Saw this on FB this morning on the Xandria page but it is also ob their official website.
"Hello everyone!
Probably to a big surprise for everyone in here, we are announcing Dianne van Giersbergen to be our new lead singer! Dianne, 28 years old and from the Netherlands, might be known to many from her Dutch band Ex Libris.
At the same time, Diannes arrival means the departure of Manuela Kraller, who regrettably decided to continue a different musical path. Certainly, that was a big shock to all of us hearing Manu say she wanted to try other things. With major regrets we had to let her go. Not an easy task to deal with, whilst the goal was untouchable: To continue the musical journey we had taken with Neverworlds End. But: We are very happy to have found THE new voice and face in Xandria who will continue this fantastic ride, our last album Neverworlds End had taken us to. And we are yet to sail way, way further with Dianne now!
Manuela thanks all fans and us in a personal statement:
After three years with the boys in Xandria, I decided to follow a different path and go my own musical way. Manuela leaves with regret but also full of gratitude, thanking XANDRIA and fans for the time together and being grateful for the wonderful moments in mutual tours and shows. She is wishing Dianne and band all the very best for the future!.
Last weekends shows in Leipzig, Germany and in Pratteln (Switzerland) at the Masters of Symphonic Metal Festival have been the last concerts for Manuela performing together with XANDRIA.
We will certainly miss Manuela! We are also thankful for the magical time we shared and wish her all the best for the future!
BUT: The show must go on and it sure will! We promise, what began with Neverworlds End was just a start and is yet to be taken to a higher level! Dianne will debut on stage with Xandria during our Spain tour in November.
We hope you all will be with us! The Dream is still alive! "
I am REALLY glad I saw them at ProgPowerUSA XIV.
"Hello everyone!
Probably to a big surprise for everyone in here, we are announcing Dianne van Giersbergen to be our new lead singer! Dianne, 28 years old and from the Netherlands, might be known to many from her Dutch band Ex Libris.
At the same time, Diannes arrival means the departure of Manuela Kraller, who regrettably decided to continue a different musical path. Certainly, that was a big shock to all of us hearing Manu say she wanted to try other things. With major regrets we had to let her go. Not an easy task to deal with, whilst the goal was untouchable: To continue the musical journey we had taken with Neverworlds End. But: We are very happy to have found THE new voice and face in Xandria who will continue this fantastic ride, our last album Neverworlds End had taken us to. And we are yet to sail way, way further with Dianne now!
Manuela thanks all fans and us in a personal statement:
After three years with the boys in Xandria, I decided to follow a different path and go my own musical way. Manuela leaves with regret but also full of gratitude, thanking XANDRIA and fans for the time together and being grateful for the wonderful moments in mutual tours and shows. She is wishing Dianne and band all the very best for the future!.
Last weekends shows in Leipzig, Germany and in Pratteln (Switzerland) at the Masters of Symphonic Metal Festival have been the last concerts for Manuela performing together with XANDRIA.
We will certainly miss Manuela! We are also thankful for the magical time we shared and wish her all the best for the future!
BUT: The show must go on and it sure will! We promise, what began with Neverworlds End was just a start and is yet to be taken to a higher level! Dianne will debut on stage with Xandria during our Spain tour in November.
We hope you all will be with us! The Dream is still alive! "
I am REALLY glad I saw them at ProgPowerUSA XIV.
Looking forward to more.
