From the Netherlands, Epica has become an iconic institution. Their history of delivering great cinematic music to the masses speaks for itself. With each album, they have always managed to up the ante. With their ninth album, “Aspiral,” via Nuclear Blast Records, Epica continues to bring their dedicated fan base to new and incredible heights.
Epica continues pushing the envelope with their cinematic, epic metal brand. The straightforward smack-in-the-face opener “Cross the Divide” kicks things into high gear and is an adrenaline-fueled opening track that sets the table for what is to follow. Next is “Arcana”, one of my favorite tracks and a true highlight.
All of the elements make Epica such a fantastic band, choirs, epic songwriting, musicianship, and the amazing vocals of Simone Simons. Other highlights include: “Fight to Survive – The Overview Effect”, “Metanoia”, “T.I.M.E.”, “Apparition”, to name a few.
At this point, having such high expectations for an Epica release has become common, and they rarely let us down. “Aspiral” is an immensely satisfying release that will fit right in with their ever-expanding catalog.
Tracklist
- Cross the Divide
- Arcana
- Darkness Dies in Light – A New Age Dawns Part VII
- Obsidian Heart
- Fight to Survive – The Overview Effect
- Metanoia – A New Age Dawns Part VIII
- T.I.M.E.
- Apparition
- Eye of the Storm
- The Grand Saga of Existence – A New Age Dawns Part IX
- Aspiral
Line Up
- Simone Simons – Lead vocals
- Mark Jansen – Harsh vocals, rhythm guitar, orchestration
- Isaac Delahaye – Lead guitar, backing vocals
- Rob van der Loo – Bass
- Coen Janssen – Keyboards, synthesizers, piano, orchestration
- Ariën van Weesenbeek – Drums, backing vocals