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Editorial Reviews
2009 release, the fourth studio album from the Dutch Symphonic Metal band. The band's previous album, the Divine Conspiracy, was dealing with the idea that God created many religions and that it was to man to understand that they are all the same, and this album will be dealing with the power of thoughts and imaginations.
Product details
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- Language : English
- Product Dimensions : 4.88 x 5.63 x 0.47 inches; 5.92 Ounces
- Manufacturer : Nuclear Blast
- Item model number : 6858070
- Original Release Date : 2009
- SPARS Code : DDD
- Date First Available : August 29, 2009
- Label : Nuclear Blast
- ASIN : B002N1AERI
- Country of Origin : USA
- Number of discs : 1
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- #98,931 in Pop (CDs & Vinyl)
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Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2018
Verified Purchase
I've been waiting forever for Epica's re-release of their entire catalogue on vinyl and there you have it. The remastered version sounds clean, crisp, and rich in tone. I have to say that I'm still in love with Epica's music as I was almost 10 years ago when this album first came out. Amazing musicianship, meticulous and stellar songwriting skills, and beautiful vocals all showcased on this album that uplift Epica into their next level of success and fame for the symphonic metal music they are known for.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2009
Verified Purchase
After the long anticipation of waiting for Epica to release a new CD, it is finally here! I'm not one to write reviews on every CD I like, but I think this one deserves it. I truly believe this is one step forward for Epica once again. There isn't one CD by this band I could really say stands out as my favorite because they all have their ups and downs. With Design Your Universe, the band decided to go for a more "heavier" sound and prove why they belong in the symphonic metal genre. Many will argue it's a bad thing and many will probably say it's good for them. I am one of those who says good for them! Fans of "Consign to Oblivion" may not be too happy with this change as that was the only CD with very few of Mark's repeated growling, and altogether the CD had a more soft side to it.
On this CD most of the tracks feature the growling, and as an added bonus, way better choirs. Epica also did something they have never done before-- they added guitar solos. I felt this was missing for a long time from their music and kept wondering when they would add them in. They belong in the songs and they definitely don't take away from them. Simone sings in a much more variety of ranges and goes from sounding almost "pop" like to her usual operatic voice. The band has also added a Duet featuring Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica) and actually has two songs over 9 minutes long ("The Kingdom of Heaven" and "Design Your Universe").
"Design Your Universe" explores the topic of new breakthroughs in quantum physics and their 13 tracks as well as their lyrics revolve around this topic. Truth be told, I had to read their Wikipedia page before I even began to understand what they were singing about. A lot of times, Epica explores topics that seem very deep and something that you really have to explore on your own; re- read their lyrics before you even remotely began to see the light at the end of the tunnel telling you what exactly you're hearing. This however is something that sets the band apart from the other hundreds of female fronted symphonic metal bands. The fact that their messages are deeply hidden within their music makes you listen to them over and over again to figure it all out. They just released their new video "Unleashed" which is track number 3 on their new CD. I watched it on YouTube and I truly didn't understand it at first. Then I read an interview online with Mark where he went onto explaining that the video portrays a married couple who go home to their apartment and the woman's husband gets shot by burglars. The man dies, but his soul still lingers there and doesn't understand he's dead or why his wife can't see him. That right there is something that isn't very obvious on the first watch, but can eventually be figured out.
Epica seems to be always so convincing with their lyrics and messages, that sometimes hidden deep within there are corny bits to their songs and some things that make you just go, Why? This CD actually only had two tracks where those feelings evolved for me. The first one being the duet with Tony Kakko. "White Waters" is truly a beautiful love song, and Simone does a top notch job. However, Tony's vocals weren't up to par for me. It took away the credibility for me that this song was written by a symphonic metal band, it wasn't really powerful enough and actually brought me minutes of Deja Vu when I listened for the first time to Nightwish's first release where the male vocals were provided by Tuomas. The song is good, but the male vocals bad... The second time I asked why and this time I actually burst out in chuckles, this has never happened to me before, was on the song "Kingdom of Heaven". The song itself is really heavy, but somewhere along the way, somwehere in the middle to be more exact the song is just butchered for me. There is a spoken piece in there, I believe it might be Mark? (I am not one hundred percent sure on that) God actually speaks.
"God: It's not your time
You have to go back... back!
Now!
