XANDRIA - The Wonders Still Awaiting
I’m not sure what’s happening with symphonic metal currently, but so many bands are bringing out absolutely exceptional albums at the moment.
Xandria are definitely one of them with their most recent release The Wonders Still Awaiting, released in February 2023.
It’s been six years since their last album and a massive line-up change in that time, but it was absolutely worth the wait. The first album they have released with new singer Ambre Vourvahis is definitely showcasing her vocal skills perfectly. There is so much packed into these thirteen tracks. The epic movie style orchestration, which feels like someone has been taking notes from the Jansen brothers, is simply breath-taking in it bombast and intricacy.
Whilst there are all the things we expect from symphonic metal on this album, something also feels fresh about aspects of it, and sometimes there are some very unexpected moments. I mean, I didn’t expect a metalcore style breakdown mid song!
I couldn’t help but have a look at the music videos for the singles, all six of them, because I hold visuals in as high a regard as the sound. I was not disappointed, this band love a sweeping landscape. From snow capped mountains, mysterious forests and vast deserts, I think they cover just about every type of landform.
As a cheeky bonus there’s also a video for an 80’s reimagining of the track ‘My Curse is My Redemption’. The original is one of the standout tracks for me but this version is just so fun.
Track List:
1. Two Worlds
2. Reborn
3. You Will Never Be Our God (feat. Ralf Scheepers)
4. The Wonders Still Awaiting
5. Ghosts
6. Your Stories I'll Remember
7. My Curse Is My Redemption
8. Illusion Is Their Name
9. Paradise
10. Mirror Of Time
11. Scars
12. The Maiden And The Child
13. Astèria
Xandria are touring in the UK this November with support from Skarlett Riot and Phantom Elite:
26/11/2023. Manchester. UK. Club Academy.
27/11/2023. London. UK. The Dome.
XANDRIA are:
Ambre Vourvahis - Vocals
Marco Heubaum - Guitar
Robert Klawonn - Guitar
Tim Schwarz - Bass
Dimitrios Gatsios - Drums
XANDRIA online:
