After the EP 'The Alchemy Project' in 2022, the Dutch band Epica took the time to record a new album since 'Aspiral' was released a little less than 2 months ago. This new baby from the Dutch band relies on the lineup that has the merit of not having changed since 2012, the year that saw the arrival of bassist 'Rob van der Loo', which is to say how well these artists know each other and this is certainly one of the keys to their success. Indeed, 'Aspiral' continues the adventure started 22 years ago with 'The Phantom Agony' (Qobuz link, Spotify link) and we let ourselves be carried away once again by this grandiloquent symphonic metal with a great reinforcement of sumptuous choirs and impressive orchestral arrangements.
To avoid going from title to title (there are enough on the internet), I will focus this review on the Dutch band's ability to keep us glued to the screen from start to finish. end of the album that still goes beyond the listening time and which goes down like a letter in the post. So what is this miracle recipe that has made it one of the spearheads of this style of music since the beginning of the 2000s? First, regardless of the title and the atmosphere, the production of 'Joost van den Broek', the captain behind the controls, is once again fantastic: let's not beat around the bush, an Epica album is best listened to by turning up the decibels a bit to bring out all that energy that completely envelops you.
Then, they have this talent for delivering melodies that make your legs tingle, alternating between direct and incredibly effective tracks and others, which despite their more complex structures, also possess this immediate accessibility: in 'Aspiral' we find this judicious mix, and the first two tracks are very well placed to start with two direct melodic gems that have each been the subject of a single. First, the up-tempo 'Cross the Divide', which is the ultimate track to make your head bang (see the video above). then, the mid-tempo 'Arcana' modulates the ardor while maintaining this instant melodic hook (see the video here). In the same category, we can't miss 'Obsidian Heart' and its phenomenal firepower, but also the heavy, well-paced procession 'Apparition' or 'Eye of the Storm' which highlights the vocal duet between "beauty and the beast", another major asset of 'Epica'.
The other facet of this symphonic metal is to offer us sagas that show that Epica brings a progressive side to symphonic metal and, in 'Aspiral', the 'A New Age Dawns' series, started in 2005 with 'Consign To Oblivion' (Qobuz link, Spotify link), continues with parts 7, 8 and 9. For example, part 7 is close to eight minutes and takes us on a succession of alternating intensities of rhythmic breaks, and this, as I already wrote above, while maintaining this melodic hook. Same observation with 'Fight to Survive - The Overview Effect' which combines an addictive melody and a construction bringing changes of intensity (see the video here). I also love the soft introduction of 'Metanoia' which does not augur well for what is to follow, then transforming into a flamboyant symphonic metal composition. Another little marvel, the short 'T.I.M.E.' also alternates in less than 4 minutes, different atmospheres bringing this diversity even within a composition (see the video here).
And finally, we can't talk about Epica without mentioning the vocal talent of Simone Simons, who shines again in Aspiral and who has also released her first solo album, 'Vermillion', which 'Arjen Lucassen' composed especially for the Dutch singer. To convince yourself, just listen to the title track, in which Simone moves us to tears. This song allows us to emerge from this album with a wonderful ballad.
In short, Epica's latest album, 'Aspiral,' could very well be a sort of best-of album from the Dutch band's more than 20-year career. As you listen to it, you're captivated by the extraordinary quality of this opus, which offers no dead spots and is a succession of melodic hits that could all have been singles. And, if you want even more and can't go see them in concert, 'Aspiral' has been released on Earbook and contains the Blu-Ray of the concert 'Live at The Symphonic Synergy' with some excerpts from this last album including the ballad 'Aspiral' (see the video here)... | |
