Since their comeback in 2022 with vocalist Ambre Vourvahis and the spectacular “The Wonders Still Awaiting” (2023), German symphonic metal act XANDRIA have been busy touring and re-establishing themselves as a solid live band. To somehow sweeten the wait until their next full-length, the band first released the single “Universal” earlier this year then decided to continue writing a few more songs which they have amassed – alongside their orchestral versions – in the EP “Universal Tales,” which was released on November 22, 2024, through Napalm Records.
The first part of the EP contains four new tracks that showcase the band’s sonic versatility within the symphonic metal genre as each one presents a different aspect of XANDRIA’s trademark soundscape. The title of the EP, “Universal Tales,” is not randomly chosen as it strongly relates to the stories presented here, as we shall see in this review. As such, the opening track, “No Time to Live Forever,” is firmly rooted in the trappings of the genre as it is lush, rich, and operatic with a majestic orchestral backdrop of dramatic strings. It is also a fast-paced number with speedy guitars and thundering drums that give it a power metal vibe, while the soaring chorus is pretty epic and cinematic thanks to Ambre Vourvahis’ operatic vocals. According to the press release, the track is about “the apparent loss of reason in the world, and the rise of tribalism” which is a heavy subject matter in itself.
Speaking of, the next track is the emotionally charged “Universal,” which tackles an even more serious topic – the importance of freedom and social diversity in the face of authoritarianism and religious fundamentalism. It is dedicated to Jina Mahsa Amini, just like WITHIN TEMPTATION’s bone-chilling single “Bleed Out.” Musically, it’s a more modern-sounding track though still firmly grounded in the symphonic metal realm, with a very thick bass line, orchestral arrangements, beautiful choirs, soft, melodic vocals in the verses, and an explosive, high-octane chorus. The Celtic-infused “200 Years” offers an escape into the world of Outlander, in a different way to what BLACKBRIAR proposed in “Far Distant Land.” For this Scottish-inspired tale, XANDRIA joined forces with violinist Ally Storch (SUBWAY TO SALLY) to give it a note of authenticity. Otherwise, it’s an up-tempo track where folky violin lines merge with drums, heavy guitars, and some bagpipes to create an anthemic call to arms to liberate the Highlands.
Another modern-sounding track is “Live the Tale,” a catchy, almost poppy number that boasts impressive guitar works (especially the technical solo), a killer melodic hook that boosts the upbeat, hooky chorus, while the dramatic backing strings wonderfully accent the cadence of the verses. Lyrically, it’s a more optimistic song that proclaims its faith in humankind that it would find its way through these challenging times. Before the dramatic, orchestral versions of these tracks, we are treated to a beautifully re-arranged version of “The Wonders Still Awaiting.” Here, acoustic guitars are coupled with Ambre Vourvahis’ gorgeous vocals, subtle percussions, and delicate symphonic arrangements to breathe new life into this already wonderful song.
All-in-all, “Universal Tales” offers everything a symphonic metal enthusiast could possibly want from bombastic soundscapes, cinematic ambiances, and operatic vocals, all the way to choral passages and majestic orchestrations, to even some Celtic and folky melodies for good measure. Moreover, Ambre Vourvahis is in splendid form throughout – especially on the acoustic version of “The Wonders Still Awaiting” – carrying the tracks with grace and power, seamlessly navigating between operatic singing and more melodic vocals. XANDRIA may not be reinventing the wheel but what they do accomplish here is top notch symphonic metal.
Written by Andrea Crow
Tracklist
1. No Time to Live Forever
2. Universal
3. 200 Years
4. Live the Tale
5. The Wonders Still Awaiting (Acoustic Film Score Version)
6. No Time to Live Forever (Orchestral Version)
7. Universal (Orchestral Version)
8. 200 Years (Orchestral Version)
9. Live the Tale (Orchestral Version)
Lineup
- Ambre Vourvahis – Vocals
- Marco Heubaum – Guitars
- Robert Klawonn – Guitars
- Tim Schwarz – Bass
- Dimitrios Gatsios – Drums
Label
Napalm Records
