Classical Conspiracy

Epica | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 19, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Nuclear Blast Americ
• ASIN: B001SWGOQ8
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,266 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #4 in Music > World Music > Europe > Continental Europe > Netherlands
  • #69 in Music > Hard Rock & Metal > Progressive Metal

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Palladium

2. Dies Irea From Requiem

3. Ombra Mai Fu From Xerxes

4. Adagio from Symphony No. 9 in E Minor, Op. 95, From the New World

5. Spider-Man Medley from the Motion Picture Spider-Man

6. Presto [from the Four Seasons, Concerto for Violin No. 2 in G Minor, Op

7. Montagues and Capulets from Romeo and Juliet, Suite No. 2, Op. 64B

8. The Imperial March From Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back

9. Stabat Mater Dolorosa From Stabat Mater

10. Unholy Trinity

See all 17 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Never Enough

2. Beyond Belief

3. Cry for the Moon

4. Safeguard to Paradise

5. Blank Infinity

6. Living a Lie

7. The Phantom Agony

8. Sancta Terra

9. Illusive Consensus

10. Consign to Oblivion

Editorial Reviews

EPICA THE CLASSICAL CONSPIRACY (2CD)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Outstanding, June 1, 2009

By 

Prog-Rev-Elation "ProgRevElation" (ALLover) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classical Conspiracy (Audio CD)

This latest release from Epica is a great example of band with vision, class, and emotional energy. They are standing at the top of their genre leading the way to excellence.

The combination of classical pieces done by the orchestra, then progressively joined by the band, and finally emerging into a cross-section of Epica's musical catalogue is pulled off with brilliance. The energy felt from the live audience adds an extra charisma to the performance. It seems a bit odd seeing long-haired headbanging going on along with a classical orchestra - but, it works. Although combining orchestra with metal is not new idea, it certainly is done well here and heightens the experience/pleasure of the concert.

Especially interesting are the fresh versions of Montagues and Capuets, and In the Hall of the Mountain King. The inclusion of the Spiderman theme and the Star Wars bit are a somewhat odd, but not totally out of place. No doubt, the choice of musical pieces done by the orchestra are intriguing.

Although I am not a fan of the death/growling vocals, I seem to be getting used to it - at least on this disc I can better make out what is being said. In regards to female vocals, they don't come any better than Simone. Her voice is strong, pristine, and alluring/enticing - this seems to set her slightly apart from Floor Jansen and Tarja - who are both incredible singers.

A highly recommended release to all Epica fans and those appreciate Gothic Metal.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best "live" symphonic metal albums EVER, June 11, 2009

By 

Jason R. Holt "magicat777" (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Classical Conspiracy (Audio CD)

Having been a huge fan of their previous release, The Divine Conspiracy, I would have bought any of their future releases. I was completely surprised and unprepared for the classical masterpiece that was presented to me. The album was composed with a 40-piece orchestra and 30-person choir in the same vein as Metallica S&M...but they pulled it off with so much more flare and quality that it ranks up there as one of the best live albums ever produced. If you like classical music (which is most of the first CD) mixed with metal, then this is the album for you.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Frickin' Awesome!, June 20, 2009

By 

Zombiejaci - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classical Conspiracy (Audio CD)

The Classical Conspiracy, Epica's latest release, is a stunning blend of their own music, contemporary scores from several movies, and classical pieces. Combined with Simone Simon's beautiful voice, these pieces can only be described as ethereal. Simply, they're awesome. I can't say enough about the album, I downloaded it last night, and I've been listening to it on repeat since 11am today. I love it, and Epica fans will love it. It's definitely a must-have for anyone who calls themselves a symphonic metal fan. The only downside to this live recording is that there's no DVD! I would have loved to see these artists performing these amazing pieces live.