With shows scheduled in Brazil for October 11th (Brasília/DF) and October 12th (São Paulo), the German band Xandria is preparing to reunite with its fans on its highly anticipated tour. In an interview with Wikimetal, vocalist Ambre Vourvahis talks about what to expect from the shows, the setlist, and what she hopes to experience in Brazil. Furthermore, Ambre reflects on joining Xandria and shares her impressions of the album *The Wonders Still Awaiting *. Check it out:
Wikimetal: First of all, thank you for taking the time for this interview. And well, before we get started with the questions and everything else… how are you and where are you calling from?
Ambre Vourvahis : I'm fine, thank you. And I'm speaking from Germany, where I live.
Ambre Vourvahis and the rebirth of Xandria
WM: Well, Xandria is coming to Brazil next month. But before we get into that, I want to talk to you about Xandria's album, The Wonders Still Awaiting . This album marks the beginning of the band's new lineup. It's also your first album with them. For you, what does this album represent in the band's history?
AV : It's, in a way, a new chapter, because I think it's quite different from what was done before. Not that different, but it's more diverse. We explored more different areas, genres, and styles. The voice is also different, more versatile. So yes, it's a new chapter, and a chapter of freedom as well. Now we can really include all those little things we wanted to put into the music, those little styles… now we can do whatever we want.
WM: So I imagine the recording process for this album must have been a lot of fun, right? What was that recording experience like for you? Was there a particularly memorable moment in the studio?
AV : Yes, it was a lot of fun. I really loved that part because I think that's where, you know, as a songwriter you put your art, your knowledge, and your creativity into writing a song. But as a singer… okay, when you're on stage, of course that's the "real moment." But in the studio, you can really take your time to explore every little bit of yourself, every nuance of your voice. You have time to experiment and make everything a little bit better each time. So yes, it's a very fun process. I don't know if there were memorable moments, it's exhausting, you spend the whole day working non-stop. But actually, I like it. I like to challenge myself, to see how far I can go. So it was a very comfortable, very fun process, and I always love it. I can't wait for the next one.
WM : And how did you feel about the fans' reaction to this "rebirth" of the band through this album?
AV : It was very exciting, in a good way, because I didn't expect the album to be so well received because of the voice, and not just the songs. You know, when there's a change like that, you can never predict what's going to happen. But, actually, it was almost all positive, or at least much more positive than I expected.
WM: Is there a track on this album that you feel is "your song," the one that best reflects who you are today in Xandria?
AV : Ah, I don't really know anymore, because the funny thing is that you kind of evolve. And I think now we've really found our sound, and also what I really like, the sweet spot within the genre. And this album already had that, but not completely. So yes, we're always evolving, but I still love this work. I think most of the songs are really what we wanted to do and what we love. I love "Two Worlds," I think it represents the album very well and is like a great summary of who we are. And I also like the heavier parts a little more, with the screams, because I think it's really cool to have those little touches scattered here and there.
Ambre Vourvahis talks about the energy of the Brazilian audience.
WM: Xandria is coming to Brazil next October. And the Brazilian audience is known for its intense energy at shows. What have you heard about this reception? What do you expect from this tour? After all, it's your first time coming to Brazil with Xandria.
AV : Yes, I've been hearing that for many, many years, that it's practically the best audience there is, from what I've been told. And I believe it, you can see it. You can also tell when many bands go there to record live DVDs, because they know what they're doing! (laughs) They don't go to Holland. I love Holland and I love our audience there, but it's a much calmer audience, they listen to everything attentively, like it's a jazz show, you know? So I'm really looking forward to it.
Honestly, I think I'm going to connect a lot with that energy, because I love that passion. And on stage, you kind of need that. Of course, you do the show giving your best, but when the audience gives that energy back to you, you really feel it and it takes you to another level, you know? For me, it's the best possible exchange: I can give more if you give me more. And I love that. I can't wait.
WM: Is there a song from the current setlist that you're most excited to play live for Brazilian fans?
AV : So, we did a poll on social media asking which songs the audience wanted to hear. And we actually counted the votes, and put the five most requested songs on the setlist. There's a song I've never played before, I never imagined I'd play it. And it was number one on the ranking! I'm curious to see how it's going to be. I'm quite anxious because I've never done this before. I've already sung the other songs, I don't know, maybe 500 times. But it's cool to have something new, it gives a different emotion to the show.
WM: And beyond the stage, beyond show business and all that routine, what would you like to experience or discover in Brazil? Like, outside of shows, if you want to visit somewhere or learn about something, what would you like to experience here in Brazil?
AV : Oh, definitely anything I can! (laughs) But what I love most is food. For me, that's my favorite way to get to know a country; you need to try the local food, that's how you truly discover a place. And I'm not talking about tourist spots, you have to go to the "real" places. And often you realize that in those places you can eat something incredible and, at the same time, connect with the people. You can learn a lot about a country through its food. And, of course, we'll have a few days off, and I'm very happy about that! We'll be able to take advantage of that to see a lot of things.
I want to see everything, to feel what Brazil is really like, to meet the people. I love observing how people are, even those you don't know. When I go to the United States, for example, something I always notice is that, regardless of what you think about the country, people are super friendly. You can talk to anyone on the street, and they'll smile at you, be polite. And that completely changes how you see a country. It's not the politics or the news that define what it's like, it's the people you meet on the streets.
