Epica
Consign To Oblivion

THE REVIEW

Genre: Symphonic Metal

Two years have passed since the release of the excellent debut "The Phantom Agony", and there are already new developments with Epica: First of all, the new album lacks that dark mood that hovered over the first album. Additionally, the group has decided to emphasize the choral and symphonic aspects of their music, making it similar to a soundtrack, although with very (too) catchy pieces, giving up those moments of tension that made the first album special and exciting. Furthermore, the metal component has been further downplayed. A terrible choice. In fact, the CD does not thrill me in its entirety, and the pieces are so catchy that they compromise the product's longevity.
However, it must be admitted that the production is chilling, and Simone, uncertain in the debut regarding her singing style, has significantly improved. My judgment is absolutely personal, many will (rightly) love the CD for the same reasons I do not.

The CD opens with a symphonic intro "Hunab K'u (a new age dawns prologue)" and then continues with "Dance of Fate", a technically perfect piece but one that leaves the listener indifferent. The influences of Nightwish are evident. "The Last Crusade (a new age dawns #1)" is a piece that's way too catchy, overflowing with choirs and orchestrations without ever opting for a tempo change... "Solitary Ground" is the classic symphonic ballad by Epica (and the first single), very catchy but all things considered, nice. The first part of "Black Infinity" is too similar to other parts of the CD, dominated by numerous choirs. However, the ending is very convincing. A pity about the beginning. "Force of The Shore" is a beautiful piece where there are tempo changes and the tension maintained throughout the track, thanks also to the guitars (finally!) and Mark's growl (not excellent to tell the truth). The intermezzo is chilling, where finally the strings are used properly (perhaps I like it so much because it reminds me of After Forever's "Decipher"). "Quietus" begins with a very folk intro with a Celtic flavor (if you think of Within Temptation's "Mother Earth", you've guessed right). It's a very melodic yet very engaging piece. "Mother of Light (a new age dawns #1)" is the usual piece by Epica. Note Simon's singing which shifts from lyrical phrasing to others (why not?) pop.
"Trois Vierges" is the second ballad of the CD and is markedly inferior to "Solitary Ground" because it is truly too mannered, giving the listener no emotion despite the aid of Khan from Kamelot, one of the best voices in the metal scene (despite the fact Kamelot doesn't produce masterpieces). "Another Me In Lack'ech" is another piece that leaves you totally indifferent, while the CD closes with the mini suite of the CD, namely the title track, where catchy parts are abandoned to provide a mix of the best elements of the Dutch group.

My judgment is more than sufficient even though I expected much more from the band. Do not trust this review of mine because it remains a personal opinion: I am sure that this second chapter of the Dutch saga will be liked by many (and very much).