Australian symphonic metal and gothic rock band Carmeria have released their third studio album, Ex Cathedra, today, and they have marked the occasion with an official lyric video for “Phantasma.” The independent record centers on finding resilience and joy in spite of the suffering that comes with being human, and it brings a stronger melodic rock influence to the band’s cinematic sound.
Order Ex Cathedra here.
Singer, songwriter and producer Jordan von Grae says the new album feels like an arrival for the whole group:
“Personally, Ex Cathedra feels like the culmination of my journey as an artist. As a band, it feels like the record in which we have found our identity.”
Jordan von Grae
On “Phantasma” itself, von Grae explains that the song looks at how guilt, shame and regret can distort the way we see ourselves, and argues that resilience can sometimes require forgiveness, including forgiveness of oneself. The dark theme did not make the sessions gloomy:
“Despite its thematic tone, this song was incredibly fun to put together, and I feel like it perfectly encapsulates the album’s sonic philosophy of ‘Misery you can dance to.'”
Jordan von Grae
The Party Goths of the Blue Mountains
Carmeria formed in Sydney in 2012, split the following year and were rebuilt in 2014 around founding guitarist Jerry Zahija and von Grae. Keytarist Mishka Bobrov joined in 2018 and bassist Emma Louise Nagy followed in 2021. The band, now based in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales, released the debut album Advenae in 2021, then Tragédie D’amour in 2024, a cycle we covered with the single “A Thousand Winter Rains”, and the Trinity: Volume I EP in 2025. They have stayed fully independent throughout and have shared stages with Flyleaf, Wednesday 13 and Battle Beast, while audiences have taken to calling them “Party Goth.”
Ex Cathedra was principally written by von Grae, who also mixed it. Zahija composed the title track, Bobrov contributed to four songs, Miro Mastering handled the master and Hassane illustrated the cover.
Tracklist
- Ex Cathedra
- Wings
- Unto the Dawn
- The Ashenheart
- Embrace the Moon
- Phantasma
- A Rose Divine
- Caelira
- Shadows in the Sunlight
- Echoes of the Dream
Our Take
“Misery you can dance to” is a great summary of what Carmeria do best. Plenty of symphonic bands chase grandeur and forget the chorus, but this group draws on Kamelot and HIM in equal measure, and “Phantasma” shows they care as much about the hook as the orchestra. For a band with no label behind them, three albums in six years is a serious statement, and fans of Nightwish, Powerwolf and Ghost should give this one a spin.
Carmeria are: Jordan von Grae (vocals), Jerry Zahija (guitars), Mishka Bobrov (keytar), Emma Louise Nagy (bass).
