German symphonic metal veterans XANDRIA have released “Northstar”, the third single from their forthcoming studio album, Eclipse, arriving August 7 via Napalm Records. The band has also announced the Eclipse European Tour, which begins in September 2026.
Blending soaring symphonic arrangements with Celtic tin and low whistles, “Northstar” showcases another facet of what XANDRIA describe as their most diverse album to date. The track combines cinematic orchestration, folk influences, and heavy guitars into a melodic journey that reflects the band’s evolving sound after more than 30 years of making music.
Band founder and principal songwriter Marco Heubaum revealed that the song’s central melody came to him in a dream.
“Northstar is a very special song to me. The melody came to me in a dream, and when I woke up, I immediately recorded it. I soon realized that I had never written anything quite like it before—it really felt like something magical coming from a dreamworld. The song has the wondrous atmosphere of a magical Disney movie… It takes you on a little journey, with a bright light waiting beyond the darkness.”
Scheduled for release on August 7, Eclipse follows 2023’s The Wonders Still Awaiting, which became XANDRIA’s highest-charting album to date, reaching No. 9 on the German Albums Chart. The new record expands on that foundation with 11 tracks that incorporate classic heavy metal, modern low-tuned riffs, cinematic orchestration, Celtic folk elements, electronic textures, and progressive influences.
Lyrically, Eclipse presents the band’s most direct statement yet, exploring themes centered on reason, empathy, and democracy amid contemporary global challenges.
The album also features an array of guest musicians, including Ally Storch of SUBWAY TO SALLY on violin, longtime collaborator McAlbi on Celtic whistles, Hollywood pianist Richard Z. Wang, and the Sofia Session Orchestra & Choir. Orchestral arrangements were created by film score composers Lukas Geppert and Ishaan Tyagi.
In support of Eclipse, XANDRIA will embark on an extensive European tour beginning September 16 in London and concluding October 23 in Hamburg, visiting more than 30 cities across the continent.
Pre-order your copy of Eclipse here