Salomé – The Seventh Veil cover

Salomé – The Seventh Veil

Xandria · 2007

54 min · 13 tracks · gothic metal

A grand fusion of gothic and symphonic metal, layered with orchestral arrangements and powerful, emotive vocals.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Vampire — This track stands out with its haunting melodies and powerful vocal delivery, encapsulating the gothic themes prevalent throughout the album. Its blend of orchestral elements with heavy guitar riffs exemplifies Xandria's signature sound.
  • →
    Salomé — The title track showcases elaborate storytelling through its dramatic composition and dynamic changes, highlighting the band's ability to merge narrative depth with musical complexity. It serves as the emotional core of the album.
  • →
    Emotional Man — This song features introspective lyrics paired with a captivating melody that demonstrates the band's knack for combining personal themes with grand musical arrangements. It reveals a different side of the band's artistry, emphasizing vulnerability.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends orchestral and metal elements effectively, though it has some uneven pacing.

What we noticed

  • The album features orchestral arrangements that complement the heavy guitar riffs, creating a layered soundscape.
  • Several tracks incorporate choral elements, adding depth and a dramatic flair to the overall presentation.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady pacing with emotional peaks
  • haunting melodies for introspective moments
  • ethereal soundscapes during late nights
  • powerful riffs to energize solitude

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek upbeat party anthems

Where this album fits

Career context
In 2007, Xandria was at a pivotal point in their career, having released this album as their third studio effort. This marked a significant shift towards a more polished sound after their previous album, 'Ravenheart', which had established them within the symphonic metal scene. They were solidifying their identity by blending heavy metal with operatic elements, showcasing their evolution as artists.
Stylistic neighbors
Epica· Nightwish· Within Temptation

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Save My Life 3:56
  • 2 Vampire 4:31
  • 3 Beware 3:21
  • 4 Emotional Man 4:03
  • 5 Salomé 6:11
  • 6 Only for the Stars in Your Eyes 3:17
  • 7 Firestorm 4:50
  • 8 A New Age 3:37
  • 9 The Wind and the Ocean 3:37
  • 10 Sisters of the Light 3:24
  • 11 Sleeping Dogs Lie 4:11
  • 12 On My Way 3:51
  • 13 Sisters of the Light (Jesus on Extasy remix) 5:07

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata