Mystical and magical are the descriptive adjectives echoed by the new release by Xandria. These German gothic metallers reach for the sky as their new release “India” hits stores October 2005.

Excitement is exuded on their opening track “India” with marching keyboards and the high priestess Lisa Schaphaus just ripping her melodic vocals. Tarja Turunen from Nightwish must be shaking in her boots because Lisa is looking to take the crown to dethrone the Nightwish queen.

“India” is, simply put, a masterpiece of work. The music is haunting yet melodic with the keyboards by Marco Heubaum which are reeking of genius. “Black & Silver” is an unusual kind of song that sounds like Britney Spears gone gothic.

Many of the songs sound spiritual and could be church hymns such as “Dancer” but not bouncing too far from the gothic style. I thought the CD could have been a bit heavier but it does have some shinning tunes.