Chart-topping German symphonic metal icons XANDRIA released their new studio album, Eclipse, on August 7, 2026, via Napalm Records. The full-length features eleven tracks that represent the most diverse body of work in the band’s discography so far: every song has its own identity—a journey full of discoveries—yet they all belong to the same world. Classic, ‘80s-inspired metal riffs stand alongside low-tuned modern metal guitars, cinematic orchestral sounds meet Celtic folk influences, and dark electronic elements blend with intimate rock moments, even including a guitar solo that owes more to Pink Floyd than to any metal genre.

While The Wonders Still Awaiting (2023) marked the rebirth of XANDRIA with a new line-up—an album that opened the door to a new era—Eclipse goes further. It is more focused and direct, the lyrics are more outspoken, the contrasts are stronger, and the different musical and vocal colours feel even more naturally integrated into the songs. “An eclipse can be the darkening of the sun by the moon’s shadow. But the light of civilization can also be darkened by shadows,” comments band mastermind Marco Heubaum on the album’s lyrical approach, which deals almost entirely with what is happening to our civilization right now. “XANDRIA has touched on ‘political’ topics before, but never like this. This time, the message is impossible to ignore, and that’s the point. We want to show those standing up for the values that made civilizational progress possible—reason, empathy, democracy, pluralism, and an open society—that they are not alone.” As XANDRIA’s sole composer, Heubaum musically draws inspiration from all aspects of his surroundings: music, stories, and emotions that have shaped him since childhood. It is no secret that film scores have always been another major influence: “Especially composers like Hans Zimmer and John Williams. To me, a great film score is not bound to one style; it uses every colour it needs to serve the story. That is very close to how I see XANDRIA’s music,” he adds.

Eclipse marks XANDRIA’s most outspoken and cinematic album so far: a dark, colourful, and defiant statement for reason, empathy, and democracy in times when all three are under attack, brought to life by a band fueled with new energy, new ambitions, and a clear artistic direction, aiming higher than ever and not looking back!

It was a great pleasure to have the amazing Vocalsit Ambre Vourvahis on the Interview to speak on the new album and much more on Eclipse and the future of Xandria. Check out the complete coverage on the below YouTube video.