German symphonic metal icons XANDRIA have unveiled ‚Northstar‘, the third single from their upcoming studio album ‚Eclipse‘, due August 7, 2026 via Napalm Records. The track blends heavy guitars with epic orchestration and Celtic folk instruments, offering a glimpse into what promises to be the band’s most diverse record to date.German symphonic metal icons XANDRIA have released ‚Northstar‘, the third single from their forthcoming studio album ‚Eclipse‘, scheduled for release on August 7, 2026 via Napalm Records. The track stands out as one of the most multifaceted compositions in the band’s catalogue, weaving heavy guitars together with cinematic orchestration and the atmospheric tones of Celtic Tin Whistle and Low Whistle.
Bandmastermind Marco Heubaum describes the song as deeply personal: the melody came to him in a dream, and upon waking he immediately committed it to record. For Heubaum, ‚Northstar‘ carries the magical atmosphere of an animated film score while also pointing toward the breadth of sounds that ‚Eclipse‘ as a whole will deliver.
The album follows ‚The Wonders Still Awaiting‘ (2023), which reached number nine on the Official German Album Charts — the highest chart position in XANDRIA’s history. ‚Eclipse‘ comprises eleven tracks, each with its own distinct identity, ranging from 1980s-inspired classic metal riffs and modern down-tuned guitar work to cinematic orchestral passages, Celtic folk influences, and dark electronic elements. The record was orchestrated by Hollywood film composers Lukas Geppert and Ishaan Tyagi, and features contributions from violinist Ally Storch of SUBWAY TO SALLY, folk multi-instrumentalist McAlbi, Hollywood pianist Richard Z. Wang, and the Sofia Session Orchestra and Choir.
To support the release, XANDRIA will embark on the Eclipse Europe Tour 2026, kicking off in September and running through October across the UK, France, Spain, Germany, and beyond.
Photo: Stefan Heilemann/Mirko Witzki