|
|
|
|
| Buy this album |
It was several years ago that I first came in touch with the music of the German gothic metal band Xandria when they were experiencing chart success at the free download site Mp3.com. I was quite impressed with them even at that time and if I had a record company I would no doubt have signed them right there and then. They soon went on to sign a contract with Germany's Drakkar Records and now their third full-length album, "India", is about to be released. Despite the album title it is not based on an oriental concept but "India" represents the quest for meaning and the greater goals of life, something which is of utmost relevance in my own life right now. The latest Xandria offering is a collection of contrasts - ranging from bombastic Nightwish metal such as the title track to calm, orchestrated music like for example the sad ballad "Danger".
Nightwish and Within Temptation are two natural reference points that appear as obvious when listening to an album like this and no doubt the success of these bands lately have paved the way for a second wave of female fronted metal bands. "India" may be both pretentious and pompous from time to time but above all it is a beautiful walk through the diverse landscape that modern music has to offer. Collaborating with the Deutsches Filmorchester Babelsberg (also known from the movie "Schindler's List" as well as Rammstein and Rosenstolz) and a popular Irish folk band, Xandria prove that they're not afraid of exploring new ground and widen their horizons. While graced with energy and epic grandeur, "India" is quite a dark and sad album overall. This could have a lot to do with my current state of mind however as I seem incapable of absorbing any positive thoughts right now. This is one of the more intrigueing female-fronted bands around today. Xandria have reached great success in the gothic community worldwide but there is definitely potential here for further mainstream appeal.
| Tracklist |
| 1. India |
| 2. Now And Forever |
| 3. In Love With The Dakness |
| 4. Fight Me |
| 5. Black And Silver |
| 6. Like A Rose On The Grave Of Love |
| 7. Widescreen |
| 8. The End Of Every Story |
| 9. Who We Are (And Who We Want To Be) |
| 10. Dancer |
| 11. Winterhearted |
| 12. Return To India |
: 52.03
| Buy other Xandria albums |
