21.10.2011 Xandria

Metal Female Voices Fest IX

Oktoberhallen Wieze (Belgium)

(Pentax k-x with Tamron SP AF 17-50mm 2.8 XR Di II LD Asp IF and Sigma AF 50-150mm 2.8 EX DC APO HSM II)

After trudging through the traffic jams around Brussels and finally put up my tent in the dark it was unfortunately already too late for Bare Infinity. But finally I was on time for Xandria at the Oktoberhallen.
There I first wondered as the former front woman of the band Lisa Middelhauve stood during the sound check next to me in the audience. The double exchange of the front woman of the band I did not notice (OK, I do not take a look at the news around that band daily I have to say in my defence). Since beginning of the year Manuela Kraller took over the microphone and that in my opinion way better than Lisa. Even on the tracks of their CDs I several times had the wish at many parts that Lisa's voice would be more powerful and assurance. Just these weaknesses Manuelas voice does not have and so I have to admit that I was deeply impressed by her.
Overall a nice cross section through old classics of the band like "India" or "Save My Life". After the very successful "Out Of The Dark" tour across Europe together with Van Canto, Serenity, Tristania and Amberian Dawn they could announce that evening that they had a new publisher by Napalm Records and beginning of 2012 a new album will be released on which they were already heavily working. A first teaser of that was given by "Valentine" (OK, it is not that new anymore but not yet released on a CD). I did not like it that much but that is only my personal opinion. The song is more heading towards the operatic singer and heavy support by orchestral samples. I am curious whether the new album will completely go that way or if this was simply an exception. After roughly 50 minutes they played as culmination of a really good show the classic "Ravenheart" before the band finally had to leave the stage.

Setlist:

Indida
Now And Forever
The End Of Every Story
Save My Life
On My Way
The Lioness
Valentine
Salomé
Euphoria
Ravenheart

Weblinks:

	Xandria Homepage of the German band Xandria.
	Metal Female Voices Fest Homepage of the Metal Female Voices festival at Wieze (Belgium).
	Oktoberhallen Homepage of the Oktoberhallen at Wieze (Belgium).