THE DIVINE CONSPIRACY

The third proper album by Epica (not counting the symphonic soundtrack) brings the most overblown output by Epica yet. The drummer sounds like his hands were tied for the last two months prior to the album recording as his blistering speed (fill-ins, double bass) are all over. Guitar playing is intensive and heavier than ever before. In other words, the band was keen and motivated to explore new territory - a bit further away from classical music and closer to progressive and alternative metal. Singing is inspired, too, supported by memorable melodies such as in "The obsessive devotion" or "Never enough". The last 14-minute track is an ambitious metal opera with ambitions similar to the best of Symphony X - overheavy riffing sections, pure classical trips and even death-metal moments. This album is a candidate for one of the best progressive symphonic metal releases of 2007 (and I also recommend Therio's Gothic Kabbalah" and After Forever's eponymous album.