Australian symphonic metal and gothic rock outfit Carmeria have released their third studio album, Ex Cathedra, an enthralling offering that showcases the next evolution of the band's sound. Released independently, the new full-length centres on finding resilience and joy amid the suffering that accompanies the human experience. Alongside the album's release, the band have unveiled a lyric video for the track "Phantasma".

Commenting on the release of Ex Cathedra, singer, songwriter and 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."

Discussing 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 for which we were never responsible. 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 weight, 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'." Link