(Nuclear Blast)
Total Time: 75:36
EPICA! The highly anticipated fourth album by the Dutch symphonic female fronted metal band is ready for release, bringing together a sense of renewal along with a trademark of probably the most “heavy” band of the Dutch “movement”.
Following the principles of the musical genre, “The Divine Conspiracy” reaches high standards of complexity regarding musical compositions, showing the band’s preference to move one step forward as far as their prospects are concerned. Influenced by their entire death and symphonic metal scene, the band achieves to maintain their personal sound, moving their musical attitude to more experimental places.
Combining Therion’s symphonic metal elements, while at the same time entering to atmospheric fields similar to those of After Forever, Within Temptation and Nightwish, - there are also some parts of pure death metal crossings-, the band manages to issue an almost unique mixture, highly enjoyable.
From the very first moments you come across the beautiful artwork that fills the album, something which contains a photo of the singer Simone Simons. Words are not enough to describe…
The production of the album is perfect and I mean it. You can listen to the slightest sound very clearly and there seems to be a very careful arrangement of each and every instrument. Another positive remark is the way Simone’s voice interchanges to Mark’s death metal screams. Everything seems to be arranged in a mature and highly professional way.
The songs are very inspiring, they are complex containing many sound changes as also guitar riffs and melodies carefully composed. The mood of the album is light and will not tire the listener. As a usual practice, “The Divine Conspiracy”, begins with an operatic track named “Indigo” which is there to show the stigma of their attempt. Soon enough everything changes adopting a more powerful and symphonic direction, as been expressed by tracks such as “The Obsessive Devotion”, “Menace Of Vanity” and “Death Of A Dream” which I preferred the most. I have to state here that the entire album keeps high quality standards regarding songwriting and all songs shave many things to offer. What surprised me the most is the death metal influences of the band, expressed in high speed guitars, fast drum beats and Mark Jansen’s screaming vocals.
To me there are no objections for this one. It is exactly what I expected to hear, not to say it over passed my prospects. Led by Simone Simons amazing voice and extra-beautiful appearance, EPICA have made the most crucial step to be recognized as a first class band by the majority. The album is about to be released in 28th of August and until then I suggest to save some money for that day. Concluding, I must admit that even though I knew band’s potential and achievements so far, I am positively impressed.
Until their next attempt…just be part of “The Divine Conspiracy”!
