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Rating: 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).
Tracklist Lyrics and Videos
02 Dance of Fate (05:13)
When Darkness will reign and blind us all
Allegiance will blind us if we do not fall
We cannot tell when morning comes
Is there a choice to live another day?
It’s hard to find a new direction in your fragile life
The precious time of your existence is now to come
Don’t throw your life away by cheating time
Sugared Placebos only fool your mind
Now I want the water to wash away all my sins
The wind to blow away my thoughts without meaning
The fire to burn away my thickened skin
Novas portas pandimus
What is the space, the type of dance?
I cannot tell which steps I have to take
I’d like to leave, just run away
My feet are tangled up
So hard to face the pace of the clock
What do you think; will it ever stop?
So, will I fall and not get up?
I take it all in stride
Everything has a reason for its happening
Can’t you tell it’s your own spell and
Everyone has to dance his dance like anyone
Can’t break free of destiny
We should open new doors
And close the ones that we’ve left behind
Novas portas pandimus, et post nos occludimus
Novas portas pandimus et post nos occludimus
06 Force of the Shore (04:02)
Appearance is deceptive
So perfect in disguise
There’s more than what you see
A semblance is protective
A blinder for the eyes
A place to hide and flee
Flee and you’ll never see
What you’re going to be
If you throw away the key
The truth from the past you can’t make it last
Appearance is deceptive
So perfect in disguise
There’s more than what you see
A semblance is protective
A blinder for the eyes
A place to hide and flee
Flee and walk away
From what you are this day
If you are afraid to stay
The truth from the past you can’t make it last
Beyond the shore the sea is filled up
with sentiment and strength
Here lie the thoughts imprisoned
A field of forces and laments
How can we hide here
We need to change our ways
How can we tell lies here
We turn our eyes away
From the truth, from the past
You cannot make it last
Appearance is deceptive
So perfect in disguise
There’s more than what you see
A semblance is protective
A blinder for the eyes
A place to hide and flee
If you do not cease to run away from truth
You will never see the shadow
Of your dying youth
A façade is what we all possess
But on the inside it stays a mess
Superficial changes won't recall the past
Don’t deny the clock is ticking
And it's racing fast
Fading tokens of our latter days
Make us think we need to change our ways
Deep, the feelings hide
They're wasted from within
And my shell will never break
The truth from the past you can’t make it last
Beyond the shore the sea is filled up
with sentiment and strength
Here lie the thoughts imprisoned
A field of forces and laments
Appearance is deceptive
So perfect in disguise
A place to flee and hide and run away
Lift the shadow
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By .::Nemo::.
Epica did it again! A long and epic song to close a chapter in a grand manner.
Simone Simons masterfully interprets some of the best songs ever written by Mark.
