XENERIS were formed by ex-members of KALIDIA in 2022 and they are from Lucca, Italy. They play a mixture of symphonic Metal and Power Petal. “Eternal Rising“ is their debut album and it has a length of more than 47 minutes. The album was produced and mixed by Lars Rettkowitz (ALTERIUM; FREEDOM CALL) and mastered by Maor Appelbaum (ANNIHILATOR; HALFORD; SABATON). It was released via Italian Heavy, Power, and progressive Metal specialists Frontiers Music. The album has a powerful and cinematic start. “Barbarossa” is a mid-tempo track with very prominent orchestrations driven by the string and brass. The guitar riffing is thunderous. While the orchestral arrangements are a bit in the background during the verse parts, they are at full swing during the chorus parts. The female vocals are clean and vary around the medium end of the vocal range, with tonal shifts occurring towards higher notes.

The vocals are occasionally supported by background vocals. “Barbarossa” is the official video release, and the YouTube link is provided below. “Before The River Of Fire” is a fast track for most parts and it includes tight and crushing guitar riffing. Despite all the heaviness, the chorus parts have catchy melodies. The orchestral arrangements are almost not notable, they contribute just at times in the background. The vocals are direct, Rock oriented, and slightly aggressive at times, which fits perfectly to the song. “Before The River Of Fire” is an early album highlight. “Eternal Rising” continues with the pace of the preceding track. The riffing is again tight, the basslines are crunching, and the track has a few Power Metal vibes. The orchestral arrangements are well balanced with the guitars, bass, and drums, and contribute well to the track. Highlight of the track is the extended lead guitar solo. “Pandora’s Box” continues with the Power Metal vibes, the tight riffing, and the pace. While it is a fast track, there are a few changes in tempo and rhythm throughout, and arrangements are prominent during the chorus parts. The vocals utilize predominantly higher notes and vocalist Maryan shows off her full vocal range.

“A New Beginning” is a change in sound as it is a quieter song at mid-tempo. The melodies are darker, and the track gives vocalist Maryan the opportunity to shine in terms of her vocal skillset and her ability to transport emotions. “To The Endless Sea” is one of the heavier songs at mid-tempo. The riffing is powerful, and the sound is intensified by prominent orchestral arrangements driven by the strings. The break is relatively short, introducing a very contributing lead guitar solo. “Shahrazad” has – no surprise – plenty of oriental vibes. It is a heavy song at mid-tempo with orientally inspired riffs and melodies. Highlight of the track is the break, which is driven by the traditional instruments and the vocals. Vocalist Maryan uses, once again, her full vocal range and this makes the track to another album highlight. “Scilla And Cariddi” starts epic and at measured tempo, transitioning into a mid-tempo verse part. The chorus parts are again Power Metal inspired and they are fast and come with double-bass support. The chorus melodies are catchy with almost anthemic vocal lines.

“Burning Within” is one of the slower songs on the album. Verse and chorus parts are at a measured tempo, whereby the verse parts are head-banging. The guitar riffing of the verse parts and the break are thunderous and crushing, while the chorus parts almost serve as a counterpart with their almost melancholic melodies. “The Glorious Fight” has an epic start driven by the orchestral arrangements. It is the track with most twists and turns in tempo and rhythm, and the sound also varies between epic symphonic Metal, flesh-ripping Power/Thrash Metal riffing at breakneck speed, and typical melodic Metal chorus parts with catchy melodies. “The Glorious Fight” is surely not the mainstream album song, but it is the most interesting song as it shows the versatility of the band. The album finishes with “Equinox” and the change in sound could not be more drastic compared to the preceding “The Glorious Fight”. It is the album ballad and vocalist Maryan has support by guest vocalist Michele Luppi (WHITESNAKE). It is a great duet of both vocalists and surely Michele Luppi gives the track an extra dimension.

The debut album of XENERIS is promising. “Eternal Rising“ has elements of symphonic Metal, melodic Metal, and Power Metal and this is all well mixed together. Highlights of the album are the guitars, both in terms of the riffing and the solos, and the very versatile vocals, which give all songs an extra layer. The orchestral arrangements are well composed, not overly dominant and just prominent if needed. The album is well produced. As much as “Eternal Rising“ is a promising album, the overall sound of the album is pretty familiar to that what has been released in recent years in a very crowded symphonic Metal/Power Metal market. Will “Eternal Rising“ stand out? Probably not, but there are positive signs that future albums will, and symphonic and Power Metal fans should watch out for XENERIS in the years to come.