German symphonic metal band XANDRIA presents the third single from their upcoming album, Eclipse. "Northstar" is a guiding light in their discography. The track features uplifting dynamics with Celtic tin and low whistles, weaving together heavy guitars, cinematic grandeur, and folk elements, to create a journey full of discoveries. Looking back on a career spanning more than 30 years and several chart entries, XANDRIA are aiming higher than ever—something they will also showcase on their upcoming European tour, kicking off in September this year.
With their latest album (2023) being XANDRIA's most successful release to date, entering the Official German Album Charts at #9, the upcoming Eclipse, releasing August 7 via Napalm Records, is taking the band on their most diverse path yet. A journey full of discoveries, it has XANDRIA follow the "Northstar" guiding the way...
Band mastermind Marco Heubaum comments on "Northstar":
"'Northstar' is a very special song to me. The melody came to me in a dream, and when I woke up, I immediately recorded it. I soon realized that I had never written anything quite like it before — it really felt like something magical coming from a dreamworld. The song has the wondrous atmosphere of a magical Disney movie, and I think you can feel that all the way through. It takes you on a little journey, with a bright light waiting beyond the darkness. Once again, it shows just how many different facets this album has - and we are far from done. Just wait until you hear what's still to come…"
Watch the official video for "Northstar" below!
Chart-topping German symphonic metal icons XANDRIA will release their new studio album, Eclipse, on August 7 via Napalm Records. The upcoming full-length features 11 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.
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!
Pre-order your copy of Eclipse here.
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, dealing almost entirely with what is happening to our civilization right now. The contrasts are stronger, and the different musical and vocal colours feel even more naturally integrated into the songs. As XANDRIA's sole composer, Marco 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.
ECLIPSE TRACK LISTING:
"Syzygy"
"Eclipse"
"Colours"
"The Shannon's Home"
"The Grand Delusion"
"Wave of Tanis"
"Northstar"
"Masquerade"
"The Last Generation"
"The Poetry of the Real World"
"Lore"
As guests, XANDRIA welcome Subway to Sally's violinist Ally Storch, who can be heard on "Lore," while the band's longtime friend McAlbi is featured on four songs with his Celtic tin and low whistles ("The Shannon’s Home," "Northstar," "Masquerade," and "Lore"). "The Last Generation" features a children’s choir and piano performed by Richard Z. Wang, a Hollywood pianist who has worked at Hans Zimmer's studio. In addition, the band has once again collaborated with the Sofia Session Orchestra & Choir, known for their work on numerous film and television scores, including His Dark Materials. All songs were orchestrated by two film score composers working in Hollywood: Lukas Geppert, who worked on the scores for Nobody 2 and the latest Final Destination, and Ishaan Tyagi, who has contributed to productions such as Wuthering Heights.
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