Australia’s CARMERIA present the third studio album Ex Cathedra, an enthralling offering that showcases the next evolution in the band’s sound. Released independently today, the new full length centers around finding resilience and joy despite suffering encountered as part of the human experience.
Commenting on the release of Ex Cathedra, singer/songwriter/producer Jordan von Grae shares:
“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.
At its heart, this album is a tribute to perseverance in the face of hardship; to the notion that ‘this too shall pass,’ and the understanding that while we cannot always choose our circumstances, we have the power to choose how we respond to them.
Above all, it is a celebration of our capacity to live fully alongside suffering; to love despite loss, to find belonging in one another, and to find solace in the knowledge that while pain may be an inevitable part of the human experience, the beauty of our lives need not be diminished by it.”
On the meaning behind “Phantasma,” Jordan von Grae reveals:
“Phantasma explores the ways in which guilt, shame and regret can distort our perception of ourselves. While those feelings can encourage reflection and positive change, they can also become destructive when we allow ourselves to be consumed by the things we cannot change, or accept blame for things that we were never responsible for.
Additionally, ‘Phantasma’ serves as a reminder not to allow the suffering of the past to eclipse the joy that may still exist in the future, and argues that resilience can sometimes require forgiveness, including forgiveness of oneself. 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.'”
Ex Cathedra was principally written by CARMERIA singer/songwriter/producer Jordan von Grae. Zahija composed “Ex Cathedra,” while Bobrov made additional songwriting contributions to “Wings,” “Phantasma,” “A Rose Divine” and “Echoes of the Dream.”
The recording lineup consists of Jordan von Grae on lead vocals, harmonies and choirs, as well as programming for keys, synths, orchestra and drums; Jerry Zahija on lead and rhythm guitars and solos; and Emma Louise Nagy on bass, acoustic guitars and additional vocals. All drums, keys, synths and orchestration were programmed by von Grae, with the exception of the orchestra on “Ex Cathedra,” which was programmed by Zahija and Robert Ianni.
Ex Cathedra was mixed by Jordan von Grae and mastered by Miro Mastering. The album and single covers were designed by Jordan von Grae, illustrated by Hassane and coordinated by Mishka Bobrov. Album photography was completed by Matt Bartolo.
About CARMERIA:
CARMERIA are an independent Australian band from the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, blending symphonic metal, gothic rock and melodic rock into a sound built around soaring choruses, cinematic arrangements, dark atmosphere and narrative-driven songwriting. Drawing influence from artists such as Kamelot, HIM, Nightwish, Ghost and Powerwolf, the band balance dramatic orchestration and gothic imagery with melodic immediacy and an energetic live presence. It is a contrast that has seen audiences affectionately describe CARMERIA as “Party Goth,” a fitting shorthand for a band equally comfortable embracing shadow, spectacle and celebration.
Formed in Sydney in 2012, CARMERIA’s original lineup disbanded the following year before the project was rebuilt in 2014 around founding guitarist Jerry Zahija and vocalist and songwriter Jordan von Grae. Keytarist Mishka Bobrov joined in 2018, followed by bassist Emma Louise Nagy in 2021, completing the band’s current core lineup. Throughout their history, CARMERIA have remained completely independent, with members taking active roles across songwriting, production, visual design, social media and the business behind the band, allowing them to maintain a strong creative identity across every aspect of the project.
CARMERIA released their debut EP Awakening in 2013, followed by the standalone singles “Carpe Noctem” and “Solaris,” before issuing their first full-length album, Advenae, in 2021. Their second album, Tragédie D’amour, arrived in 2024, followed by the 2025 EP Trinity: Volume I. Along the way, the band have built a strong live reputation through national headline and co-headline tours and support appearances with artists including Flyleaf, Toehider, Wednesday 13, Davey Suicide, Valhalore and Battle Beast. Jordan von Grae also fronts Australian alternative hard-rock band Bad Moon Born and appeared on Vivaldi Metal Project’s 2022 album EpiClassica.
Community has become an equally important part of CARMERIA’s identity. Through Patreon, a members-only Discord server and their live shows, the band have cultivated a close-knit group of fans, friends and supporters known as The Carmunity, with an emphasis on connection, creative expression and giving people a place to belong. That sense of shared experience carries directly into the band’s music, where themes of grief, resilience, love, isolation and solidarity are explored through emotionally direct lyrics and theatrical, melody-driven arrangements.
In 2026, CARMERIA return with their third full-length album, Ex Cathedra, a record that expands the band’s established symphonic and gothic foundations with a stronger melodic rock influence. Centred on the idea that suffering is an unavoidable part of life but despair is not, the album represents a further evolution in CARMERIA’s songwriting, production and visual identity while remaining rooted in the qualities that have defined the band from the beginning: melody, storytelling, independence and connection.
CARMERIA is:
Jordan von Grae — Vocals
Jerry Zahija — Guitars
Mishka Bobrov — Keytar
Emma Louise Nagy — Bass
Connect with CARMERIA:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarmeriaMusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmeria
X: https://x.com/carmeria
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CARMERIA
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/carmeria
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@CarmeriaMusic
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/carmeria
Track Listing:
- “Ex Cathedra”
- “Wings”
- “Unto the Dawn”
- “The Ashenheart”
- “Embrace the Moon”
- “Phantasma”
- “A Rose Divine”
- “Caelira”
- “Shadows in the Sunlight”
- “Echoes of the Dream”