A Stunning Debut: Xandria, Kill the Sun

SCORE: 73/100

Sorry for my absence! I have been taking time away from working and when I have been working it has been on a much bigger review project... meaning that I haven't had the chance to multitask and juggle album listens at the same time. This one has been in my queue for a while, and it's highly worthwhile for what it is.


Melodic and folklore-esque, 'Kill the Sun' is a stunning debut that is highly underlooked in the symphonic metal genre from a band that clearly deserves much more. The slower, more gothic sound to this album is something that not a lot of symphonic metal albums contain, and the band pulls off their style very well - making for a unique and enjoyable album that uses a short and welcoming runtime to make itself much more appealing from a wider scheme. 


The issue with 'Kill the Sun' comes from a somewhat lacking sound palate. The sound is good, but it feels very surface level for such a complex and lush genre, making this album pale when compared to albums by bands like Epica or even Within Temptation. The gothic fairytale-esque sound of this album feels similar to what was done on Within Temptation's work, but it's clear that Xandria were still starting out despite this still managing to be a striking debut piece.


With albums like this one, there is a fine line between being consistent and being too consistent. This album keeps the same sound so tightly wound that it lacks any experimentation outside of the band's clear comfort zone - and although this comfort zone is truly enjoyable in every sense, the album doesn't have enough substance to make it as recognizable or recommendable as other, similar albums that hold more depth. 


It's still a worthwhile project; but it might not be something you'll find memorable enough to stick or come back to despite some gorgeous songs. The last half of the album does much more than the first half, but it's overall lacking in some elements of depth. 


There are few highlights of the album, but the project is consistent enough to still be enjoyable despite how the songs flow into each other a little too well - with 'She's Nirvana' being the most different track and the standout of the album while the rest of the tracks help to weave in a similar style. This helps the band for more potential growth and future outputs, but it makes for an album without many standout moments; the whole project is good, but it isn't anything groundbreaking. 


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