EPICA – The Quantum Enigma [iTunes version] (2014)

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The spring of 2014 has given birth to a new season of female fronted symphonic metal albums from some of the genres elite. Speaking of which, Dutch band EPICA are back and ready to release a new studio album on May 5, 2014, entitled “The Quantum Enigma”.
Founded in 2002 by former After Forever guitarist / vocalist Mark Jansen, months after the new band’s formation Jansen recruited the then unknown singer Simone Simons, and the rest is history.

With their sixth studio album “The Quantum Enigma”, Epica look to take a progressive leap forward in their quest to never play it safe from album to album. The record is a collaborated effort with the entire band, and every detail was accurately selected and compared in order to make each song the highest quality possible while remaining different and experimental.
If you come to this album expecting something grandiose (and you should — Epica is nothing if not superbly bombastic), you won’t be disappointed. The symphonic elements of “The Quantum Enigma” are sustained throughout, the choir providing support and counterweight for the rich voice of Simons and the orchestration so closely integrated with the metal riffs that it would be pointless to try to discern the difference.

The Quantum Enigma begins with the massive intro “Originem” which is instrumental except for choir singing. This leads the listener into “The Second Stone” which is a very strong track with all the elements you need for effective symphonic metal; deep growls, a guitar solo, high female vocals, massive choirs and a fast tempo.
“The Essence of Silence” begins with a beautiful and serene violin solo, but soon turns up the velocity in a duet with Mark Jansen’s deep growls and Simons’ luminous voice.
Adding diversity to the albums sound, “Sense Without Sanity” is tranquil and represents the lighter side of “The Quantum Enigma”. Tracks such as these are critical for the vitality of a balanced album, and Epica manages to find that delicate equilibrium.
The song “Unchain Utopia” is a bombastic arrangement offset by the refreshing interlude of “The Fifth Guardian” which is an instrumental oasis midway through the album. Again, an important piece to the puzzle of the album’s cohesion bringing vivid feelings to the harsh and aggressive emotions of the surrounding songs.

“Chemical Insomnia” has a memorable intro followed by creative variations in the tempo, making it a fascinating song you long to hear time and time again. On the aria-type “Reverence – Living In the Heart” Simons gets to show off her beautiful soprano voice in illustrious fashion. The song is evidence that while Simons voice has always been strong, it has blossomed to new levels over the past decade.

“Omen – The Ghoulish Malady” possess pop elements while having a darker side with heavy growls by Mark Jansen. Continuing the journey, “Canvas of Life” is a relaxing symphonic piece which falls into the calmer side of the album keeping the material from becoming monotonous.
Then “Natural Corruption” is another fast paced song, but surprises with a beautiful elegiac side in the last minutes. The album ends in a glorious eleven plus minute composition titled “The Quantum Enigma – Kingdom of Heaven part II” concluding the dramatic styling of Epica’s efforts on a high note.
This band offers on iTunes an exclusive track entitled “Banish Your Illusion”, a song plenty of choruses and a Eastern feel on the main verses, however the chorus is poppy and commercial creating a nice contrast.

As Epica stated on the press kit, “The Quantum Enigma” came to life with each member contributing their best to make it something special. Those efforts have paid off and Epica has managed to compile an album that represents progression and maturity in the sympho metal genre.
“The Quantum Enigma” clearly has two sides, the heavy and the light side, with a prelude and interlude giving listeners a chance to cleanse their palate, which works perfectly.
Quite Recommended.

01. Originem
02. The Second Stone
03. The Essence Of Silence
04. Victims Of Contingency
05. Sense Without Sanity – The Impervious Code
06. Unchain Utopia
07. The Fifth Guardian (interlude)
08. Chemical Insomnia
09. Reverence – Living In The Heart
10. Omen – The Ghoulish Malady
11. Canvas Of Life
12. Natural Corruption
13. The Quantum Enigma – Kingdom Of Heaven Part II
14. Banish Your Illusion [exclusive iTunes bonus track]

Simone Simons – lead vocals
Mark Jansen – rhythm guitar, grunts, screams
Isaac Delahaye – lead guitar, acoustic guitar, classic guitar
Rob van der Loo – bass guitar
Coen Janssen – synthesizer, piano
Ariën van Weesenbeek – drums, grunts, spoken word
Marcela Bovio (Stream of Passion) – backing vocals
Daniël de Jongh (Textures) – additional male vocals (13)
Kamerkoor (Chamber choir) PA’dam
Epica’s Sandlane String Session
thanks to Pauliina Åkerlund

Pre-Order:
www.amazon.co.uk/Quantum-Enigma-Epica/dp/B00ITH6AWI
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