SYMPHONIC METAL POWER

Led by band mastermind Marco Heubaum and exceptional vocalist Ambre Vourvahis, German symphonic metal giants Xandria are returning to Pratteln this autumn. With songs that uniquely combine heaviness, melody and powerful emotion, Xandria guarantee plenty of goosebump moments at Z7. US outfit Seven Spires and Italy’s Secret Rule will open this fantastic symphonic metal night.

With bombastic orchestral sounds, thundering guitars and the mighty voice of Ambre Vourvahis, Xandria cast a spell over their audience. Every song is an experience – powerful, intense and emotional. For more than 30 years, Xandria have been one of the defining forces in symphonic metal and have earned legendary status along the way. With vocal sensation Ambre Vourvahis, whose impressive range extends from rock to opera and who does not shy away from screams and growls, Xandria have taken their sound to an entirely new level in recent years. With fresh, modern compositions and cinematic arrangements, Xandria continue to set new standards in contemporary symphonic metal, transporting their audience into an imaginary film in which they bring stories to life with passionate intensity.

In 2023, the icons of German symphonic metal broke into the charts’ top ten for the first time with the album „The Wonders Still Awaiting“, writing an exciting new chapter in the band’s history. Leader Marco Heubaum took his completely revamped line-up to new heights without abandoning its characteristic trademarks. Reaching number 9 in Germany and number 11 in the Swiss charts shows that the band is on the right track. In spring 2024, Xandria released their next single, „Universal“. The band had this to say: „We were overwhelmed by the fantastic feedback on our last album and are incredibly grateful to our wonderful fans. The positive energy inspired us to write new music again so quickly.“ The EP „Universal Tales“ was not far behind and once again showcased the diversity of their unique sonic universe.

Seven Spires: Founded in Boston in 2013, symphonic metal band Seven Spires have toured with bands such as DragonForce, Twilight Force, Silver Bullet, Omnium Gatherum and Eluveitie in recent years. In June 2024, they released their fourth studio album, „A Fortress Called Home“, through Frontiers Records. The latest work takes their characteristic blend of symphonic, power and extreme metal to new heights, drawing the listener into the deepest abysses. As on their previous albums, Seven Spires remain within the darkly romantic fantasy world conceived by frontwoman Adrienne Cowan, while retaining their impressive versatility. Where many bands in the symphonic metal sector confine themselves to a straitjacket of canned bombast, simple riffs and operatic vocals, Seven Spires pay no heed whatsoever to any constraints and go wherever inspiration leads them. The result is an album that brings together such diverse genres as symphonic black and death metal, gothic, power and progressive metal, as well as influences from jazz, pop and Celtic folk, without ever making the listener feel even remotely out of place. Metal.de sums it up: „The result is one of the most diverse symphonic metal albums of recent years, from a band that has long left most of its peers behind and deserves far more attention. Including from people who otherwise tend to turn up their noses at the genre.“

Secret Rule: Founded in 2014 by vocalist Angela Di Vincenzo and guitarist/producer Andy Menario, Secret Rule have established themselves as a major force in the symphonic metal scene. With Andrea Miazzetto (drums) and Sofia Basili (bass), the band seamlessly combines powerful metal riffs, cinematic symphonic sounds and innovative electronic elements, underpinned by Angela’s powerful and emotional vocals. Hailing from Italy, the outfit has captivated audiences around the world with its unique sound and energetic live performances. Across ten studio albums, Secret Rule have repeatedly pushed the boundaries of the genre, creating multi-layered compositions with profound lyrics. Their commitment to musical innovation has earned them a reputation as pioneers of modern metal. In autumn 2025, they released their latest full-length album, „X“. Metalfactory.ch writes: „With their tenth album, the Italians take another major step forward compared with its predecessor. Their blend of heavy metal, industrial and symphonic metal no longer merely sounds good – it is simply world-class.“