Ambre's career, routine, and new challenges at Xandria.
WM: Now, let's talk a little more about you. Before Xandria, you were involved in smaller projects. What did you learn from those early experiences that you carry with you to this day?
AV : It was really good to have gone through that, because it made me realize that it's really a lot of work, much more than I imagined. It's not so easy to go on stage and just… you need to open up, be much more vulnerable than I thought. That was something that took me a while. There are people who are born with that, you know? Who go on stage and think: "okay, I don't care". I thought it would be like that too. But when you're up there, you realize: "wow, this is going to require mental work to be able to let go completely". Now, finally, I feel totally free, I managed to get to that point, but it took longer than I thought.
So these past experiences showed me that. They made me understand that it takes more than that, that it's not just singing: it's mental and physical work, everything together. You have to take care of your voice, you have to be physically prepared to handle the routine. I learned a lot, including in the first shows with Xandria. Today I have a well-defined routine. It's nothing crazy, you don't need to go crazy with it, but you need discipline in some things. But I like it. I like the challenge. And I like working hard for what I love, that's the best way to live.
WM: You mentioned routine. And now on tour with Xandria, how has your preparation for the shows been? Do you have any special rituals or precautions before going on stage?
AV : Yes, I think like every singer, I have my little quirks. Warming up my voice is mandatory, and I do it twice. I do a light warm-up before soundcheck, partly because I usually go to bed late, but I don't wake up much after sunrise (laughs). So I do something very gentle to start opening up my voice. Then, I do a more complete warm-up about two hours before the show, usually while I'm getting my makeup done. Actually, this time of getting ready is also my way of "getting in the mood." I put on music, sing along a little, it's an easy way to warm up my voice too.
I don't have any particularly strange rituals, but I need this time to focus, connect with the moment, and also to have fun with the guys in the band before going on stage. Often we put on some Judas Priest and it makes us feel lighter. I think that's the best way to recharge and get ready for the show.
WM: Looking to the future, how do you envision Xandria's path? What artistic direction would you like to explore with the band?
AV : I think it's incredible that symphonic metal itself is already a very free genre; you can put so much into it. It's a very open style. It's not like thrash metal, for example: if you're playing thrash metal, it's thrash metal. Of course, you can include influences and some surprises here and there, but in symphonic metal you can explore many, many things. And in a single song you can have several different influences. And I love that, because let's be honest, nobody listens only to symphonic metal. I mean, maybe some people do, but I don't listen only to that, and I wouldn't want to. We have many other influences. Marco does too, even less than me in the case of symphonic metal; he likes some bands, but he also comes from a different musical background. So now we can really explore all of that.
I already know a little bit about what's coming next, of course, but I can't reveal too much. What I can say is that it will continue to be a diverse sound, but always with that beautiful sound we're known for, with surprises and elements that we love. I think we're managing to combine everything in the best possible way for the future. Now we know who we are, you know? With me in the band, everything has become a little easier in terms of composition and artistic direction; things are flowing more naturally.
WM: And when Marco invited you to become the band's vocalist, what went through your mind at that moment?
AV : Actually, I didn't think much about it at the time, because everything happened in a way that wasn't like, "Oh my God, we have a new album, you need to be the new vocalist now because we're going to do this and that." It was during the pandemic, and there were already some demos recorded well before the release. I sang on them, and when he said, "Look, it actually turned out really good, why not turn it into something official?", it didn't seem real to me yet, it wasn't directly linked to the idea of "you're now in this band that's already kind of famous." So, I had time to get used to the idea. But on the day of the release of Reborn , the first single, that's when it hit me. I kind of panicked: "Oh my God, what have I done? Will it be good enough?" (laughs).
So, it was an emotional rollercoaster in those first few days after the launch. But ultimately, it taught me a lot; you grow with this kind of experience. And in the end, it makes you more confident about what you do. Of course, the more you grow, the more confident you become. I think it's good not to take everything for granted right away; it was a great learning experience for me.
WM: Ambre, I only have two more questions, and one of them is: if you had to choose your top 3 favorite albums of all time, what would they be and why?
AV : Well, I'd say Dark Passion Play by Nightwish , because I love that album. Actually, I love all Nightwish albums, but that one has a special place in my heart. And I love Anette's voice, it's simply magical. Then, Eonian by Dimmu Borgir . It's not that recent, but it's not old either. I think that album is a masterpiece. I love Dimmu Borgir, and that record is… I don't even know how they created it, it's incredible. And the third… um… I don't know. I'm sure I have a list somewhere, I must have written one at some point specifically for interview questions, but nothing comes to mind right now. Maybe something from Oceans of Slumber , yeah, maybe that one… but that's also more recent. I'm sure the list would have some more classic albums, but I can't remember them now.
WM: And before we finish, do you have any special message for the Brazilian fans who are eagerly awaiting Xandria's arrival in October?
AV : Yes! I can't wait to finally visit Brazil and meet you all. I'm sure we'll see each other, I'll try your delicious food, and I'll put on the best show I can. I hope you enjoy yourselves and… see you very soon!
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