Italian neoclassical and darkwave pioneers Ataraxia have announced their 30th studio album, Sylfaera The Fair, set for release on 21 May via The Circle Music. The record marks the final chapter of the trilogy that began with Pomegranate (2022) and continued with Centaurea (2024).
To accompany the announcement, the band have released a cinematic music video for the title track, “Sylfaera”, now available below. The single can also be streamed through The Circle Music’s digital platforms.
Sylfaera The Fair expands Ataraxia’s mythic universe with a narrative centred on ancient souls, ritual gatherings, and transcendence across realms. The album’s vocal approach embraces glossolalia, an invented language designed to convey emotion beyond traditional lyrical form. Musically, the band explore a vivid blend of Nordic, dark, and ritual folk, enriched by uilleann pipes, bodhrán, and atmospheric electronics.
The core trio — Francesca Nicoli, Vittorio Vandelli, and Giovanni Pagliari — are joined by guest musicians Gregorio Bellodi and Alessia Baraldi. Vandelli handled recording, mixing, and mastering, while Pagliari directed the accompanying video.
The album will be available in three editions: a Digi CD, a limited marbled transparent turquoise & black LP (400 copies), and an ultra‑limited Deluxe Black Box (100 copies), featuring a silver vinyl pressing, exclusive booklet, certificate of authenticity, and a hand‑drawn “Travelling Stone” talisman paired with a unique oracle inspired by Greek mythology. Link

Sylfaera The Fair tracklist:
01. Alabaster
02. Breanwinn
03. Alqua
04. Sylfaera
05. Silvertine
06. Loona
07. Llawarra
08. Muirreann (CD Bonus Track)
09. Ojos Sagrados
10. Crowea

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