Published: July 9, 2026
The German symphonic metal band preview Eclipse with “Northstar,” the album’s third single, ahead of a 2026 European tour
Xandria have released the official video for “Northstar,” the third single from the band’s upcoming studio album Eclipse. The album is scheduled for release on August 7, 2026 through Napalm Records.
The song follows earlier Eclipse singles “The Shannon’s Home” and “Colours.” Rockum previously documented those earlier chapters in Xandria Announce 'Eclipse' and Release 'The Shannon's Home' Ahead of 2026 European Tour and Xandria Release 'Colours' Video and Expand 'Eclipse' Album Ahead of 2026 European Tour.
Xandria were also featured on Gino Alache’s Rockum Radio Show in Tarja, Lex Legion, Accept, Europe, Xandria and Voivod Featured on Gino Alache's Rockum Radio Show.
“Northstar” is described in the source material through uplifting dynamics, heavy guitars, cinematic elements and Celtic instrumentation, including tin and low whistles. The song is presented as another example of the range within Eclipse.
Band founder and composer Marco Heubaum said the main melody of “Northstar” came to him in a dream.
“‘Northstar’ is a very special song to me,” Heubaum said. “The melody came to me in a dream, and when I woke up, I immediately recorded it. I soon realized that I had never written anything quite like it before — it really felt like something magical coming from a dreamworld.”
Heubaum also connected the song to the wider variety of the album.
“The song has the wondrous atmosphere of a magical Disney movie, and I think you can feel that all the way through. It takes you on a little journey, with a bright light waiting beyond the darkness. Once again, it shows just how many different facets this album has - and we are far from done. Just wait until you hear what's still to come...”
Xandria released the official music video for “Northstar.”
Eclipse is the upcoming studio album from Xandria. The album features 11 tracks and is described in the source material as the band’s most diverse body of work so far.
The source material presents Eclipse as an album that combines classic metal influences, 1980s-inspired riffing, low-tuned modern metal guitars, cinematic orchestration, Celtic folk elements, dark electronic textures and more intimate rock moments.
The album follows The Wonders Still Awaiting, released in 2023. The source material identifies that album as the beginning of a new era for Xandria with a new lineup and states that it entered the Official German Album Charts at No. 9.
The lyrics on Eclipse are described as more direct and outspoken, with themes connected to civilization, reason, empathy and democracy. Marco Heubaum remains the band’s sole composer, drawing from music, stories, emotions and film-score influences.
The source material names Hans Zimmer and John Williams as film composers connected to Heubaum’s wider musical inspiration.
TRACKLIST
1. Syzygy
2. Eclipse
3. Colours
4. The Shannon's Home
5. The Grand Delusion
6. Wave Of Tanis
7. Northstar
8. Masquerade
9. The Last Generation
10. The Poetry Of The Real World
11. Lore
FORMATS
Eclipse will be released in the following formats:
3-CD Earbook, 36 pages, including bonus CD with orchestral versions — Napalm Records mailorder only, strictly limited
1-LP Gatefold Vinyl Splatter, including LP-sized 28-page booklet and A5 signed 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
Eclipse includes guest contributions from Ally Storch of Subway To Sally, who appears on “Lore.”
The band’s longtime friend McAlbi appears with Celtic tin and low whistles on “The Shannon’s Home,” “Northstar,” “Masquerade” and “Lore.”
“The Last Generation” features a children’s choir and piano performed by Richard Z. Wang, identified in the source material as a Hollywood pianist who has worked at Hans Zimmer’s studio.
Xandria also collaborated again with the Sofia Session Orchestra & Choir, known for work on film and television scores including His Dark Materials.
All songs were orchestrated by Lukas Geppert and Ishaan Tyagi. The source material identifies both as film-score composers working in Hollywood, noting Lukas Geppert’s work connected to Nobody 2 and the latest Final Destination, and Ishaan Tyagi’s contributions to productions including Wuthering Heights.
XANDRIA LIVE 2026
September 16, 2026 — London, United Kingdom — The Dome
September 17, 2026 — Glasgow, United Kingdom — Slay
September 18, 2026 — Manchester, United Kingdom — Academy
September 19, 2026 — Birmingham, United Kingdom — O2
September 21, 2026 — Kortrijk, Belgium — DVG Club
September 22, 2026 — Paris, France — Nouveau Casino
September 23, 2026 — Nantes, France — Le Ferrailleur
September 24, 2026 — Barcelona, Spain — Razzmatazz 3
September 26, 2026 — Albacete, Spain — Ginetarock
September 27, 2026 — Montpellier, France — Secret Place
September 28, 2026 — Toulouse, France — Le Rex
September 29, 2026 — Lyon, France — Rock'n Eat
September 30, 2026 — Munich, Germany — Backstage Halle
October 1, 2026 — Zagreb, Croatia — Boogaloo Club
October 2, 2026 — Milan, Italy — Legend Club
October 3, 2026 — Salzburg, Austria — Rockhouse Bar
October 5, 2026 — Cluj-Napoca, Romania — FORM Space
October 6, 2026 — Bucharest, Romania — Quantic Club
October 8, 2026 — Sofia, Bulgaria — Pirotska 5 Event Centre
October 9, 2026 — Belgrade, Serbia — Zappa Barka
October 10, 2026 — Budapest, Hungary — Analog Music Hall
October 12, 2026 — Berlin, Germany — Lido
October 13, 2026 — Warsaw, Poland — Hydrozagadka
October 14, 2026 — Kraków, Poland — Zacianek
October 15, 2026 — Prague, Czech Republic — Distrikt Prague
October 16, 2026 — Dresden, Germany — Blauer Salon
October 18, 2026 — Cham, Germany — L.A. Live Style Cafe
October 19, 2026 — Frankfurt, Germany — Das Bett
October 20, 2026 — Pratteln, Switzerland — Z7
October 21, 2026 — Stuttgart, Germany — Im Wizemann Club
October 22, 2026 — Nuremberg, Germany — Hirsch
October 23, 2026 — Hamburg, Germany — Bahnhof Pauli
LINEUP
Marco Heubaum — guitar, keys
Ambre Vourvahis — vocals
Robert Klawonn — guitar
Dimitrios — drums
Xandria are a German symphonic metal band with a history spanning more than three decades. The source material presents Eclipse as the next step after The Wonders Still Awaiting, with a stronger focus on contrast, cinematic atmosphere and lyrical directness.
The album cycle has already included “The Shannon’s Home,” “Colours” and “Northstar.” The 2026 European tour places the new material into a live setting beginning in September and continuing through October.
Through “Northstar,” Xandria continue expanding the world of Eclipse with a song that brings together symphonic metal, Celtic instrumentation and cinematic atmosphere. The single also documents the album’s wider creative direction, with guest musicians, orchestral collaborators and a European tour schedule placing Eclipse at the center of the band’s 2026 chapter.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
Photo Credit: Stefan Heilemann/Mirko Witzki
Watch the official video for “Northstar” below.
