Review EPICA “Aspiral”

What do we expect from a new Epica album? Atmospheric soundscapes, elaborate arrangements, symphonic moments and deep growls. It is all there on ‘Aspiral’, the new effort from the Dutch symphonic metal icons.

The new album is Epica’s ninth full-length release, and the first after completing a trilogy of albums with the “Omega” opus. Freed from the framework of the conceptual series of releases, the band begins the latest work with “Cross the Divide”. The song, which is one of the lead singles, is a great opener and relies heavily on a well-crafted melody. It is a rather catchy way to start the album and yet it reflects Epica 100%. A high level of density and bombastic arrangements combined with some riff power, that’s what fans of the band expect.

The layered approach to the music and the orchestral elements come to the fore on the following two tracks. “Arcana” is a musical treat for fans of the band as the song combines a great vocal performance from Simone Simons, a choir in the chorus and a multi-faceted approach to music. It is a signature Epica song that will be appreciated by fans of the Dutch symphonic metal powerhouse.

Compared to their last releases, Epica have reduced the length of their songs but “Darkness Dies in Light – A New Age Dawns Part VII” is not only because of the title one of the longer tracks on the album. The song is the longest on the album with a running time of eight minutes, with Mark Jansen’s growls being the established counterpart to Simons’ crystal clear and airy vocals. Musically rich and done with great craftsmanship, the song is a first highlight on the album.

Photo: Tim Tronckoe

In comparison to such an epic, “T.I.M.E.” is a song that doesn’t shy away from intensity and impact. Growls and a metalcore-like momentum make ‘T.I.M.E.’ with its roaring riff a special element of the album, before the strongly pounding start of ‘Apparition’ kicks in. With a more mellow verse and a melodic chorus, the song has a lot of colourful moments that contrast with the gritty guitar sound.

Epica stick to their trademark sound which can also be experienced in songs like the sinister “Eye of the Storm”. The song is certainly more than just a summer breeze which has to do with some harsh riffs and Jansen’s growls. The song is a good example of the good/bad contrast that adds a lot to the dynamics of Epica’s music. Last but not least, it is the title track that heralds the finale of ‘Aspiral’. Built on Simons’ vocals and the gentle sound of Coen Janssen’s piano, the song is an atmospheric and touching moment on the album. Some narrative samples add to the dramatic mood and are a special element of this epic piece. The title track is an emotional finale that doesn’t lack strong dynamics, especially in the second half.

“Asprial” is a homogeneous and accomplished album. Epica’s signature sound resonates in each of the eleven songs on their ninth studio effort. The album is the result of a working process based on the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts which leads to a release that reflects a holistic and collaborative approach to songwriting. Epica live up to expectations and fans of the album will embrace this release.