Next, another one of my favorites “Omen – The Ghoulish Malady”,
where we’ll find some varied and symphonic elements. It begins
with a smooth piano carried away by an orchestra; the choirs will
join and will lead to Simone’s magical voice. The song’s structure
is what I like the most since it goes in crescendo. There are very
melodic verses that merge with an explosive and catchy chorus with
dramatic choirs. In the final part of the song Mark will appear for a
short time and then the great chorus will start again.
The ballad of the album is “Canvas of Life”, it is really the only
slow song that we’ll find on this album and where we’ll be able to
listen closely to Simone’s beautiful voice in all its splendor. A piano
base will guide the first notes and it will become a magnificent
power ballad in the end. The next song is “Natural Corruption”,
with a very melodic and mystic base it will be creating a nice
atmosphere where Simone will appear. The melodies remind me
to some Kamelot tunes. After this beautiful piece we’ll listen to
the masterpiece of the album “The Quantum Enigma – Kingdom of
Heaven part II”. In order to not to spoil the surprise I’ll just say that
it’s a grandiose musical piece in which we find all the elements
that represent EPICA. There are choirs all the way, epic melodies,
slow parts, aggressive parts on the chorus, inspiring lyrics, etc. It’s
quite different to “Kingdom of Heaven Part I” but still the essence
that tries to transmit the song is still there. Listening to both parts
together is marvelous.
After listening to the whole record I can say that this will become
my favorite EPICA record up to date. It’s clear that they’ve changed,
the production is amazing, the instrumental part is arranged up to
the very last detail and the vocal abilities of both Mark and Simone
have evolved and they sound more mature and explosive now, in
every sense of the word.
It’s a record that might need some spinning due to the many music
layers, there are a lot of different structures in every song, all the
songs are different and that makes the album a very entertaining
one without being boring by its length. Another element is the
choirs. In order to create an epic album some orchestral elements
and choirs are needed everywhere and that’s what you’re going to
find in it. If you love choirs this will be your magnum opus, on the
other hand if you’re not passionate about them, you’re not going to
hate them but it will take you a lot more to appreciate the record in
its entirety. My score is a 10/10 because I have loved the record and
I find it a onetime wonder.
The Quantum Enigma will be out on May 2nd by Nuclear Blast Records.
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