EP Review: Xandria – Universal Tales (Napalm Records)

Building on the success of their 2023 album, ‘The Wonders Still Awaiting’, which introduced a powerful new lineup, German symphonic metal icons Xandria are about to chart new paths with their epic new nine-track EP, ‘Universal Tales’, out on November 22nd, 2024, via Napalm Records.

Nine tracks!? That’s not an EP, that’s a bloody album! That’s Xandria for you, always giving more and making sure their listeners get plenty of bang for their buck. This release features four new tracks, with each given the orchestral treatment, alongside a rearranged version of the title track from their recent album, The Wonders Still Awaiting.

Unsurprisingly, each is as bombastic as the other, but each showcases different strings to Xandria’s bow too. Beginning in epic fashion with No Time to Live Forever. The imposing symphonic aspects of the band run headfirst into their prevailing heavy metal power and vocalist Ambre Vourvahis’ vocals soars over everything.

Then along comes the majestic Universal to impress even more. Especially as this is a track with a lot of weight behind it, being a statement in support of a free, open, and diverse society, standing against authoritarianism and religious fundamentalism. Dedicated to Jina Mahsa Amini and all those fighting for freedom.

200 Years comes next and features the incredible talents of violinist Ally Storch (Subway to Sally). It also finds Xandria embracing their Celtic roots in delightful fashion. Before the new track section of the EP wraps up with Live the Tale, showcasing the rich tapestry of Xandria as they stand in 2024.

Only a band brimming with this much confidence would find a way to turn their epic title track from their last album into an acoustic film score version. It’s mightily cool, as is the bonus of hearing all four new tracks given the big orchestral treatment. As said at the start, plenty of bang for the buck, and the future of Xandria continues to look so very bright.

Xandria – Universal Tales Track Listing:

1. No Time to Live Forever
2. Universal
3. 200 Years (feat. Ally Storch)
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 / feat. Ally Storch)
9. Live The Tale (Orchestral Version)

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