Xeneris – Eternal Rising
Release Date: 14th June 2024
Label: Frontiers Music
Order/Stream
Genre: Symphonic Power Metal
FFO: Kalidia, Visions of Atlantis, Alterium, Nocturna, Elettra Storm.
Review By: Mark Waight
Eternal Rising is the eagerly anticipated debut album from new Italian Symphonic Power Metal band Xeneris, who have magically risen like a beautiful phoenix from the ashes of fallen Power Metal giants Kalidia.
If there was ever a band who were going to tick all the boxes and deliver a spectacular introduction to the world, then Xeneris are it. With composer Frederico Paolini (guitars) at the helm, Co-founder Roberto Donati (bass), rhythmic genius Stefano Livieri (drums) and the superb addition of the amazing Maryan (vocals), Eternal Rising was only ever going to go one way. Straight to the top!
We kick off spectacularly with an epic ode to Barbarossa, delivered in true symphonic style with all the guile of seasoned campaigners on show. What a great start! Following swiftly behind is Before the Rivers of Fire, a red-hot paced power metal tune to shake you right to your boots! The rivers of creative juices are certainly flowing strongly with this one!
Title track Eternal Rising continues in the same direction with a tad heavier riff and some finger tingling guitar work right up to the pin sharp finish. Next up is one Pandora’s Box well worth opening as we are treated to the full range of Maryan’s vocal expertise as the songs pace varies effortlessly throughout.
Power ballad A New Beginning is simply stunning, with its sweet vocal harmonies and slightly defter touch delivering a thing of real beauty. My personal favourite track. To The Endless Sea takes us back to familiar ground with its nautical theme and more upbeat rhythm – swimmingly good!
Shahrazad adds a little bit of middle eastern mystique and spice to the whole affair with some mesmerizingly divine vocals, further enhancing that feeling of endless sand dunes and scorching desert nights. What a pleasing mirage Maryan’s vocals are to behold! The pedal is pushed firmly to the metal with the tale of Scilla and Cariddi, a hard-hitting tune where you simply may not be able to resist the desire to sing-along.
Burning Within keeps things moving along nicely by sticking strictly to the script and staying bang on point. The performance is tight with another solid composition. As we prepare for The Glorious Fight, Xeneris give us an insight into their pedigree with a cracking old style heavy metal lesson with a traditional/folk twist thrown in for good measure. Pure CLASS!
Almost as soon as it began, we sadly come to the end with the swooningly good finale Equinox. Male and female vocals deliciously combine to gently bring down the curtain in style. What a finish!
Xeneris have delivered an outstanding debut album, with Eternal Rising being everything you would expect it to be and more. If you are a lover of either the Power Metal or Symphonic Metal genre then there is plenty here for fans of both as Xeneris successfully breach the divide with apparent ease. Eternal Rising is a pleasurable listen with a couple of special moments making it well worth checking out, so don’t disappoint your ears and give it a spin!
(4.5 / 5)
