In approximately four days, the trip to Montreal begins so that I will be able to see Xandria in concert for the first time, followed by a second show in the city of Toronto the day after. They will be headlining, with the support bands being "Kobra and the Lotus" and "Once Human".
I haven't checked out Once Human but I have seen Kobra and the Lotus before back in 2014 when they were opening for KISS at the Molson Amphitheatre. It should be a good two shows, and I will be making blog posts about them.
For this EP review, I will be reviewing their EP that was released on July 31, 2015. This is "Fire & Ashes".
I haven't checked out Once Human but I have seen Kobra and the Lotus before back in 2014 when they were opening for KISS at the Molson Amphitheatre. It should be a good two shows, and I will be making blog posts about them.
For this EP review, I will be reviewing their EP that was released on July 31, 2015. This is "Fire & Ashes".
Voyage of the Fallen
It begins with an intro that definitely gives away an Epica feeling, but more settles in what would be a Nightwish direction. When I hear this song, I picture myself riding on a British vessel sailing the Atlantic ocean, riding along the waves in a storm. Orchestra in this song sounds amazing, and feels very strong. Really good opener for the EP.
Unembraced
The sound of a piano with reverb is the first thing you hear before the song kicks in. The message in this song feels a bit strong, and I feel like it is telling me that in a world without hope, we often wonder how we can remain strong for the future to face the truth of reality. Dianne's vocals in this song almost remind me of Tarja's vocals in the 'Over the Hills and Far Away' EP. Pretty good, but it's not really a favorite for me.
In Remembrance
Another fantastic song, but with a sad meaning to the song. It is almost as if a mother has failed to show love for her child after they have travelled afar. The sound of this song almost reminds me of a mixture of Within Temptation's "Frozen" and both Nightwish songs "Eva" and "White Night Fantasy" thrown into a blender.
The Acoustic version of this song can be found on the Deluxe edition of "Theater of Dimensions" which is also really well-done with the violin included.
I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That) [Meat Loaf cover]
A cover of Meat Loaf's most known song, it exceeded my expectations as I don't usually listen to band covers of other songs. When I first heard this song, it must have been when I was a really young lad and it was on the radio, and this song was also in the movie "Sausage Party".
When I first heard Xandria's version of the song, I thought to myself that it sounded very familiar until Dianne began to sing the lyrics. That is when I realized what song this was... it's a love ballad about going on the search for love. It makes me picture doing all that I can to win the heart of a girl in my dreams, though my past attempts have failed or the girls I've dated didn't work out at all. It would be me chasing after that heart, no matter what comes in the way or tries to block me with walls.
On male vocals as a guest is Valerio Recenti. An amazing cover, and even the original by Meat Loaf is a masterpiece. Definitely recommend this song no matter which version it is.
Ravenheart [2015 Version]
I will review this song in the "Ravenheart" album review.
Now & Forever [2015 Version]
This song will be reviewed in the "India" album review.
Don't Say a Word [Sonata Arctica cover]
Honestly, I didn't think that a cover of one of Sonata Arctica's most known songs played live from their album "Reckoning Night". It almost sounds like it would fit really well with a ballad between Dianne and Tony, which I can hope will be possible in the future if both Xandria and Sonata Arctica tour in North America like they did in 2014.
Guitars in this song have a good crunch in their tone along with the orchestra backing behind the band in this one. The synthesizer/guitar solo near the song is beyond speechless. A very good cover, and an excellent choice for a finale to the EP.
Favorite tracks:
- Voyage of the Fallen
- I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That) [Meat Loaf cover]
- Ravenheart [2015 Version]
- Now & Forever [2015 Version]
- Don't Say a Word [Sonata Arctica cover]
Overall:
I really enjoyed this EP. I has one original song that I like, with the other two originals being quite decent and look promising to hear live. Their two covers are also well done, along with their re-recorded versions of their older songs that used to have their original vocalist Lisa Middelhauve, but without the synthesized bits for the orchestra or choir. It shows that the new line-up has many promises awaiting in their new tone. I give this EP a 8 out of 10.
Next review in the countdown of Xandria's upcoming concerts in Montreal and Toronto...
"Sacrificium"!
\m/ Brayden \m/
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