Xandril – A Forgotten Speed Metal Powerhouse

Sticking with the 80s, we’re diving into German speed/power metal with Xandril. Formed after the breakup of hard rock band Challenger, Xandril was born when drummer Christian Cholewa and guitarist Stephan Philipp founded Alien in late 1982, setting out to create something much heavier. After recording two demos as Alien in early '83, they rebranded as Xandril, and by 1986, released their debut demo Rotting Paradise (counting rehearsal tapes from ’85 as precursors). Despite only lasting six years without a full-length album, what they did produce was absolutely killer. They found an incredible vocalist in Bettina Paschen, whose raw, edgy vocals could rival Manilla Road’s Mark Shelton. She could go from clean, piercing notes to gritty, intense deliveries—a perfect match for Xandril's energetic style, akin to Mystification-era Manilla Road.

Xandril put out three demos in total (not counting rehearsals), with Rotting Paradise as the longest and perhaps the most impressive. Their sound drew on the speed and aggression of early Blind Guardian, along with influences from the fast-paced US power metal scene.

Let’s focus on Rotting Paradise first. This demo offers everything a metalhead desires, kicking off with a full-speed metal track, Terminal Breath, and maintaining a high pace with Lost in Paradise, which opens with a dual guitar harmony that shifts into mid-tempo riffs with dynamic tempo changes, evoking U.S. power metal with strong, galloping riffs. The demo’s ballad, Little Lady, reveals the band’s softer side, with Bettina delivering explosive vocals, abandoning the grittier style for clear, powerful lines. I Believe and Guide the Wind each evoke the early sounds of Battalions of Fear and Mystification, respectively; the former is a fast-paced hit, while Guide the Wind presents itself as a potent power ballad. For the speed metal enthusiasts, Avalon is another wild offering. The entire album has a raw, DIY edge that avoids the common pitfalls of the era's demos—Xandril’s instrumentals are fiery and precise, with unique, powerhouse vocals. Their sound truly shines in this gritty, unpolished format, showcasing a talent that deserved a full album release. The instrumentals are sharp, fiery, and free of errors, while the vocals are both unique and forceful—a reminder of how underrepresented female vocals still are in metal. It’s a shame we never got a complete album from Xandril before they disbanded in 1989.

Two additional releases—The Vision, a single-sided EP with three tracks released in 1987, and Perfect Darkness, another single-sided EP from 1988, could have combined perfectly as an album. Some fans even refer to it as an “album,” although the combined six tracks barely reach the 30-minute mark. These two EPs display even more of Xandril's range and talent, making it even more unfortunate that a full-length release never materialized.

Xandril’s short-lived success was hindered by their independence; without proper funding, they couldn’t afford the crucial advertising needed in the 80s. Many bands fell victim to this fate, such as Hammerschmitt (which I’ve covered in another article). After Xandril disbanded, half of the band formed a new group called Medusa, but they too struggled to find success and ultimately split shortly after.

Xandril left behind a rare and essential piece of German speed metal history. Their demos and EPs are testament to a band that could have stood among the giants of their time if only they had the means. From start to finish, Rotting Paradise and the EPs deliver a unique blend of USPM, speed metal, and influences from bands like early Blind Guardian, all shaped by a fierce energy and originality that demands a second listen.

Xandril - Rotting Paradise