Epica – The Holographic Principle (2016)

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Just when you think that Epica cannot get any better, they drop another masterpiece like “The Holographic Principle”. More bombastic, more explosive and more dynamic, this release further cements the band’s legacy as one of the premiere female-fronted symphonic Metal bands in the world. Featuring over 72 minutes of music spread in twelve brilliant tracks, the band completely blows away any expectations the fans might have from them.

After the traditional intro, the album kicks off in full gear with the dynamic “Edge of the Blade”, a track filled with powerful riffs and soaring vocal arrangements. The choir arrangements in this track instantly set the stage to the most bombastic Epica release ever, and tracks like “A Phantasmic Parade” and “Universal Death Squad” are a testament to that. The album’s instrumentation is top notch and perfectly delivers a unique aural experience.

The epic “Beyond the Matrix” is one of the best examples of how well polished this release is. The dramatic choir arrangements lead to brilliant tempo changes adorned by Simone’s powerful vocals and an exquisite atmosphere. For the fans of darker and more ballad-like songs, “Once Upon a Nightmare” perfectly combines a somber piano with Simone’s vocal talents. Not only catering to the Symphonic crowd, the band delivers heavy guitar driver complex songs like the magical “The Cosmic Algorithm” and its solid guitar leads.

Having something for everybody, the band pummels through songs like “Ascension – Dream State Armageddon”, “Dancing in a Hurricane”, and “Year Down Your Walls”, which perfectly blend atmosphere, pummeling riffs, tight drumming and superb vocal arrangements. As it is traditional with Epica releases, the band leaves the longest and most epic track for last with “The Holographic Principle – A Profound Understanding of Reality”. In this 11-minute epic, the band goes through the whole spectrum of their musical arsenal and delivers one hell of a monumental anthem.

Fully exceeding anybody’s expectations, “The Holographic Principle” is yet another brilliant release from Epica. The band has been constantly improving over time and with this one they take their legacy even further. We can’t recommend this album enough to all fans of the band and lover of Symphonic Metal. We are also looking forward to catching the band when they return to North America later this year and hear these brilliant songs live.

Band: Epica Album: The Holographic Principle

Label: Nuclear Blast Records

Release: September 30th, 2016

Official Site Social Media

Genre: Symphonic Metal

Country: Netherlands

Rating: 98/100
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