Guy: No, no, I don't want to return,
Please let me stay here, don't make me go back
God: Go back, you've got work to do"
The above was taken straight from their lyrics. Just reading it, it isn't bad, but give it a listen on the track and it sounds unconvincingly lame. Why? simply because the person playing God and the guy God is talking to is voiced by the same person (at least it sounds that way). There isn't a variety between the two people talking and it seems like the person is arguing with themselves in an almost schizophrenic way. It really ruined the heavy mood of the song, at least for me, and made the whole track rather unconvincing because by the time it was over, I was still stuck on the one spoken piece. However, none of these reasons are reasons why this couldn't be a five star CD and none of the tracks are bad. They are all awesome in their own right. Stand out tracks for me were "Martyr of the Free World", "Resign to Surrender", "Burn to a Cinder" and a very pretty slow songs is "Tides of Time".
Once again a top notch release from Epica, and definitely one step forward. They don't seem to be the type of band that by their second or third release tone down and don't improve. Finally a band that actually gets better and better. They deliver the "goods" every single time and leave you with a release you don't get tired of listening to. This isn't something that will ever make it to the radio in the U.S.A. or something that you will hear blasting out of people's cars (although you might hear it from mine), but it is GOOD and they are talented. They weren't ruined by MTV or people's opinions and keep growing as a band.
On this CD most of the tracks feature the growling, and as an added bonus, way better choirs. Epica also did something they have never done before-- they added guitar solos. I felt this was missing for a long time from their music and kept wondering when they would add them in. They belong in the songs and they definitely don't take away from them. Simone sings in a much more variety of ranges and goes from sounding almost "pop" like to her usual operatic voice. The band has also added a Duet featuring Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica) and actually has two songs over 9 minutes long ("The Kingdom of Heaven" and "Design Your Universe").
"Design Your Universe" explores the topic of new breakthroughs in quantum physics and their 13 tracks as well as their lyrics revolve around this topic. Truth be told, I had to read their Wikipedia page before I even began to understand what they were singing about. A lot of times, Epica explores topics that seem very deep and something that you really have to explore on your own; re- read their lyrics before you even remotely began to see the light at the end of the tunnel telling you what exactly you're hearing. This however is something that sets the band apart from the other hundreds of female fronted symphonic metal bands. The fact that their messages are deeply hidden within their music makes you listen to them over and over again to figure it all out. They just released their new video "Unleashed" which is track number 3 on their new CD. I watched it on YouTube and I truly didn't understand it at first. Then I read an interview online with Mark where he went onto explaining that the video portrays a married couple who go home to their apartment and the woman's husband gets shot by burglars. The man dies, but his soul still lingers there and doesn't understand he's dead or why his wife can't see him. That right there is something that isn't very obvious on the first watch, but can eventually be figured out.
Epica seems to be always so convincing with their lyrics and messages, that sometimes hidden deep within there are corny bits to their songs and some things that make you just go, Why? This CD actually only had two tracks where those feelings evolved for me. The first one being the duet with Tony Kakko. "White Waters" is truly a beautiful love song, and Simone does a top notch job. However, Tony's vocals weren't up to par for me. It took away the credibility for me that this song was written by a symphonic metal band, it wasn't really powerful enough and actually brought me minutes of Deja Vu when I listened for the first time to Nightwish's first release where the male vocals were provided by Tuomas. The song is good, but the male vocals bad... The second time I asked why and this time I actually burst out in chuckles, this has never happened to me before, was on the song "Kingdom of Heaven". The song itself is really heavy, but somewhere along the way, somwehere in the middle to be more exact the song is just butchered for me. There is a spoken piece in there, I believe it might be Mark? (I am not one hundred percent sure on that) God actually speaks.
"God: It's not your time
You have to go back... back!
Now!
Guy: No, no, I don't want to return,
Please let me stay here, don't make me go back
God: Go back, you've got work to do"
The above was taken straight from their lyrics. Just reading it, it isn't bad, but give it a listen on the track and it sounds unconvincingly lame. Why? simply because the person playing God and the guy God is talking to is voiced by the same person (at least it sounds that way). There isn't a variety between the two people talking and it seems like the person is arguing with themselves in an almost schizophrenic way. It really ruined the heavy mood of the song, at least for me, and made the whole track rather unconvincing because by the time it was over, I was still stuck on the one spoken piece. However, none of these reasons are reasons why this couldn't be a five star CD and none of the tracks are bad. They are all awesome in their own right. Stand out tracks for me were "Martyr of the Free World", "Resign to Surrender", "Burn to a Cinder" and a very pretty slow songs is "Tides of Time".
