Thaïs Parvez
The German quartet Xandria landed at Barcelona’s Razzmatazz 3 on Thursday, September 24, to unleash their towering symphonic metal universe and showcase the concept driving their brand-new studio album, “Eclipse” (Napalm Records).
Like a true musical eclipse, music, shadow, and light melted together in a striking game of contrasts, proving why the German group, led by Ambre Vourvahis’ brilliant vocals, effortlessly glides through landscapes ranging from dark, extreme metal to the warmest clean tones and the occasional fierce growl.
The evening, organized by Napalm Records and Madness Live!, confirmed that the band is currently operating at an absolute peak.
Seven Spires and Tulip as Xandria’s special guests
The metal marathon kicked off with the bar set remarkably high, courtesy of two acts guaranteed to make serious waves.
The American band Tulip got the party started, using the slot to showcase their latest material.
Fronted by former opera singer Ashleigh Semkiw, the trio delivered a fierce set blending crushing riffs, sweeping melodies, and an undeniable stage presence that left the room totally hyped.
Right after, it was time for Seven Spires.
The Boston-based quartet, which comes from the iconic Berklee College of Music, hit the stage with a blend of death, power, and black metal wrapped in symphonic flair and cinematic passages.
Adrienne Cowan and her troop played some of their career highlights alongside tracks from their latest record, “A Fortress Called Home” (Frontiers Music, 2024).
Xandria delivers a balanced setlist packed with “Eclipse” songs and all-time anthems
A few minutes before 9:00 PM, Xandria stormed the stage like a relentless machine of metal power and melody.
The Germans effortlessly bridged different eras of their career, cementing their international status.
The setlist struck a balance between fresh material, ranging from “The Wonders Still Awaiting” (Napalm Records, 2023) and the “Universal Tales” EP (Napalm Records, 2024), to brand-new tracks off “Eclipse” alongside timeless classics.
New songs like Syzygy, the title track Eclipse, and Colours showcased the band’s most modern, ambitious side.
The real magic came when the setlist explored their recent history, weaving orchestral textures with absolute anthems like Ravenheart, Forevermore, Valentine, and Nightfall.
It was a total emotional rollercoaster where elegant symphonic metal collided with crushing instrumental power.
Xandria’s instrumental virtuosity and absolute vocal commitment
Musically, the group runs like a well-oiled machine, masterfully fusing the cinematic atmospheres of symphonic metal with hard-hitting punch.
Dimitrios “Tacki” Gatsios laid down a razor-sharp, precision double-bass attack drumming, backed by Rob Klawonn‘s cosmic guitar solos and Marco Heubaum’s powerful basslines—having recently traded his six-string for four—anchoring the low end of every single track.
Another major highlight was witnessing Ambre Vourvahis’s staggering vocal range.
She expertly navigated a sweet, versatile, and heavily operatic soprano technique. Battling a nagging cold—though she didn’t let it dent her vocal execution, despite the occasional struggle to hold back a cough between songs—her physical stage presence was explosive, jumping, dancing, and headbanging from the very first minute.
The entire band’s infectious energy instantly connected with the devoted crowd.
Xandria and the bond with the Barcelona crowd
The band’s stage presence was a masterclass in down-to-earth charm.
The connection with the Barcelona audience felt genuinely warm and intimate. More than once, Vourvahis stopped to share how much she loves the city of Barcelona and how grateful she was to present the new album here.
Both Rob and Marco leaned over to flash knowing grins and share moments of complicity with the front-row fans, while Dimitrios even ditched his sticks briefly to step up and greet the crowd.
Instead of vanishing backstage at the final note, every single band member walked right to the edge of the stage to fist-bump the front rows.
This was a touch of pure humility and warmth that brought down the curtain on an unforgettable night of symphonic metal.
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