Xandria's latest album, Eclipse, is a symphony of power metal that, while impressive in its execution, fails to break free from the shadows of its influences. The album, released in 2026, showcases the band's ability to craft grand, orchestral soundscapes, but it also reveals a tendency to rely too heavily on familiar formulas, leaving listeners yearning for something truly innovative. As an avid fan of the genre, I found myself both captivated and slightly disappointed by this release.
One cannot help but notice the strong influence of Nightwish on Eclipse. The album's thesis statement, if you will, is a bold question: "What if Imaginaerum had breakdowns?" And the result is an intriguing blend of grandiose orchestrations and heavy metal elements. The album's strongest moments, such as 'The Shannon's Home' and 'Eclipse', are its most successful attempts at emulating this iconic sound. These tracks, with their folky melodies and catchy choruses, are a testament to the band's skill in creating anthemic, nostalgic moments. However, the constant comparison to Nightwish is a double-edged sword, as it both highlights the band's talent and sets a high bar for originality.
What makes this album particularly fascinating is the contrast between its grand, symphonic moments and the genuine heaviness it brings to the table. The inclusion of breakdowns, a staple of metalcore, adds a layer of intensity to the otherwise familiar symphonic power metal. The guitar work, courtesy of Marco Heubaum and Rob Klawonn, is exceptional, providing a solid foundation for the album's bombastic orchestrations. The drummer, Dimitrios Gatsios, also deserves praise for his lively and energetic performance throughout the album.
However, the album's predictability is its Achilles' heel. Xandria, despite their talent, seem to be stuck in a loop, constantly emulating the sounds of their idols rather than carving out their own unique identity. The album's structure, with its reliance on grand choruses, modulated endings, and heavy-handed lyrics, feels repetitive. While the band's skill is undeniable, the lack of experimentation leaves listeners wanting more. 'The Grand Delusion' and 'Wave of Tanis', for instance, are cheery songs about abuse of power, but their genre-standard tempo and bombastic choruses fail to make a lasting impression.
In my opinion, Xandria has the potential to create something truly remarkable, but they need to break free from the constraints of their influences. The album, while enjoyable, is a prime example of the genre's familiarity, and it leaves me wondering what could have been if the band had taken a more daring approach. Perhaps, in the grand scheme of things, it's a testament to the power of influence, but it also serves as a reminder that true innovation often requires a leap of faith into the unknown.
