Ryan Murray | Co-Owner | Chief Editor | Contributor | Photographer
r.m.music84@gmail.com
When Xandria roared back to life last year with The Wonders Still Awaiting, they didn’t just reintroduce themselves—they redefined their legacy. It was a bold resurrection after a prolonged silence, showcasing their symphonic splendor in a modern, razor-sharp package. Now, with their nine-track EP Universal Tales, the German symphonic metal titans prove that their evolution is far from over.
This release isn’t just a stopgap; it’s a declaration. Packed with four brand-new songs, a breathtaking acoustic reinterpretation of their monumental title track, and orchestral versions of each new piece, Universal Tales is a sprawling showcase of Xandria’s reinvigorated creativity and artistic scope. The EP feels like a companion to The Wonders Still Awaiting, but with an identity and purpose all its own. It’s a testament to the band’s refusal to rest on their laurels and their drive to explore even more ambitious soundscapes and themes.
Opener “No Time to Live Forever” wastes no time diving headfirst into Xandria’s newfound intensity. A thunderous blend of symphonic grandeur and metallic bite, the track is driven by Marco Heubaum’s blistering riffs and the powerhouse drumming of Dimitrios Gatsios. Ambre Vourvahis’s vocal versatility is on full display here, shifting seamlessly between soaring operatics and a gritty, emotive rock tone. The lyrics, a biting critique of tribalism and the crumbling of reason in today’s world, elevate the track into a poignant, thought-provoking anthem. From the first note to the last, the song grips you with its raw urgency, capturing the unease of a society teetering on the brink while refusing to surrender to despair. Its dynamic arrangement mirrors the chaos of the world it describes, yet through its explosive energy, there’s an undeniable sense of defiance.
“Universal”, a reimagined standalone single, is a masterpiece of cinematic scope. With lush orchestral arrangements and a poignant dedication to Jina Mahsa Amini and the fight for freedom, the song feels like a rallying cry for a fractured world. Vourvahis delivers one of her most powerful performances, blending tenderness with unyielding defiance. It’s no wonder the band chose this as their flagship track for the EP—it encapsulates everything Xandria has become: bold, unrelenting, and deeply human. The track’s message transcends borders and genres, resonating with anyone who has ever fought against oppression, making it a universal anthem in every sense of the word. The orchestration builds like a storm, reaching a crescendo that leaves a lasting impression long after the final note fades.
But Universal Tales doesn’t stop at cinematic bombast. “200 Years” plunges into Celtic-inspired realms with a flourish of folk instruments, including fiddles and whistles, courtesy of Subway to Sally’s Ally Storch. The track is like stepping into the windswept landscapes of Outlander, its pulsating rhythm and evocative melodies transporting listeners to a world of epic tales and timeless battles. Storch’s violin work adds an earthy, organic texture to the song, seamlessly blending with Xandria’s symphonic backbone. This song is where Xandria’s ability to balance delicacy with raw power truly shines, and it’s one of the EP’s standout moments. It’s not just a song; it’s an immersive journey, evoking imagery of distant hills, ancient struggles, and the unyielding spirit of those who dream of a better world. The balance of traditional instrumentation with cinematic metal grandeur is nothing short of breathtaking.
“Live the Tale” closes the new material with a sense of optimism that feels almost rare in symphonic metal. Anchored by Heubaum’s intricate guitar work and Tim Schwarz’s steady basslines, the song is a celebration of human potential and imagination. It’s uplifting without losing the weight and complexity that defines Xandria’s sound, a fine balance that few bands can strike as effectively. The lyrics echo the hope that even in the face of adversity, humanity possesses the creativity and resilience to shape its future. It’s an anthemic call to action wrapped in a lush, melodic framework, inspiring listeners to embrace the unknown and create their own stories. Each element—from Vourvahis’s stirring delivery to the epic orchestration—comes together to create a piece that is as emotionally resonant as it is musically compelling.
The reimagined acoustic version of “The Wonders Still Awaiting” is a stunning addition, trading the original’s grandeur for a stripped-back, cinematic beauty. It’s a testament to the strength of Xandria’s songwriting that the track retains its emotional impact in such a drastically different form. Here, the focus shifts to the delicate interplay between Vourvahis’s vocals and the gentle, film-score-inspired arrangements, creating a hauntingly intimate experience. This version strips away the bombast to reveal the song’s raw emotional core, offering a rare glimpse of vulnerability that adds another layer of depth to the EP.
The orchestral versions of the new tracks serve as a lush, immersive encore. While they don’t dramatically recontextualize the songs, they highlight the intricate arrangements and cinematic depth that underpin Xandria’s music. They’re a fitting conclusion to a release that celebrates the band’s artistry on every level. Each orchestral piece invites listeners to revisit the core of these tracks from a new angle, emphasizing the layers and subtleties that might be overlooked in the bombastic metal arrangements. The rich textures and sweeping arrangements feel like an invitation to lose yourself in the epic landscapes Xandria so effortlessly creates.
With “Universal Tales,” Xandria solidify their position as one of the most vital voices in modern symphonic metal. The EP brims with confidence, ambition, and an unshakeable sense of purpose. It’s not just a continuation of The Wonders Still Awaiting—it’s a bold step forward, proving that Xandria’s rebirth wasn’t a one-time phenomenon but the start of a thrilling new era. This EP not only reinforces their legacy but also serves as a statement of intent: Xandria is here to push the boundaries of what symphonic metal can be.
“Universal Tales” stands as a masterful testament to Xandria’s evolution. Blending cinematic grandeur, Celtic-inspired storytelling, and vocal brilliance, the EP transcends the typical boundaries of symphonic metal. It’s an invitation to dream, reflect, and feel—an unforgettable journey that will linger in the hearts of listeners long after the final note fades. This isn’t just a release for Xandria fans—it’s a must-listen for anyone seeking music that dares to reach for something greater.
VERDICT: 4.5/5
Want to hear the inside scoop? Be sure to check out my interview w/ Ambre, as well!
Ethereal Metal 
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