Epica
Design Your Universe

"The Divine Conspiracy" is the breakthrough album, and with "Design Your Universe" they continue down that path, but with great originality and class.

An album much more "guitar oriented," as well as much more aggressive. This is also thanks to the new guitarist, Isaac Delahaye (former God Dethroned). Not surprisingly, many riffs are typical of extreme metal, and the songs are aggressive and violent. Note the increase in growl compared to clean vocals.

The label Symphonic Death is perfect for many songs, although it is more symphonic than death.

The album is very well-crafted and the lyrics are remarkable.

Genre: Symphonic metal and, in some songs, Symphonic death metal. There are also Progressive metal and Symphonic black metal influences.

Rating: 87/100

1) "Samadhi":

A solemn intro linked to the following track. 8/10

 2) "Resign To Surrender":

The renewed sound of Epica is immediately noticeable in this aggressive track. The atmosphere is reminiscent of Dimmu Borgir. Guitars on the edge of Death, demonic choirs, and infernal keyboards. The growl is improved, while the slower chorus is a stroke of genius. The solo is remarkable. 9/10

3) "Unleashed":

The single with a video. Unleashed is lighter compared to the other tracks but remains a very beautiful song, with the gem of the self-duet. The improvements of Simone Simons at the microphone are evident! 7.75/10

4) "Martyr Of The Free Word":

Hard and violent. It starts with Thrash riffs, then replaced by guitars similar to oriental sitars. Simone sings in a particular way a very catchy song, which peaks with the beautiful solo. Note the growl duet between Mark and Arïen. 8.25/10

5) "Our Destiny":

This is a catchy mid-tempo. Only in the middle does the pace become more intense with growl and choir. Simone's performance at the microphone is truly amazing. 7/10

6) "Kingdom Of Heaven":

The suite. The dreamy beginning is characterized by Tibetan choirs, which soon give way to heavy Death/Black-inspired riffs and dark Symphonic Black "Dimmu Borgir-like" atmospheres. The middle part is more progressive, reminiscent of Opeth. Arjen gives us a terrifying spoken part, followed by a wonderful solo. We are in front of a masterpiece 9.5/10

7) "The Price Of Freedom":

An apocalyptic interlude that perfectly introduces the following track. Samples of Martin L. King and Malcolm X's voices have been used. 10/10

8) "Burn To A Cinder":

A track with an oriental sound. The solo, riffs, and choirs are notable. However, the song is not very convincing. 7.25 /10  

9) "Tides Of Time":

A sweet piano ballad. The chorus strikes the heart, thanks also to Simone's incredible performance (perhaps the best). Towards the end, the song picks up pace to reach a very beautiful solo. 9/10

10) "Deconstruct":

A song dominated by modern and catchy sounds. The choirs and the duet with Amanda Somerville are very beautiful. 6/10

11) "Semblance Of Liberty":

A very heavy track characterized by unsettling and aggressive Death riffs, and a rhythmic growl. The calmer chorus does not ruin the song; on the contrary, it is a stroke of genius, as are the violent choirs. George Bush Senior’s voice has been sampled for the song. 8.5/10   

12) "White Waters":

A calm and relaxing song with an Ambient sound. Notable is the duet with Tony Kakko (Sonata Arctica). 7/10

13) "Design Your Universe":

And here is the title track. The song starts slow but in a constant crescendo up to the first riff. It is characterized by remarkable mood changes, between calm and anger. The dreamy choirs of the chorus are truly spectacular, as is the bridge dominated by Simons. The final carillon is very beautiful. 8.25/10

14) "Incentive":

The bonus track is characterized by a Symphonic Black atmosphere, almost apocalyptic. Here the growl reigns, alternating with male choirs. The front-woman’s voice is not present. 7.5/10

Conclusion: This is Epica's best album. It is truly a masterpiece!