The female vocal explosion on the metal scene has made acts like Evanescence, Within Temptation, Nightwish and Lacuna Coil well known all over the world and there are of course many other bands who struggle to get the same recognition. One of those who deserve a lot more attention then they have been given so far is Germany's Xandria. I had never heard the band when I came upon their album "India" but I was very impressed by their oriental flavored song writing which does not entirely rule out Nightwish comparisons that are inevitable but Xandria have found their own fairly unique and personal niche within the genre. The two opening tracks of the album make up some of the finest material the band has presented so far and I particularly enjoy the somewhat peculiar and mysterious "Vampire".
With their new album Xandria have luckily not run out of ideas which becomes very clear in a song like the title track "Salomé - The Seventh Veil" which show many different sides of the band. It would perhaps be wrong to label the band as progressive but there are times when they show such tendencies. They are however more firmly rooted in rock music than metal and this is also the only obstacle the band faces as some songs tend to become a bit too streamlined and basic. Overall, "Salomé - The Seventh Seil" is a strong release and Xandria is a bit like a dream, you never know where they will take you next. If you despise bands like Nightwish and Within Temptation you will certainly not be interested in this but otherwise you should get to know this strangely charming German act better. You will not regret it.