Xandria

Hi Marco, thank you for taking your time and answering our questions, can you tell us a little about Xandria?
- "We are a Symphonic / Gothic Metal band, that's at least what people say, from Germany. We combine influences from classic music, soundtracks, folk and other elements with metal to create a very imaginative atmosphere."

Last year you released a best of album can you tell us something about it?
- "Our label released it cause our four album contract has been fulfilled and that's what labels do then, don't they? Our part was to make this a real good thing for the fans, not just a cheap compilation of some back catalogue songs. We ensured that we controlled the choice of tracks and that it's no less then a full bunch of 20 songs, so it's also a good thing for people who want to get to know Xandria. And for the fans there is also a two hour DVD in the package with interviews, live performances making of's from the video clips, of course the video clips and much more."

It seems that 2008 was both a good and a bad year for you maybe, since you lost your old singer Lisa but who was later replaced by Kerstin. Do you have any comments or something to tell us about it?
- "Lisa just didn't want to go further with Xandria, because it was not her thing anymore, she didn't like the style. So it was the best for all involved to part, for her, for us and the fans, because do you as a fan like to have a musician who doesn't like what he does? And with Kerstin we have more than an adequate successor; with her it will be possible to push Xandria's music on a higher level!"

It's been pretty quiet around you it seems, what are your future plans? Any new releases coming soon?
- "We are working on the next album, and we are taking the time it needs, cause we have a real high musical claim, we want it to be as good as possible."

Do you have any upcoming concerts this summer, any festivals that you will be playing at?
- "Yes, we will do a South American tour and some European festivals."

Has Xandria changed in any way since you lost your old singer either positive or negative?
- "Very positive, because in the last time Lisa was in the band it wasn't sure what will be in the future, cause there were much differences musically. We couldn't have gone further on the way our most popular albums 'Ravenheart' and 'India' are with Lisa, and now we are even able to do a big step forward on that way - Xandria feels better and is stronger than ever!"

There is obviously a lot of competition in the genre your playing, how does it affect you?
- "We don't see anything as a competition, we just do the music we like and I think other bands also do."

Thank you for taking your time, do you have anything you would like to add?
- "Yes, hopefully we will be able to play in Scandinavia in the future, I personally love Sweden, been there some times, and if we are in your country, come over and celebrate music with us! All the best wishes to you all out there, keep the scene alive!"