Xandria - Eclipse (2026)


Eclipse is big, dramatic and unapologetically symphonic. The orchestration is massive, the production is excellent and Ambre Vourvahis gives the album much more personality than the average modern symphonic metal record.

Yes, some of the songwriting is predictable, but this time the huge choruses and constant sense of drama mostly work for me. There is enough variation between the heavier tracks, folk elements and more cinematic moments to keep things interesting, and when Xandria go completely over the top, they are genuinely impressive.

Not revolutionary, but extremely well executed and probably stronger than I expected. One of those albums where the excess is actually part of the fun.

Pros
Ambre Vourvahis is excellent
Huge orchestral production
Strong, memorable choruses

Cons
Still quite predictable
Occasionally too polished
A few tracks don't justify their length





Genre: Symphonic Metal
Country: Germany

Final Verdict: 76% (Very Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 8th / 609

Highlight: The Shannon's Home (added to my 2026 best of)


Made me think of:
Delain
Within Temptation
Beyond the Black

#newalbum #newalbum2026 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery
#SymphonicMetal #Xandria #Germany
#LP #Album #release

 

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