Xandria
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1994 in Bielefeld, Germany |
| Founder | Marco Heubaum |
| Headquarters | Bielefeld , Germany |
| Products | Symphonic metal music, studio albums, EPs |
Xandria is a symphonic metal group from Germany, established by Marco Heubaum in 1994. Originally conceived as a project, it was reassembled into a full band in 1999, experiencing multiple lineup shifts over time. Vocalist Lisa Middelhauve joined for their first album, contributing both musically and lyrically until her departure in 2008. She briefly returned in 2010 following the exit of second singer Kerstin Bischof but left again shortly thereafter. Manuela Kraller then assumed the role of lead vocalist that same year.
In 2012, the band released Neverworld's End, which marked Kraller’s only album before she left in 2013. Her successor, Dutch vocalist Dianne van Giersbergen, recorded two albums with Xandria: Sacrificium and Theater of Dimensions. Van Giersbergen departed in 2017 due to personal matters and internal conflicts. In 2022, the band introduced Ambre Vourvahis as their new singer and subsequently launched their eighth studio album, The Wonders Still Awaiting, in February 2023.
As of now, Xandria’s discography includes eight studio albums and two extended plays.
History
Xandria originated as a project in Bielefeld, created by Marco Heubaum, who was the principal songwriter and original vocalist. The initial formation dissolved in 1997 after releasing one demo.
The group was re-established in 1999 with fresh members; Heubaum relinquished vocal duties while bassist Roland Krueger joined the lineup. Following a demo released in 2000, drummer Gerit Lamm became part of the ensemble. Nicole Tobien (credited under the name 'Isis') performed on the demo but was soon replaced by Lisa Schaphaus, who joined as the band began composing their debut album.
In 2002, Xandria secured a contract with Drakkar Records and incorporated lead guitarist Philip Restemeier. They recorded their debut album Kill the Sun during that winter, releasing it in May 2003; it reached number 98 on the German charts. To support the album, they toured alongside Schandmaul, Subway to Sally, and Tanzwut.
After performing at several festivals, recording for their second album commenced late in 2003 with producer José Alvarez-Brill. Once recording concluded early in 2004, bassist Krueger departed and was succeeded by Nils Middelhauve. The album Ravenheart was released on 24 May 2004, achieving a peak position of number 36 and maintaining chart presence for seven weeks.
Their third studio effort, India (2005), climbed to number 30 on the charts; while their fourth release, Salomé – The Seventh Veil (2007), attained number 41.
On 30 April 2008, Middelhauve resigned for personal reasons. Kerstin Bischof (formerly of Lakonia and known from Axxis) joined in February 2009 but exited after one year to explore other pursuits. Middelhauve briefly returned for concerts during summer 2010. On 19 December 2010, Manuela Kraller was announced as the new vocalist and made her live debut in January 2011.
The band released Neverworld's End on 24 February 2012—Kraller’s only album with Xandria.
In February 2013, Steven Wussow joined as bassist while preparations began for their next studio project.
Kraller left on 25 October 2013 to follow a different career path; Dutch singer Dianne van Giersbergen, formerly of Ex Libris, was named her replacement. The album Sacrificium followed in 2014; their first EP Fire & Ashes was released on 31 July 2015.
Their seventh studio album, Theater of Dimensions, was launched on 27 January 2017. After its release, Xandria toured Europe extensively and led their inaugural North American tour alongside Kobra and the Lotus and Once Human. However, due to personal matters, they canceled the second half of their U.S. tour as well as scheduled performances in Russia; Aeva Maurelle from Aeverium temporarily filled vocal duties for European shows.
On 13 September 2017, Van Giersbergen announced her departure citing management pressures combined with health issues that rendered her unable to perform physically, resulting in stress confirmed by medical professionals. Former vocalists Manuela Kraller and Lisa Middelhauve publicly supported her decision and disclosed similar difficulties experienced during their tenure with the band. Guitarist Philip Restemeier later elaborated on Van Giersbergen’s exit during an interview conducted on a European tour.
In October 2019, bassist Steven Wussow departed Xandria to join German power metal outfit Orden Ogan.
