German symphonic metal act Xandria continues to gain worldwide interest and after intense touring is ready to unleash a majestic collection of songs that will definitely satisfy all fans with the brand new album “Theater Of Dimensions”.
“Where The Heart Is Home” focuses on dramatic atmospheres with elegant orchestral layers and operatic choirs while Dianne van Giersbergen delivers classical soprano vocals with extraordinary intensity. Thick guitar riffing offers a solid heavy rhythmic backbone further embellished by a polished melodic guitar solo.
The ballad “Forsaken Love” enhances the impressive emotive qualities of Dianne van Giersbergen’s voice which rightfully becomes the star of the show while melodic guitars and orchestration provide a luminous musical background.
“Call Of Destiny” has a typical catchy power/symphonic groove that certainly reminds of earlier Nightwish’s style. There are plenty of enjoyable orchestral layers with baroque accents to spice up the popular music recipe and crispy guitar leads add a modern compelling touch.
“We Are Murderers (We All)” opens with a mysterious aura followed by the heaviest ensemble of guitar riffs on the album. Operatic choirs never fail to channel an epic tonality and guest vocalist Björn Strid of Soilwork delivers extra heavy vibes. In the chorus Xandria doesn’t forget to add a fair dose of emotional catchiness but the almost thrash chaotic raw groove represents a more memorable moment.
“When The Walls Came Down (Heartache Was Born)” features a somber atmosphere with heavy doom oriented guitar riffs and solemn operatic choirs. The overall decadent melodies are particularly palpable in the lead guitar work and classical orchestrations but also successfully portrayed by Dianne van Giersbergen technical and poignant vocals.
Featuring Ross Thompson of Van Canto as guest vocalist “Ship Of Doom” has an immediate theatrical mood with scattered folk accents but the symphonic theme fairly acquires additional strength with sober orchestrations and vivid choirs.
“A Theater Of Dimensions” is the most daring and diverse track as it feels like a proper metal operetta featuring a multifaceted songwriting that emphasizes a cinematic theatrical style without forgetting all the beloved elements of symphonic metal. Once again Dianne van Giersbergen proves to be the perfect singer for Xandria delivering a stellar vocal performance that smoothly embraces multiples styles while guest vocalist Henning Basse of Firewind provides additional powerful vocals. This song successfully blends dramatic tones, dazzling vocal harmonies reminiscent of “Chance” by legendary Savatage, artsy theatrical narratives and grandiose melodic guitar work in perfect symphonic metal fashion.
“Theater Of Dimensions” is a widely enjoyable album and Xandria takes another step forward managing to stay true to the chosen musical pathway but also showing more inspiring songwriting and impressively mature musicianship