ASPIRAL

"Cross The Divide" bursts forth, a radio edit; heavy riff, Simone takes her place with her unique voice, the catchy and dynamite chorus. "Arcana" flirts with the great titles of Within Temptation, my preference for Epica, the voices and guitars being more present. The orchestration between solemn and grandiloquence, the djent finale, violins and growl cleaning up any inclination. "Darkness Dies In Light - Part VII" where the saga 'A New Age Dawns' initiated on 'Consign to Oblivion' continues here; epic, theatrical, growl from Mark, powerful choir from Era, energetic progressive power metal with Coen's harpsichord. "Obsidian Heart" black djent, Dimmu Borgir in the background, Simone captivating on this ballad with a numbing slow tempo. Aggressive sound, heavy for the Olympian slap from the depths. "Fight To Survive - The Overview Effect," like Steve Wilson, also narrates the feeling of bliss experienced by astronauts; a fast, consensual track reminiscent of Edge of Paradise for its ethereal violins and buzzing bass. A modern, electro-futuristic sound with Isaac showing off on this fluid solo. "Metanoia - Part VIII" and "A New Age Dawns" follow for the orchestral intro. The violence of the riff, the majestic choirs, the mezzo-soprano vocal duet with the well-delivered growl on this heavy, symphonic, and airy track; tribal pads, the siren-like voice, we melt with the velvety guitar solo, highlighting Epica as a benchmark.

"T.I.M.E." shakes up the musical universe with this cinematic Burtonian sound, a celebratory theater where transformation gives way to integration; metamorphosis and final evolution, like the musical Horla precipitated to its inevitable death. Mark's over-reaching screaming vocals. "Apparition" is louder, its raging electro with a groovy breath; a hard rock where the guitar solo showcases its technical prowess. "Eye Of The Storm" has an oriental feel with a blasting drum pad aided by rhythm guitars, Mark, like on Nightwish, breaking Simone's wave. The third track is a consensus. "The Grand Saga Of Existence - Part IX," the latest new age with its Dantesque intro, its moderate verse, and a grandiloquent, lyrical, catchy chorus. A truly symphonic composition with a solemn break, a disturbing growl sound blasting again, and that explosive dithyrambic blast beat. "Aspiral" for the eponymous ballad, the voice-piano duet oozing with emotion, Krishnamurti's phrasing before the Olympian-like magical rise, a majestic crescendo.

Epica leaves its mark on their quarter-century of existence, surfing the heavy terrain. The triptych "A New Age Dawns" section looks towards the concept album with its serene and cataclysmic progressive breaks. Fluid, icy and warm, modern hard speed. Originally on Progcensor. (4.5).

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