Once again a top notch release from Epica, and definitely one step forward. They don't seem to be the type of band that by their second or third release tone down and don't improve. Finally a band that actually gets better and better. They deliver the "goods" every single time and leave you with a release you don't get tired of listening to. This isn't something that will ever make it to the radio in the U.S.A. or something that you will hear blasting out of people's cars (although you might hear it from mine), but it is GOOD and they are talented. They weren't ruined by MTV or people's opinions and keep growing as a band.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 27, 2013
Verified Purchase
In 2009, the Progressive Metal scene wasn't offering me much. Then I picked this album up, merely trying out this band. The music on here is extremely well done and the vocals; oh my God the vocals are AMAZING!!!! Simone Simons has a beautiful voice and Mark Jansen has some really good growls. The guitars are very technical and well-done and the drums are incredible! This band has some great musicians!
The music:
1. Samadhi (Prelude)- A nice orchestral intro to the album. Not much to say about it. It sounds pretty cool.
2. Resign to Surrender: A New Age Dawns, Part IV- This song picks up right after the previous track ends and it's got some good stuff! The opening riffing is pretty chill and then it gets into it! It turns into a wild guitar-driven jam with integrated orchestral work, pounding drums, and other awesome stuff. Simone's vocals here are amazing! Mark drives the song more, but when Simone makes an appearance, it's extremely epic! This is probably my favorite track along with the next song, Unleashed. The guitar solo in this song is also top notch as well! I read one review that said this is the first Epica album to feature guitar solos. Well in that case, you can't get better than this if it's the first guitar solo by this band! It rocks! This song is a perfect balance of heaviness and beauty. AWESOME song! LOVE IT!
3. Unleashed- This song starts off with a dark choir and some epic sounding drums and then BOOM! It goes into a rather heavy, yet melodic jam with some extra layering by the orchestra. The verses have a really good driving beat and Simone sounds awesome still! Most bands I've heard that do the symphonic metal style lack in the metal part; they do rock beats and guitar parts and have more focus on the symphonic elements. Not Epica! This song clearly demonstrates how masterfully they can integrate an orchestra into a metal song and keep it metal! This is a top notch song and it's the one that persuaded me to buy this album! The guitar parts in this song are no joke and the drumming isn't either. This band is really technical, yet Simone and the orchestras add the emotion to the music that gives it life and clarity. Really good song!
4. Martyr of the Free Word- This song hits you like a train at the beginning. It starts off with some extremely heavy and in-yo-face riffing and just when you think it'll intensify more, it goes in to a really atmospheric, grooving, softer verse. It has some Indian-sounding melodies and sounds mixed with some chugging riffs and then it goes into a pretty cool chorus. Then after the chorus it bursts into some heavy stuff yet again! It comes out of nowhere! It really changes up on you and that's why I love progressive metal! Great song!
5. Our Destiny- This song starts off with some guitar chords and orchestral stuff. Then it turns into Simone singing over a piano part and then some drums join in. The guitars join in and it becomes a pretty interesting piece of music. It's a really good song, but it's hard to describe. I really enjoy this song though! It's got a little for everyone in it! Nice one!
6. Kingdom of Heaven: A New Age Dawns, Part V- If you think the name is long, the song is even longer at 13:34. Now, the length of the song is not an issue for me, it's just that too much of it is boring. I mean it's a good song, but it doesn't appeal to me except for the last 4(isn) minutes of it. Other than those last 4 minutes, it's not really great for me. It's not the fact that it's dominated by Mark's growls for most of it, it's just that it's not appealing to me. I can't really call out anything specific.
7. The Price of Freedom (Interlude)- A cool piano and orchestral interlude that leads into the following track
8. Burn to a Cinder- This song starts off right where the interlude leaves off. It's got a heavy, dark groove opening it up and then the verse has some vocals that bring Arabian melodies to mind. This song is really heavy and grooving, but it's also really beautiful because of Simone's vocals. This song has some very atmospheric passages that really bring out the beauty of Simone's vocals. I'd have to name this song a favorite of mine as well. It remains heavy throughout the song, yet it has immense beauty in some parts of it. It's also extremely progressive so that's a plus. The solo in this song is extremely emotional and gives the song something more! A very good song!
