XANDRIA
From the very first track it’s all very pleasant and to bring further shame to the already overused word “epic” but there’s something about the finished product that’s a bit difficult to get excited about as it all seems a bit clinical at times. Since Nightwish took off in a big way, there seems to have been a slew of very similar sounding bands that have risen to prominence on their coattails, regardless of who got there first. As annoying as I’m sure it is for all these bands to be constantly compared to them; it’s going to happen so these bands need to bring something extra and Xandria don’t really.
‘Blood on My Hands’ is probably one of the standout tracks on the album but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best track on the album, and it probably isn’t. The problem is that as solid as the rest of the songs on the albums are, they do sound very similar and ‘Blood on My Hands’ is probably the most commercial song so stands out for that reason. There are some nice folk-y songs towards the tail end of the album but that’s all they are really; nice. It’s all very grandiose and there’s no doubting that Manuela can carry a tune but it’s not particularly inspiring when it’s held up against other artists doing something similar. Maybe I just expect more from a band that not only have some fresh blood in the line-up but have also had a five year gap since their last album. Although, maybe no-one can live up to those expectations, look at Guns N Roses. In their defence, the album might be a bit of a grower as it was starting to get more enjoyable after the first few plays as it became more familiar. So there’s an outside chance that in 10 years’ time it’ll be my favourite album of all time but I somehow doubt it.
‘Blood on My Hands’ is probably one of the standout tracks on the album but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best track on the album, and it probably isn’t. The problem is that as solid as the rest of the songs on the albums are, they do sound very similar and ‘Blood on My Hands’ is probably the most commercial song so stands out for that reason. There are some nice folk-y songs towards the tail end of the album but that’s all they are really; nice. It’s all very grandiose and there’s no doubting that Manuela can carry a tune but it’s not particularly inspiring when it’s held up against other artists doing something similar. Maybe I just expect more from a band that not only have some fresh blood in the line-up but have also had a five year gap since their last album. Although, maybe no-one can live up to those expectations, look at Guns N Roses. In their defence, the album might be a bit of a grower as it was starting to get more enjoyable after the first few plays as it became more familiar. So there’s an outside chance that in 10 years’ time it’ll be my favourite album of all time but I somehow doubt it.
LABEL:
FORMAT:
Napalm Records
Album
NEVERWORLD'S END
Review by Siân Williams
RUNNING TIME:
63:42
RELEASE DATE:
24th Feb 2012
TRACK LISTING
1) A Prophecy of Worlds To Fall
2) Valentine; 3) Forevermore
4) Euphoria
5) Blood On My Hands
6) Soulcrusher
7) The Dream is Still Alive
8) The Lost Elysion
9) Call of the Wind
10) A Thousand Letters
11) Cursed
12) The Nomad's Crown
2) Valentine; 3) Forevermore
4) Euphoria
5) Blood On My Hands
6) Soulcrusher
7) The Dream is Still Alive
8) The Lost Elysion
9) Call of the Wind
10) A Thousand Letters
11) Cursed
12) The Nomad's Crown
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN:
Germany
"...it all seems a bit clinical at times."
