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Epica - The Holographic Principle CD (album) cover

THE HOLOGRAPHIC PRINCIPLE

Epica

Progressive Metal

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kev rowland
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR
Honorary Reviewer
5 stars I can't put my finger on it, but there is definitely something that lifts this 2016 album to a higher plane than the one that came out just two years earlier. The intensity is still at the very high level, but Simone seems to be more in control on this one, as opposed to sometimes being swept away. It is bombastic, it is massively over the top, and the guitars have reined in just ever so slightly, although at times they still race off like bolting horses that have been given their heads. It is an overpowering aural assault on the senses, and I love it. The closest way I can think of describing it is like being at a version of Handel's "Messiah" with full choir and orchestra, but with Slipknot also being involved!

I was playing these two albums back to back the other day, and even without looking I knew when this one had started as there is a definite lift, a step up in just about everything. Symphonic over the top progressive metal just doesn't get any better than this. This is not something that can be played as background music, but rather demands full attention of the listener at all times, as this is all-consuming, and not for the fainthearted. I really do hope that the guys decided to come down to this part of the world for a show one day, as they must be incredible in concert. This is essential, nothing more, nothing less.

Report this review (#1705473)
Posted Monday, March 27, 2017 | Review Permalink
Progrussia
4 stars Epica is one of the more notable bands of the ever-growing operatic female-fronted metal acts. One of Its distinguished characteristics is how the quasi-symphonic elements play not just a supporting background role, but often lead the music as much as the typical metal instrumentation. Another is the beauty-and-the-beast formula, with ethereal acrobatics of Simone Simons and the often symphonic pop melodic inclinations contrasted with the harsh metal riffs and growls. The growls are annoying as always, of course, but I know, I know , it's kind of Epica's schtick it can't be itself without. I've previously said that all Epica sound is the same, and it kind of still is, but what I marvel about is their consistency in proving high quality and catchy material with so many 70-minute-plus albums to their credit.
Report this review (#1783430)
Posted Sunday, September 17, 2017 | Review Permalink

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