Open your ears, turn your volume up and surrender yourselves to the magic Epica have unleashed this year. “Design Your Universe” is really something else, and definitely one of the biggest surprises of 2009.
Just from the first track, you can tell there’s something different in Epica’s sound this time. Their songs are more intense, heavier and faster. There are new black/death elements enhancing the songs, making them darker, and that’s what makes them so good. A big contribution to this is definitely the addinion of two new musicians on the lineup. Arien’s drumming is amazing, adding more speed and heaviness, while Isaac offers his guitar skills. You can’t fail to notice there are some pretty good technical and fast solos this time. You can feel a strong force inside the songs, and who would have thought so…you’ll surely headbang a lot with this release. One would ask “where’s the symphonic stuff?”. Of course there are lots of orchestrations, only they are bigger and better than before, adding a majestic atmosphere.
Last but not least, the ace in Epica’s sleeve, Simone’s vocal work. The young and talented frontwoman’s performance is beyond imagination. Her voice is more mature, resulting in a more diverse line of singing this time, truly wonderful. The whole effort on this release is supported by an excellent production, and not to forget Tony Kakko’s guest performance.
I think “Design Your Universe” is a somewhat experimental release, and definitely a successful one. If Epica continue on this basis, I’m sure we’ll have something even better in the future. “Design Your Universe” is a must-listen-to, and even metalheads who used to find Epica “soft” for their taste will find it enjoying.
| Track List | Line Up |
| 01. Samadhi (Prelude) 02. Resign to Surrender 03. Unleashed 04. Martyr of the Free World 05. Our Destiny 06. Kingdom of Heaven 07. The Price of Freedom (Interlude) 08. Burn to a Cinder 09. Tides of Time 10. Deconstruct 11. Semblance of Liberty 12. White Waters [feat. Tony Kakko] 13. Design Your Universe |
Simone Simons – Vocals Mark Jansen – Guitars, Vocals Coen Janssen – Keyboards Yves “Yvel” Huts – Bass Arien Van Weesenbeek – Drums Isaac Delahaye – Guitars |
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Behemoth: Nergal Charged For Bible Destruction
According to Interia.pl and GazetaPrawna.pl, vocalist/guitarist Adam “Nergal Darski of Polish extreme metallers BEHEMOTH was formally charged on Monday ( March 8 ) for insulting Roman Catholics.
Darski made headlines in his native country in September 2007 when he reportedly called the Catholic Church “the most murderous cult on the planet” during a BEHEMOTH performance in [...]
Destruction: Part Ways With Drummer
Now it’s official, the DVD “a Savage Symphony”, is the farewell gift from drummer MARC REIGN for the DESTRUCTION fans.
Tour-stress caused personal & musical differences, so both parties decided to go separate ways in the future.
MARC will concentrate on his rock-project “Volcano” and wants to keep himself open for other musical styles. He wants to [...]
Nevermore: New Album Release Date Announced
Century Media Records has set a June 8 North American release date for “The Obsidian Conspiracy”, the long-awaited new album from Seattle metallers NEVERMORE.
The drum tracks for “The Obsidian Conspiracy” were completed in the group’s hometown of Seattle with SOILWORK guitarist Peter Wichers, who previously worked with Dane on the singer’s solo debut, “Praises to [...]
Dragonforce: Part Ways With Singer
It is with great regret that DragonForce announce a parting of the ways with singer ZP Theart. This is due to insurmountable differences of musical opinion but the rest of the band sincerely wish ZP great success with his future projects.
While the creative core members have begun writing the fifth album, they have also started [...]
Sonic Syndicate: New Album Title, Artwork Unveiled
Swedish/British SONIC SYNDICATE have set “We Rule The Night” as the title of their new album, due in Europe on May 28 via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD was recorded at Bohus Sound studios in Kungälv, Sweden with producer Toby Wright, who has previously worked with KORN, SLAYER, MÖTLEY CRÜE, KISS, FEAR FACTORY, IN FLAMES, [...]
© MetalPaths 2009. All rights reserved.