Inspired by Szukalski’s art, embodying renewal, inspiration, and unity is Aspiral, the ninth full-length release from Dutch symphonic metal icons Epica. The title personifies their continual growth and individualism.
There is a strong sense of renewal and cohesion across Aspiral that makes it fresh and exciting. Each track is an individual yet combined to create a cohesive whole that is part introspective, part cosmic, yet pure Epica. The first single, Cross The Divide’’ personifies this change, the guitar sound is thicker and more immediate with its dynamics. ‘’ Darkness Dies In Light – A New Age Dawns Part VII’’ Is a musical masterwork, at times underrated. Every member of Epica is in supreme command of their instrument, capable of time and key changes with aplomb, delivered with power and ceremony yet also as subtle as it is grandiose. Always framed around the mezzo soprano talents of Simone Simons, it charges from a frantic 2/4 attack ( Ariën Van Weesenbeek’s percussive work is superb) to the classical choir arrangements. Everything is a seamless progression that twists and turns that make eight-minute tracks feel half as long. ‘’ Obsidian Heart’’ is a slower number that employs a strong rhythm and of course, those vocals to drive the song. ‘’Metanoia – A New Age Dawns Part VIII ‘’ is more pure epic symphonic metal full of twists and turns that is surprising and heavy. Album Closer ‘Aspiral’ Is a beautiful, thought-provoking piece of art. Simone’s vocals are simply gorgeous on their own, accompanied by Coen Janssen’s grand piano. It is a moment of wonder, the spoken word interlude ‘’We make ourselves what we are’’ personifies the album. Its crescendo is rousing and inspiring, a simply incredible song that demands to be repeated many, many times.
Aspiral is without doubt Epica’s most accessible record yet, and it sacrifices none of their principles, incredible musicianship or grand ideas that make them so unique and powerful. Their continual evolution is to be applauded and heard to be believed, it feels effortless and full of confidence, a symphonic metal celebration!
Epica: Facebook
Release Year: 2025
Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Category: Album
Country: Netherlands
Reviewed by Sparky
