German symphonic metal icons XANDRIA have announced their new studio album ‚Eclipse‘, set for release on August 7, 2026 via Napalm Records. Alongside the announcement, the band has unveiled lead single ‚The Shannon’s Home‘, accompanied by an official music video. An extensive Eclipse Europe Tour is also confirmed for autumn 2026.German symphonic metal icons XANDRIA have announced their forthcoming studio album ‚Eclipse‘, scheduled for release on August 7, 2026 via Napalm Records. Comprising eleven tracks, the record is described as the most diverse and cinematic work in the band’s discography, weaving together classic 1980s-inspired metal riffs, modern metal guitar tones, orchestral grandeur, Celtic folk influences, and dark electronic textures — all interwoven with intimate rock moments and even a guitar solo drawing more from Pink Floyd than any metal subgenre.
To herald the announcement, XANDRIA have released lead single ‚The Shannon’s Home‘, a sweeping composition blending dreamlike melodies, cinematic opulence, and folk elements carried by the vocals of Ambre Vourvahis. Band mastermind Marco Heubaum describes the track as a beautiful, subtly dark fairy tale serving as an analogy for life itself, represented by the River Shannon on its journey from source to sea.
For ‚Eclipse‘, XANDRIA enlisted an impressive roster of collaborators, including violinist Ally Storch of Subway To Sally, Celtic musician McAlbi, Hollywood pianist Richard Z. Wang — who worked in Hans Zimmer’s studio — and the Sofia Session Orchestra and Choir, known for their work on productions such as ‚His Dark Materials‘. Orchestrations were handled by Hollywood film composers Lukas Geppert and Ishaan Tyagi.
Thematically, ‚Eclipse‘ addresses contemporary social and political developments, with Heubaum drawing on music, literature, cinema, and personal experience as creative sources. The album is available to pre-order in multiple formats, including a strictly limited 3-CD Earbook and LP Gatefold Vinyl Splatter. XANDRIA will support the release with the Eclipse Europe Tour, kicking off in September 2026 across the UK and Europe.
Photo: Stefan Heilemann/Mirko Witzki