Australian symphonic metal and gothic rock band CARMERIA have released “Caelira,” the first single from their forthcoming third studio album, Ex Cathedra. Accompanied by an official music video, the track offers the first taste of the band’s next chapter, expanding their symphonic and gothic foundations with a stronger melodic rock influence.
One of the more confrontational tracks on Ex Cathedra, “Caelira” tackles betrayal, disillusionment, and the ways ambition can distort relationships and erode trust. Beneath its anger lies a sense of mourning for something once deeply valued, ultimately arriving at the realization that resilience does not always mean reconciliation or endurance — sometimes it means knowing when to let go.
Written and arranged by CARMERIA vocalist, songwriter, and producer Jordan von Grae, “Caelira” originally began as an instrumental demo intended for his alternative hard rock band BAD MOON BORN before ultimately finding its home on Ex Cathedra.
The song also introduces the central themes running throughout the upcoming ten-track album: suffering, resilience, and the possibility of finding joy, love, meaning, and connection despite hardship. With “Caelira,” that resilience manifests through release and moving forward.
Musically, CARMERIA retain the orchestral atmosphere, gothic imagery, and melodic songwriting of their previous work while injecting a more direct melodic rock energy. It’s an approach von Grae describes as “Misery You Can Dance To,” combining introspective themes with soaring choruses and energetic songwriting.
The accompanying “Caelira” video was designed and developed by von Grae and produced alongside Mishka Bobrov, with Greg Oroth directing, filming, and editing. Its gothic, vampiric masquerade imagery — glittering masks, lavish garments, and sweeping cloaks — establishes the broader visual aesthetic surrounding Ex Cathedra.
Formed in Sydney in 2012 and now based in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, CARMERIA draw influence from bands including Kamelot, HIM, Nightwish, Ghost, and Powerwolf. Their combination of dark atmosphere, cinematic arrangements, theatrical presentation, and melodic immediacy has earned them the affectionate description “Party Goth” among their audience.
CARMERIA released debut full-length Advenae in 2021, followed by Tragédie D’amour in 2024 and the Trinity: Volume I EP in 2025. The band have also toured nationally and shared stages with artists including Flyleaf, Wednesday 13, Battle Beast, Toehider, Davey Suicide, and Valhalore.
Ex Cathedra marks CARMERIA’s third full-length album and continues the independent band’s evolution while remaining centered on melody, storytelling, and connection.
Ex Cathedra Tracklist:
- Ex Cathedra
- Wings
- Unto The Dawn
- The Ashenheart
- Embrace The Moon
- Phantasma
- A Rose Divine
- Caelira
- Shadows In The Sunlight
- Echoes Of The Dream
CARMERIA is:
Jordan von Grae – Vocals
Jerry Zahija – Guitars
Mishka Bobrov – Keytar, Backing Vocals
Emma Louise Nagy – Bass, Backing Vocals