Sacrificium (album)

Sacrificium is the sixth studio album by German symphonic metal band Xandria. The record was released on 2 May 2014 via Napalm Records.

In Latin, the word sacrificium means the performance of an act that renders something sacer, sacred. Sacrifice reinforced the powers and attributes of divine beings, and inclined them to render benefits in return (the principle of do ut des).

Background
According to the band, the new album will "continue the musical journey and direction" of their last album, Neverworld's End, but "will bring in even more of everything people liked" about it.

Right before recording began, the band parted ways with their singer of three years, Manuela Kraller. She was replaced by Dutch singer Dianne van Giersbergen, who also fronts the progressive metal band, Ex Libris. This record is also the first album to feature Steven Wussow on bass.

Personnel
All information from the album booklet.

Xandria
 * Dianne van Giersbergen – vocals
 * Marco Heubaum – guitar, producer
 * Philip Restemeier – guitar
 * Steven Wussow – bass
 * Gerit Lamm – drums

Additional musicians
 * Amanda Somerville – narration
 * Mark Burnash – narration
 * Ben Mathot – violin
 * McAlbi – tin whistle, low whistle
 * Johannes Schiefner – bagpipes
 * Jonas Pap – cello
 * PAdam Chamber Choir – choir

Choir
 * Maria van Nieukerken – choir conductor
 * Annette Stallinga, Annette Vermeulen, Karen Langendonk, Marie Anne Jacobs, Angus van Grevenbroek, Gijs Klunder, Jan Douwes, Alfrun Schmid, Annemieke Nuijten, Aukje Vergeest, Frederique Klooster, Martha Bosch, Daan Verlaan, Koert Braches, Ruben de Grauw

Production
 * Joost van den Broek – producer, recording, engineering, keyboards, programming
 * Stefan Heilemann – artwork, layout, photography
 * Arne Wiegand – engineering assistant
 * Jos Driessen – engineering assistant
 * Sascha Paeth – producer, recording, engineering, mixing