Xandria Announce 'Eclipse' and Release 'The Shannon's Home' Ahead of 2026 European Tour

Xandria have announced the new studio album “Eclipse”, scheduled for release on August 7 through Napalm Records, alongside the unveiling of the official video for the first single “The Shannon’s Home”.

The upcoming release follows “The Wonders Still Awaiting” (2023), the first album featuring vocalist Ambre Vourvahis and the band’s renewed lineup. According to guitarist and songwriter Marco Heubaum, “Eclipse” expands the musical and lyrical direction introduced on its predecessor while developing a broader cinematic identity.

The album combines symphonic metal structures with influences ranging from cinematic orchestration and Celtic folk textures to classic heavy metal riffs, modern low-tuned guitar arrangements, and atmospheric electronic elements.

“The Shannon’s Home” was the first composition written for the album and introduces several of the musical directions explored throughout “Eclipse”. The song combines orchestral arrangements, folk-inspired instrumentation, and melodic vocal passages led by Ambre Vourvahis.

According to Marco Heubaum, the song functions as a metaphor centered around the River Shannon and life’s progression from origin to destination, presented through a darker fairytale-inspired atmosphere.

The official video continues the visual aesthetic associated with the album’s cinematic and fantasy-oriented direction.

“Eclipse” contains eleven tracks and is described by the band as its most cinematic and diverse release to date. The album also reflects lyrical themes centered on modern society, democracy, empathy, and cultural tensions.

The release includes collaborations with several guest musicians and orchestral contributors. Ally Storch of Subway To Sally appears on the track “Lore”, while musician McAlbi contributes Celtic whistles on multiple songs including “The Shannon’s Home”, “Northstar”, “Masquerade”, and “Lore”.

“The Last Generation” additionally features a children’s choir and piano performed by Richard Z. Wang, known for his work connected to Hans Zimmer’s studio.

The orchestral arrangements were developed in collaboration with film score composers Lukas Geppert and Ishaan Tyagi, while recordings with the Sofia Session Orchestra & Choir further reinforce the album’s cinematic framework.

TRACKLIST
“Syzygy”
“Eclipse”
“Colours”
“The Shannon’s Home”
“The Grand Delusion”
“Wave of Tanis”
“Northstar”
“Masquerade”
“The Last Generation”
“The Poetry of the Real World”
“Lore”

FORMATS

3-CD Earbook, 36-page edition including bonus CD with orchestral versions (Napalm Records Mailorder only / strictly limited)

1-LP Gatefold Vinyl Splatter including 28-page LP-sized booklet and signed A5 photo (Napalm Records Mailorder only / strictly limited)

2-CD Digipak + T-Shirt Bundle (Napalm Records Mailorder only / strictly limited)

1-LP Gatefold Vinyl Solid Gold

1-LP Gatefold Vinyl Black

2-CD Digipak

LIVE / TOUR DATES
XANDRIA LIVE 2026

9/16 — London, UK — The Dome
9/17 — Glasgow, UK — Slay
9/18 — Manchester, UK — Academy
9/19 — Birmingham, UK — O2
9/21 — Kortrijk, BE — DVG Club
9/22 — Paris, FR — Nouveau Casino
9/23 — Nantes, FR — Le Ferrailleur
9/24 — Barcelona, ES — Razzmatazz 3
9/26 — Albacete, ES — Ginetarock
9/27 — Montpellier, FR — Secret Place
9/28 — Toulouse, FR — Le Rex
9/29 — Lyon, FR — Rock'n Eat
9/30 — Munich, DE — Backstage Halle
10/1 — Zagreb, HR — Boogaloo Club
10/2 — Milan, IT — Legend Club
10/3 — Salzburg, AT — Rockhouse Bar
10/5 — Cluj-Napoca, RO — FORM Space
10/6 — Bucharest, RO — Quantic Club
10/8 — Sofia, BG — Pirotska 5 Event Centre
10/9 — Belgrade, RS — Zappa Barka
10/10 — Budapest, HU — Analog Music Hall
10/12 — Berlin, DE — Lido
10/13 — Warsaw, PL — Hydrozagadka
10/14 — Kraków, PL — Zacianek
10/15 — Prague, CZ — Distrikt Prague
10/16 — Dresden, DE — Blauer Salon
10/18 — Cham, DE — L.A. Live Style Cafe
10/19 — Frankfurt, DE — Das Bett
10/20 — Pratteln, CH — Z7
10/21 — Stuttgart, DE — Im Wizemann Club
10/22 — Nuremberg, DE — Hirsch
10/23 — Hamburg, DE — Bahnhof Pauli

LINEUP

Marco Heubaum — guitar, keys
Ambre Vourvahis — vocals
Robert Klawonn — guitar
Dimitrios — drums

Through “Eclipse,” Xandria continue expanding the symphonic and cinematic direction introduced in the band’s recent era while integrating orchestral, folk, and progressive elements into a broader musical framework.

Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist

Photo Credit: Stefan Heilemann/Mirko Witzki

Watch the official video for “The Shannon’s Home” below.