EXILIA

Led by the charismatic and theatrical presence of Masha Mysmane and her powerful, unique soprano voice, EXILIA is currently touring European stages with their new album, “Heroes And Dust.” For two decades, the band from the vibrant metropolis of Milan has embodied the authentic essence of hardcore within the alternative metal genre—a fact that rock and metal fans have witnessed firsthand during their numerous international tours with rock stars such as Rammstein, Oomph, In Extremo, and Paradise Lost, as well as during their U.S. shows as the opening act for Drowning Pool and Buckcherry. From the very beginning, EXILIA’s music has pushed boundaries by weaving metal riffs, fast beats, spoken word, and poetic depth into melodies that have become unforgettable anthems. The four musicians have carefully crafted their distinctive sound, and they are renowned worldwide for their electrifying stage presence and explosive live performances. Shortly before the pandemic, they released the single “I Am God” along with a music video, paving the way for the release of their album, which was once again produced in collaboration with Jörg Umbreit at Principal Studios (home to Donots, Broilers, In Extremo, and others). As the pandemic came to an end, EXILIA also made a triumphant return to the stage, playing at major festivals such as Lake Rock, Rock um zu helfen, and Sinner Rock, among others, and embarked on an extensive headlining tour across Europe.
In 2000, EXILIA quickly caught MTV’s attention with their debut album “Rightside Up” and were honored with the Best European Newcomer Award in 2003, a testament to the album’s great success. EXILIA’s on-stage experiences with bands like HIM, Therapy?, and The Rollins Band inspired their sound and led to the powerful “Underdog” EP, released via GUN/Supersonic. It received rave reviews and paved the way for high-profile European tours with big names like In Extremo and Paradise Lost. The sonic assault of their second album, “Unleashed”—which reached No. 38 on the German charts—once again proved the extraordinary caliber of these rising stars. Legendary hits like “Stop Playing God,” “Coincidence,” and “Can’t Break Me Down” showcase a blend of chainsaw riffs and whiskey-soaked vocals that captivated audiences and still resonate today. Their 2006 album “Nobody Excluded” is featured on the soundtrack of the popular U.S. TV series “Grey’s Anatomy.” The hit “Kill Me” was also created in collaboration with Amnesty International and featured a music video that shed light on the human rights issues surrounding Guantánamo. Their third album, “My Own Army,” was produced in 2008 by Dave Chavarri (Soulfly, Ill Niño, Pro-Pain, among others) and revealed a mature and complex sound, while retaining the vitality of the riffs that is characteristic of EXILIA. The captivating fifth album, “Decode,” was released in 2012 and led to extensive U.S. tours, including a performance at the renowned SXSW Festival. With “Purity” in 2015, EXILIA cemented its position at the heart of the European metal scene and was celebrated on tour with Mustasch. “Feel The Fire,” the opener and first single from the new album “Heroes And Dust,” is about those moments when we feel alone and search for a reason to keep our spirits burning, and it generated remarkable fan interest even during the recording sessions. With the additional singles “Not The End Of The World”—a call to rise up and have self-confidence even in difficult times—the impressive cover of The Weeknd’s hit “Blinding Lights,” as well as “Hypnotized,” which revolves around a psychological experience in toxic romantic relationships, and “Supernova,” the Italian band built anticipation for the new album. It was finally released on April 21, 2023, accompanied by the compelling single “In The Afterglow” and its music video. Inspired by Metallica’s “Sad But True,” this track deals with life’s challenges and the need to accept even painful truths.
With the new songs on their album “Heroes And Dust,” Masha Mysmane and her bandmates show that, despite all the changes, they’re still a force to be reckoned with! EXILIA has always shattered the stereotypes of female-fronted rock and continues to do so impressively!