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Content Introduction Epica, the Dutch symphonic metal band fronted by vocalist Simone Simons, has released their first new album in four years. Once again, they feature an orchestra and choir. This album surpasses their already gorgeous predecessor, resulting in a grand, symphonic, and progressive work. Epica is a symphonic metal band that the Netherlands is proud of. Its origins trace back to a project called Sahara Dust, started in 2002 by Mark Jansen after he left After Forever. After adding Simone Simons, who would later become the band's lead vocalist, they changed their name to Epica in 2003. Their symphonic, heavy, and of course high-quality debut album, "The Phantom Agony," became a huge hit, and Epica quickly rose to become a popular band. Beginning with the 2004 live album "We Will Take You With Us," they solidified their popularity with a flurry of high-quality releases, including "Consign to Obilivion" (2005), "An Epic Journey" (2005: soundtrack), "The Road to Paradiso" (2006), "The Divine Conspiracy" (2007), "Design Your Universe" (2009), "Requiem for the Independent" (2012), "The Quantum Enigma" (2014), and "The Holographic Principle" (2016). Now, their eighth full-length album, "Omega," is their first release in four years. Their previous album, "The Holographic Principle," also featured a mixed choir and a string orchestra. While they previously overwhelmed listeners with their excessively symphonic and gorgeous style, this album, which they declare to be "the most magnificent work in Epica's history," easily surpasses the high bar set by their previous work. It features not only a choir and orchestral instruments, but also numerous folk instruments from various countries, played by top musicians from around the world. Epica's unique world, where heavy metal, classical music, film scores, and even folk music merge and swirl together, is sure to move listeners. Simone's vocals are also more brilliant than ever. The highlight is undoubtedly the familiar "Kingdom of Heaven" series, "The Antidiruvian Universe." It's impossible to describe in words the scale of this 13-minute epic, which encapsulates everything Epica is. No one could listen to it without getting goosebumps. You absolutely must hear it for yourself. [Includes Japanese liner notes / Lyrics with translation] [Members] Simone Simmons (Vocals) Mark Jansen (Guitar) Koon Jansen (Keyboard/Guitar/Piano) Isaac Delahay (Guitar) Rob van der Roo (Bass) Arjen van Wiesenbeek (Drums) [CD Track Listing] DISC 1 / 'Omega' 01. Alpha -Anternium- 02. Abyss of Time -Countdown to Singularity- 03. The Skeleton Key 04. Seal of Solomon 05. Gaia 06. Code of Life [feat. Zahel Zorgati (Milas)] 07. Freedom -The Wolves Within- 08. Kingdom of Heaven part.3 -The Antidilvian Universe- 09. Rivers 10. Synagize - Manic Manifesto - 11. Twilight Reverie - The Hypnagogic State - 12. Omega - Sovereign of the Sun Spheres - DISC 2 / 'Omega' Acoustic CD 01. Rivers - A Cappella 02. Abyss of Time 03. Omega Acoustic 04. El Codigo Vital Media Reviews and More Epica, the Dutch symphonic metal band fronted by vocalist Simone Simons, has released their first new album in four years. Once again, they feature an orchestra and choir. This album surpasses their gorgeous predecessor, resulting in a grand, symphonic, and progressive work. (C)RS
