July 15th, 2022, marked a milestone in the march towards immortality for New Model Army, a band that always defies norms. On that night, I’m sure a night that many fans never saw coming, they joined forces with the Sinfonia Leipzig orchestra for a live performance, breathing a new kind of life into a band who’ve spent nearly 40 years doing it their own way. New Model Army's refusal to tread the well-worn path has defined just about everything they do. Instead, they've consistently embrace risk, pushing themselves further with each album.

Recorded at Tempodrom, Berlin, the live performance showcases the band's audacious leap into uncharted territory. Partnering with a full-scale orchestra, conducted by Cornelius During, might seem like a logical evolution for many, but New Model Army, true to form, shattered expectations and redefined the relationship between rock band and orchestra. Sinfonia is not just a collection of orchestrated renditions, it's a reimagining of New Model Army's entire universe. The journey begins with a fully orchestral "Overture," setting the stage for an immersive experience that spans the band's extensive discography. From the opening notes of "Devil's Bargain" to the moving closing of "Wonderful Way To Go," every song becomes a vessel, taking you places New Model Army songs never have before.

The collaboration with the Sinfonia Leipzig orchestra, under the guidance of longtime friend and guest violinist Shir-Ran Yinon, goes beyond a mere orchestral arrangement. This is not a predictable fusion; it's a daring exploration that captures the essence of New Model Army while adding a new layer of depth and texture. The orchestra and the band meld seamlessly, enhancing the power and sensitivity of each song in a symphony of sound.

"Experimentation without compromise" has been the hallmark of New Model Army, and Sinfonia exemplifies this ethos. Every note, every arrangement, and every moment of the performance is another step in their fearless pursuit of doing the unexpected. They have taken a well-trodden path of rock bands with orchestras and transformed it into something wholly unique, yet unmistakably New Model Army.