9. Tides of Time- This song is extremely BEAUTIFUL! This one is soft and entirely Simone's song. It's kept really simple for most of it; piano and orchestra parts underneath Simone's vocals. Words really can't describe this song. It sounds like something that could've easily come off of a soundtrack and this song would be quite awesome on a soundtrack too! There are some really operatic vocals on here! Beautiful song! One of the album's strongest points IF not THE strongest! The guitar solo on here is extremely good! I'd compare it to an Evergrey solo, which is the HIGHEST praise I can give a guitar soloist! Evergrey's solos may not be extremely technical, but the level of emotion is untouchable by many, but this song manages to do it. Incredible!
10. Deconstruct- This song starts off with a happy sounding orchestra and then a happier sounding jam starts. Then it becomes more epic. I do quite enjoy the guitar parts in the verse. They groove extremely well and the drumming is awesome! The guy changes on a dime! The chorus of this song is very layered and features vocals from both Mark and Simone! It took a while for this song to grow on me, but it did. Good song!
11. Semblance of Liberty- This song is heavier than most of the other songs. While the intro sounds pretty cool, this is one of those songs that doesn't really appeal to me as much. There isn't really much wrong with it, in fact nothing is wrong with it. It just doesn't interest me. Not a bad track though. Maybe it'll grow on me in the future.
12. White Waters- This one starts off pretty simple on the guitar. Then some really beautiful orchestral stuff comes in and then the guitars start to sound more mystic rather than beautiful. As one other reviewer said, the male vocals on this song could've been done much better. The song isn't bad at all, but Tony Kakko's vocals aren't that good. Personally, if I could've made the choice for them, I would've said Tom Englund (Evergrey) or Russell Allen (Symphony X). The vocals of Tony in this song lack inspiration and emotion. That is the only thing that kills this song. Could've been better.
13. Deign Your Universe: A New Age Dawns, Part IV- This song has a haunting and beautiful intro. It then begins to become darker and build up. When the whole band comes in the guitars jam out and then it becomes soft with Simone singing over some softer grooving music. Then Mark comes in and the music becomes heavier. This song is very well-done. The chorus with the choir is fantastic! It really adds to the song! The best part of the song is from after the second chorus to the end. The music becomes extremely epic and it gives a similar vibe as track 2. It even has the same melody to tie the ending of the album to the beginning. This track is a monstrosity of awesome music! It's such a great way to end the album! Love it!
Verdict- This is a really good album and I recommend it to fans of prog acts such as Dream Theater, Symphony X, and Evergrey, and even to fans of heavier, melodic death metal acts like In Flames, Sonic Syndicate, and Mercenary. It's filled with lots of technical stuff for the prog fans and loads of heavy, melodic riffs for those who like the Gothenburg sound! Buy it! It's worth it!
The music:
1. Samadhi (Prelude)- A nice orchestral intro to the album. Not much to say about it. It sounds pretty cool.
2. Resign to Surrender: A New Age Dawns, Part IV- This song picks up right after the previous track ends and it's got some good stuff! The opening riffing is pretty chill and then it gets into it! It turns into a wild guitar-driven jam with integrated orchestral work, pounding drums, and other awesome stuff. Simone's vocals here are amazing! Mark drives the song more, but when Simone makes an appearance, it's extremely epic! This is probably my favorite track along with the next song, Unleashed. The guitar solo in this song is also top notch as well! I read one review that said this is the first Epica album to feature guitar solos. Well in that case, you can't get better than this if it's the first guitar solo by this band! It rocks! This song is a perfect balance of heaviness and beauty. AWESOME song! LOVE IT!
3. Unleashed- This song starts off with a dark choir and some epic sounding drums and then BOOM! It goes into a rather heavy, yet melodic jam with some extra layering by the orchestra. The verses have a really good driving beat and Simone sounds awesome still! Most bands I've heard that do the symphonic metal style lack in the metal part; they do rock beats and guitar parts and have more focus on the symphonic elements. Not Epica! This song clearly demonstrates how masterfully they can integrate an orchestra into a metal song and keep it metal! This is a top notch song and it's the one that persuaded me to buy this album! The guitar parts in this song are no joke and the drumming isn't either. This band is really technical, yet Simone and the orchestras add the emotion to the music that gives it life and clarity. Really good song!
