THE QUANTUM ENIGMA

After so many albums and so many wonderful performances, I wasn't sure if Epica could craft still another album that would please me and scratch that female-fronted metal itch I sometimes get. In fact, Epica is the only band that usually satisfies it. I'm happy to say, though, that their new album "The Quantum Enigma" is a worth successor to their legacy of excellence.

I am honestly surprised at the small things that Epica has added, and how these little details enrich an album that is basically by-the-books for the most part. Epica, if you are not familiar, is a female-fronted symphonic/progressive metal band with, well, epic and bombastic orchestral passages. Their music is huge and glorious, as it should be. In fact, Simone Simons, the singer, is pretty much my favorite female singer, and her operatic voice is the standard by which many judge all other female metal vocalists. With deep riffs, ethereal keys, symphonic elements throughout, and drums by "The Beast" himself, Epica's music is all or nothing. If you like it, you'll love it. If you dislike it, you'll hate it.

But, I was talking about small things, wasn't I? There are three things I've noticed on "The Quantum Enigma". First of all, the symphonics are much more integrated into the music. On previous albums, it often felt like the metal and symphonies were separate entities that would occasionally cross paths, but this album showcases a much more focused composition. Secondly, guitar and keyboard solos are present. Now, this isn't new, but there are actually several on this album, which is definitely a departure from previous works. On top of that, the solos are excellent. Lastly, this album seems to be their proggiest yet. With some really odd signatures and song structures, "The Quantum Enigma" really pushes their normally lukewarm progressive status.

Is the album any good, though? Yes, though there are some things that irk me a bit. The album is full of wonderful songs, which do require time to grow on you. The album begins with my favorite intro yet, "Originem", a classical piece that they allow to breathe. The next several tracks (up to and including #7) are the best on the album. Pulse-pounding and intricate at the same time, these songs are full of wonderful vocals from Simone, a rather interesting choice to restrain Mark Jansen's harsh vocals for the most part, and simply incredible interplay between the classical and metal elements of the music.

Specifically, "Victims of Contingency" is one of my favorite tracks of the year, as it opens with "The Beast" doing what he does best, but lets go with a delicate chorus. It's a divine song. Another favorite on this album is actually the interlude, "The Fifth Guardian". This Asian- inspired song is an instrumental treat that I was not expecting to hear on an Epica album. It's really something else.

Now, what did I dislike? First and foremost, I feel there isn't enough Simone. That may sound stupid, but the use of the choir is at an all-time high here, and they drown her out much of time. I was hoping, then, for the delicate ballads that showcased her voice on "Design Your Universe", but I still didn't get another one (the last album didn't either). Sure, this gives a very massive feeling to the album, but I still prefer some of the smaller, personal moments. "Canvas of Life" comes close, but not quite there. I also feel like many of the drum compositions were similar, as the use of the same blast beats is there quite a bit. In fact, my favorite tracks are the ones where the drumming is at a dynamic high. Lastly, and quite unfortunately, the title track, also subtitled "Kingdom of Heaven II", after what may be Epica's best song of all time (located on "Design Your Universe"), is a bit of a disappointment. When I heard the earthy vocal vibrations that introduce both parts, I was psyched. Yet, the song is a bit anti-climactic and drawn out for the sake of being long. It is not even close to the original.

So, then, Epica's "The Quantum Enigma" is a success, though not on par with "Design Your Universe" (still my favorite) or maybe a few others. Yet, it's an album that I expected, though with some extra things thrown in that I didn't expect. It's gigantic, beautiful, and celestial. Yet, there are some things that drag it down, and the band could really consider a radical sound change sometime soon. For now, though, I think fans and newcomers alike will really enjoy this album.