Release Date May 22nd, 2026
Format CD/LP
Genre Symphonic/Power Metal
Origin Italy
Moonlight Haze has been building their name steadily in the European symphonic power metal scene, and with vocalist Chiara Tricarico at the front, the Italian band continues to push its melodic and cinematic side with real passion. Fans already know her voice from Avantasia live performances, and that experience clearly feeds into the grand scale that Moonlight Haze aims for. Since their debut, the band has mixed uplifting power metal energy with symphonic elegance, always keeping melody at the center of the music. On this fifth release, the EP “Interstellar Madness”, they continue down that path with a sharper emotional focus and a strong cosmic atmosphere surrounding the material.
“Interstellar Madness” may only run for a little over twenty minutes, though it manages to leave a strong impression through its dramatic songwriting and rich arrangements. The production by Sascha Paeth gives the EP a bright and energetic sound, while Simone Mularoni’s mixing keeps everything balanced and full of life. The guitars stay melodic and fluid, the keyboards add a celestial glow across the songs, and the rhythm section gives enough energy to stop the material from floating away into pure symphonic sweetness.
Chiara Tricarico naturally takes center stage throughout the EP. Her performance is emotional, expressive and technically impressive without turning the songs into a vocal exhibition. She brings warmth during the more reflective moments and power during the faster sections, helping the music maintain its emotional pull. The choruses are catchy in the best possible way, written with a strong melodic instinct that sticks after only a couple of spins. Moonlight Haze clearly knows how to write songs that balance accessibility with enough musical depth to satisfy metal listeners.
Lyrically and atmospherically, the EP explores inner struggles, emotional extremes and the idea of searching beneath the surface of reality. The cosmic imagery works well with the symphonic arrangements and gives the release a dreamlike quality. There is a very theatrical spirit running through the material, though the band avoids turning the music into something overly dramatic or exaggerated. The emotional side of the songs comes naturally, and that sincerity helps “Interstellar Madness” stay engaging across its entire duration.
For fans of Stratovarius, Avantasia, Nightwish or Sonata Arctica, this EP offers plenty of melodic hooks, polished musicianship and emotional power. Some listeners may wish for a longer release with a bit more variation, though what Moonlight Haze delivers here is still highly satisfying and memorable. “Interstellar Madness” is a strong addition to the band’s catalogue and another sign that they belong among the most reliable modern names in symphonic power metal. Anyone searching for soaring melodies, epic atmosphere and heartfelt performances should absolutely give this one a chance.
| 8.5
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