4. Martyr of the Free Word- This song hits you like a train at the beginning. It starts off with some extremely heavy and in-yo-face riffing and just when you think it'll intensify more, it goes in to a really atmospheric, grooving, softer verse. It has some Indian-sounding melodies and sounds mixed with some chugging riffs and then it goes into a pretty cool chorus. Then after the chorus it bursts into some heavy stuff yet again! It comes out of nowhere! It really changes up on you and that's why I love progressive metal! Great song!
5. Our Destiny- This song starts off with some guitar chords and orchestral stuff. Then it turns into Simone singing over a piano part and then some drums join in. The guitars join in and it becomes a pretty interesting piece of music. It's a really good song, but it's hard to describe. I really enjoy this song though! It's got a little for everyone in it! Nice one!
6. Kingdom of Heaven: A New Age Dawns, Part V- If you think the name is long, the song is even longer at 13:34. Now, the length of the song is not an issue for me, it's just that too much of it is boring. I mean it's a good song, but it doesn't appeal to me except for the last 4(isn) minutes of it. Other than those last 4 minutes, it's not really great for me. It's not the fact that it's dominated by Mark's growls for most of it, it's just that it's not appealing to me. I can't really call out anything specific.
7. The Price of Freedom (Interlude)- A cool piano and orchestral interlude that leads into the following track
8. Burn to a Cinder- This song starts off right where the interlude leaves off. It's got a heavy, dark groove opening it up and then the verse has some vocals that bring Arabian melodies to mind. This song is really heavy and grooving, but it's also really beautiful because of Simone's vocals. This song has some very atmospheric passages that really bring out the beauty of Simone's vocals. I'd have to name this song a favorite of mine as well. It remains heavy throughout the song, yet it has immense beauty in some parts of it. It's also extremely progressive so that's a plus. The solo in this song is extremely emotional and gives the song something more! A very good song!
9. Tides of Time- This song is extremely BEAUTIFUL! This one is soft and entirely Simone's song. It's kept really simple for most of it; piano and orchestra parts underneath Simone's vocals. Words really can't describe this song. It sounds like something that could've easily come off of a soundtrack and this song would be quite awesome on a soundtrack too! There are some really operatic vocals on here! Beautiful song! One of the album's strongest points IF not THE strongest! The guitar solo on here is extremely good! I'd compare it to an Evergrey solo, which is the HIGHEST praise I can give a guitar soloist! Evergrey's solos may not be extremely technical, but the level of emotion is untouchable by many, but this song manages to do it. Incredible!
10. Deconstruct- This song starts off with a happy sounding orchestra and then a happier sounding jam starts. Then it becomes more epic. I do quite enjoy the guitar parts in the verse. They groove extremely well and the drumming is awesome! The guy changes on a dime! The chorus of this song is very layered and features vocals from both Mark and Simone! It took a while for this song to grow on me, but it did. Good song!
11. Semblance of Liberty- This song is heavier than most of the other songs. While the intro sounds pretty cool, this is one of those songs that doesn't really appeal to me as much. There isn't really much wrong with it, in fact nothing is wrong with it. It just doesn't interest me. Not a bad track though. Maybe it'll grow on me in the future.
12. White Waters- This one starts off pretty simple on the guitar. Then some really beautiful orchestral stuff comes in and then the guitars start to sound more mystic rather than beautiful. As one other reviewer said, the male vocals on this song could've been done much better. The song isn't bad at all, but Tony Kakko's vocals aren't that good. Personally, if I could've made the choice for them, I would've said Tom Englund (Evergrey) or Russell Allen (Symphony X). The vocals of Tony in this song lack inspiration and emotion. That is the only thing that kills this song. Could've been better.
13. Deign Your Universe: A New Age Dawns, Part IV- This song has a haunting and beautiful intro. It then begins to become darker and build up. When the whole band comes in the guitars jam out and then it becomes soft with Simone singing over some softer grooving music. Then Mark comes in and the music becomes heavier. This song is very well-done. The chorus with the choir is fantastic! It really adds to the song! The best part of the song is from after the second chorus to the end. The music becomes extremely epic and it gives a similar vibe as track 2. It even has the same melody to tie the ending of the album to the beginning. This track is a monstrosity of awesome music! It's such a great way to end the album! Love it!
Verdict- This is a really good album and I recommend it to fans of prog acts such as Dream Theater, Symphony X, and Evergrey, and even to fans of heavier, melodic death metal acts like In Flames, Sonic Syndicate, and Mercenary. It's filled with lots of technical stuff for the prog fans and loads of heavy, melodic riffs for those who like the Gothenburg sound! Buy it! It's worth it!
