2004-09-21
Epica’s new album, a live recorded show is surprisingly a part of the “2 meter sessies” that is usually represented by more familiar bands such as R.E.M. and Radiohead. The album was recorded at the famous Wiseloord studios. What is more surprising is that the band received such an opportunity after only one album.
The album contains two parts, the first which is a regular Epica performance and the other is an acoustic set which is mostly piano and Simons great vocals.
The band assisted the help of the great Sascha Paeth that is commonly known as the producer of Kamelot, Rhapsody and Nightwish.
The album creates a dilemma, on the one hand, Epica proves themselves as creative, individual and a unique band, by doing the concert with actual string section and a live choir, which brings the show to a whole new level, but on the other hand, all it’s influences (Nightwish, Kamelot, Within Temptation) are over shown in their music, which leaves the band full in a state of much potential but without character.
The guitar riffs sound much as if they were taken from an old “After Forever” album (which is understandable when the mind behind Epica is the same creative mind of former leader of After forever) and part of the arrangements that make you wonder to what band are you listening to, Epica or Nightwish.
The unique part of the album is definitely the classical arrangements and classical influences that are most noticeable thanks to string section, and of course the amazing voice of simon simons (her voice stands out even more in the acoustic part).
The first track begins in this kind of drumloop nightwish style, and then the choir enter and you can hear epica’s uniqueness but it all fades out as the metal riffs start to take control of the overall sound.
The lyrics for the album are very much suitable to the band’s name (epica is the place where we will find the answers for the all of our questions) and they deal with spirituality, politics, life , death and etc etc.
In my opinion the best part is the acoustic show, which gives us epica in all it’s glory and uniqueness and of course a chance to hear the great simon almost solo..
As I pointed out few times before, Epica biggest flaw is that they have no unique sound of their own, accept a few bits were there are more classical influences or more attention to Simons’s voice, they remind me of to many other bands, but still, this album is pleasant to listen to, it flows without to many wasted moments and I am sure that fans of the genre will like it very much, Epica plays gothic metal with a female vocalist and they do it well but in the future I think they should use more of Simons vocal abilities she give Epica their sound, she’s there uniqueness.
Roy Povarchik