On 24 May 2022, Xandria introduced new vocalist Ambre Vourvahis along with bassist Tim Schwarz, drummer Dimitrios Gatsios, and guitarist Rob Klawonn—who replaced longtime members Gerit Lamm and Philip Restemeier. Singles "Reborn" and "You Will Never Be Our God" were released later that year. The third single "Ghosts" coincided with the announcement of their eighth studio album The Wonders Still Awaiting, which came out on 3 February 2023. Their second EP Universal Tales followed on 22 November 2024.
Current lineup
- Marco Heubaum – rhythm guitar (since 1994), keyboards (since 1997), vocals (1994 to 2001)
- Ambre Vourvahis – lead vocals (from 2022 onwards)
- Rob Klawonn – lead guitar (joined in 2022)
- Tim Schwarz – bass guitar (active since 2022)
- Dimitrios Gatsios – drums (part of the band since 2022)
Past members
- Niki Weltz – drums (1994 to 1997)
- Manuel Vinke – lead guitar (1996 to 1997)
- Andreas Litschel – keyboards (1996 to 1997)
- Holger Vester – bass guitar (1996 to 1997, and again in 1997)
- Nicole Tobien – vocals (in 1997)
- Jens Becker – lead guitar (1999 to 2000)
- Andreas Maske – lead guitar (2000 to 2001)
- Roland Krueger – bass guitar (1999 to 2004)
- Kerstin Bischof – vocals (2009 to 2010)
- Lisa Middelhauve – vocals and piano (2000 to 2008, brief return in 2010)
- Nils Middelhauve – bass guitar (2004 to 2012)
- Manuela Kraller – vocals (2010 to 2013)
- Dianne van Giersbergen – vocals (2013 to 2017)
- Steven Wussow – bass guitar (2013 to 2019)
- Gerit Lamm – drums (2000 to 2022)
- Philip Restemeier – lead guitar (2002 to 2022)
Touring musicians
- Fabio D'Amore – bass guitar during live shows (2012 to 2014)
- Hendrik Thiesbrummel – drums for live performances (2016)
- Aeva Maurelle – vocals on tour (2017 to 2019)
Studio albums
| Release Year | Album Title | Highest Chart Positions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany (GER) |
Austria (AUT) |
Switzerland (SWI) | ||
| 2003 | Kill the Sun | 98 | — | — |
| 2004 | Ravenheart | 36 | — | — |
| 2005 | India | 30 | — | — |
| 2007 | Salomé – The Seventh Veil | 49 | — | — |
| 2012 | Neverworld's End | 43 | — | 51 |
| 2014 | Sacrificium | 25 | 71 | 48 |
| 2017 | Theater of Dimensions | 17 | 56 | 25 |
| 2023 | The Wonders Still Awaiting | 9 | — | 11 |
Compilation albums
| Year of Release | Compilation Title |
|---|---|
| 2008 | Now & Forever – Best of Xandria |
EPs
| Release Year | EP Title |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Fire & Ashes |
| 2024 | Universal Tales |
Singles
| Year Released | Single Title | Peak Chart Position | Associated Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany (GER) | |||
| 2004 | "Ravenheart" | — | Ravenheart |
| "Eversleeping" | 861 | ||
| — | Salomé – The Seventh Veil |
1 Released as a limited edition version
Promotional Singles
| Year | Single | Associated Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | "Kill the Sun" | Kill the Sun |
| 2005 | "In Love with the Darkness" | India |
| 2007 | "Sisters of the Light"1 | Salomé – The Seventh Veil |
| 2012 | "Valentine" | Neverworld's End |
| 2014 | "Dreamkeeper" | Sacrificium |
| "Nightfall" | ||
| - | "Voyage of the Fallen" | |
| - | "Call of Destiny" | |
| "Queen of Hearts Reborn" | ||
| "Ship of Doom" | ||
| - | "You Will Never Be Our God" | |
| "Ghosts" | ||
| "The Wonders Still Awaiting" | ||
| - | "My Curse is My Redemption" | |
| - | "No Time to Live Forever" | |
| "200 Years" |
1 Credited as Xandria vs. Jesus on Extasy
External links
- 1994 establishments in Germany
- German musical quintets
- German power metal musical groups
- German symphonic metal musical groups
- Mixed-gender musical quintets
- Female-fronted musical groups
- Musical groups established in 1994
- Musical groups disestablished in 1997
- Musical groups reestablished in 1999
- Musical groups from North Rhine-Westphalia
- Napalm Records artists