Epica Design Your Universe [Gold Edition] Japan Music CD

Product Description
Contents Introduction To commemorate the 10th anniversary of its release, Epica's masterpiece 4th album, "Design Your Universe," is being re-released in a deluxe 2-disc set. This iconic album, which solidified their popularity, has been further enhanced with a remix and remaster by Joost van den Brook. It also includes 5 newly recorded acoustic versions. The Netherlands is a mecca for symphonic/gothic metal. Having produced pioneers like The Gathering, the Netherlands has many metal bands featuring female vocals. Among them, Epica is a prime example. Their cover of the theme song from the super-popular anime "Attack on Titan" is still fresh in people's memories. Now, a special 10th-anniversary edition of Epica's 4th album, "Design Your Universe" (2009), which solidified their popularity, is being released. Titled "Design Your Universe Gold Edition," this is a deluxe 2-disc set. The first disc features a remix and remaster of the album by Joost van den Bruk. Joost was the keyboardist for After Forever, a band that could be considered the predecessor to Epica. He has been involved in the recording, mastering, production, and orchestral arrangements of numerous Epica works, and was also in charge of the piano recording on the original "Design Your Universe." This can truly be called a remix and remaster by an engineer who knows Epica best. The second disc contains newly recorded acoustic versions. You can enjoy five songs from "Design Your Universe" with Epica's signature acoustic arrangements. As Simone says, "By rearranging the heavy songs into simple ballads, we were able to rediscover the goodness of the songs," and the arrangements are wonderful, highlighting Epica's melodic sense. To reiterate, "Design Your Universe" is a masterpiece album that solidified Epica's popularity. This album, which reached the top 10 of the national charts in their native Netherlands, was a turning point that propelled Epica to great success. While the album deals with a complex theme based on quantum mechanics?the possibility that our thoughts can influence matter?the music itself is clear and accessible to many. As the band name suggests, it is epic and symphonic. The contrast between Simone Simons' beautifully clear vocals, Mark Jansen's death growls, and the heavy backing is striking. The ethnic arrangements set it apart from other symphonic metal. "Design Your Universe" is where the elements that make Epica who they are truly are reached. Ten years after its release, it is still widely considered Epica's masterpiece. This masterpiece, which Mark himself cites as one of his favorites, is now available again with even higher sound quality thanks to the latest technology. Tony Kakko of Sonata Arctica also makes a guest appearance on this album. It is a must-listen for fans and newcomers alike. [Includes Japanese liner notes/lyrics translation] [Members] Simone Simmons (vocals) Mark Jansen (guitar) Cohen Jansen (keyboards/synthesizer/piano) Isaac Delahay (guitar) Rob van der Roo (bass) Arjen van Wiesenbeek (drums) [CD tracklist (planned)] 01. Samadhi - Prelude 02. Resign to Surrender ~A New Age Dawns - Part IV~ 03. Unleashed 04. Martyr of the Free Word 05. Our Destiny 06. Kingdom of Heaven ~A New Age Dawns - Part V~ 07. The Price of Freedom - Interlude 08. Burn to a Cinder 09. Tides of Time 10. Deconstruct 11. Semblance of Liberty 12. White Waters 13. Design Your Universe ~A New Age Dawns - Part VI~ 14. Incentive [Bonus CD Tracks (Planned)] 01. Burn to a Cinder (Acoustic Version) 02. Our Destiny (Acoustic Version) 03. Unleashed (Acoustic Version) 04. Martyr of the Free Word (Acoustic Version) 05. Design Your Universe ~A New Age Dawns - Part VI~ (Acoustic Version) Media Reviews and More To commemorate the 10th anniversary of its release, Epica's masterpiece 4th album, "Design Your Universe," is being re-released in a deluxe 2-disc set. The masterpiece that cemented their popularity has been further enhanced with a remix and remaster by Joost van den Brook. A newly recorded acoustic version is also included. (C)RS