MEMBERS
Ambre Vourvahis – vocals
Marco Heubaum – guitar, keyboards (main composer)
Robert (Rob) Klawonn – guitar
Dimitrios Gatsios – drums
(Note: bassist Tim Schwarz left in April 2026; Heubaum is handling bass duties live on a temporary basis.)
TRACKLIST
1. Syzygy | 00:00
2. Eclipse | 01:23
3. Colours | 06:39
4. The Shannon's Home | 11:43
5. The Grand Delusion | 17:31
6. Waves of Tanis | 22:00
7. Northstar | 26:59
8. Masquerade | 32:58
9. The Last Generation | 38:29
10. The Poetry of the Real World | 44:04
11. Lore | 49:00
SOCIAL MEDIA
Bandcamp: xandria.bandcamp.com
Deezer: deezer.com/artist/8009
Facebook: facebook.com/xandriaofficial
Instagram: instagram.com/xandria_official
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/1jzIEzXVJ4p1kFDmio6LEL
YouTube: youtube.com/@XandriaOfficial
COPYRIGHT
All music written and produced by Xandria. All rights reserved to Reclamante on behalf of Napalm Records. Streaming is cool, but buying the physical album is what really keeps the band alive.
#xandria #symphonicmetal #epicmetal
⚡️PROMOTION - Promote new independent bands or the publication of albums that have already been released in previous years that deserve to be highlighted. 🔇Please let me know by commenting the video if you're seen in the video or own the copyright and don't like my promotion! Ofcourse I'll pull down the video if you ask! It's all done for the love of your music!