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Michael
5.0 out of 5 stars
Epica - Design Your Universe
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 20, 2009Verified Purchase
Wow! Well, what an album this is! I got into Epica by purchasing The Divine Conspiracy, don't know how I came about buying it (must've heard a track on a free Metal Hammer CD), but I did, and I loved it. On hearing Epica were bringing out a new album in October I was eagerly awaiting to hear their new material, so eager in fact that I pre-ordered it from Amazon, something which I've never done before. Now onto the music:
This album just draws you in from the very beginning, the first track being a short orchestral piece and seeping into track number two. Not a single song gives this album any flaws, it's constant beauty on the ears from start to finish. Massive orchestras, choirs, head banging metal, head nodding and weeping ballads, each song sweeping you along in a whirlwind of emotion, with Simone Simons gorgeous vocals at the front, backed up by some of the most amazing music that metal has to offer in this day and age.
This album just draws you in from the very beginning, the first track being a short orchestral piece and seeping into track number two. Not a single song gives this album any flaws, it's constant beauty on the ears from start to finish. Massive orchestras, choirs, head banging metal, head nodding and weeping ballads, each song sweeping you along in a whirlwind of emotion, with Simone Simons gorgeous vocals at the front, backed up by some of the most amazing music that metal has to offer in this day and age.
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Exodus Prime!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another brilliant Epica album
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 23, 2010Verified Purchase
Here, Epica seem to have taken an even heavier route than on their previous album, "Divine Conspiracy".
It's a much denser record, and I found it just washed over me on the first few spins and left me slightly disappointed. But, after a few more listens it reveals itself, and songs like "burn to a cinder" come into their own.
Overall, a superb follow up to one of my favourite albums of the last few years. If your new to the band I'd start with "Divine.." as it's more catchy and instant, but definitely choose this one next. They seem to get better with each release!
It's a much denser record, and I found it just washed over me on the first few spins and left me slightly disappointed. But, after a few more listens it reveals itself, and songs like "burn to a cinder" come into their own.
Overall, a superb follow up to one of my favourite albums of the last few years. If your new to the band I'd start with "Divine.." as it's more catchy and instant, but definitely choose this one next. They seem to get better with each release!
I. J. Davies
4.0 out of 5 stars
Consistant effort
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 17, 2010Verified Purchase
Had the pleasure of being at the Paradiso in Amsterdam when Epica previewed the album live. A great album, but for me doesnt quite reach the same high as Divine Conspiracy, but by any standard it is still an epic production.
As usual Epica are at their finest with a haunting melody in a ballad, and again tthe highlight of the album is such a thing...take a listen to Tide of time, and listen to your heart melt. If you are an Epica fan, this is a great addition to the library, if you are new to Epica a great intro from which to move onto Cosign to Oblivion and then Divine Conspiricy....
As usual Epica are at their finest with a haunting melody in a ballad, and again tthe highlight of the album is such a thing...take a listen to Tide of time, and listen to your heart melt. If you are an Epica fan, this is a great addition to the library, if you are new to Epica a great intro from which to move onto Cosign to Oblivion and then Divine Conspiricy....
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another cracking album
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 17, 2014Verified Purchase
Terrific album. I have only recently been introduced to Epica's but I have fallen in love with it. I now want all of their albums. This one is particularly good and the mixture of rock and classical music is masterful. The choral backing is wonderful and they make the music epic, which frankly it is. It might not be to everyone's taste but I think it is wonderful music.
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Ramses
4.0 out of 5 stars
Dream Theater with an angel's voice
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 5, 2010Verified Purchase
I am new to this band and tried it on Amz's recommendation. What struck me at first
was the familiar feeling of hearing Dream Theater. Really many many things in common,
although these guys here do NOT have a guitarist like John Petrucci. What really makes
me like Epica is Simone's voice. She is fantastic, the beacon of this band. Get rid of
the grunts, let her sing ... or hire her in Dream Theater (at least she can sing in tune,
not like LaBrie in concert).
Well worth trying in any case.
was the familiar feeling of hearing Dream Theater. Really many many things in common,
although these guys here do NOT have a guitarist like John Petrucci. What really makes
me like Epica is Simone's voice. She is fantastic, the beacon of this band. Get rid of
the grunts, let her sing ... or hire her in Dream Theater (at least she can sing in tune,
not like LaBrie in concert).
Well worth trying in any case.
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