Epica Consign To Oblivion
Transmission Records TMSA3052 - October 2005
By Vince Levalois
Theres something to be said about the beauty and sensuality of the female voice when applied to Metal music endeavors. From Pamela Moore in Queensryches timeless Operation Mindcrime to Christine Rhoades on Nevermores 5, they can certainly make an impression. And with Epica, it is no different. As soon as Simone Simons vocals kick in on Dance Of Fate, you realize youre in for something special.
In Consign To Oblivion, their second full length effort, Epica puts to work all of the forces of symphonic arrangements. From the purely instrumental first track Hunab Ku to the eloquently baroquish Quietus or meaningful Trois Vierges and throughout all tracks, meticulous detail is given to emphasize dynamics in a classical sense, yet retain that semi-aggressive edge. Unlike most other contemporaries, Epica chooses to use real orchestra instruments in their recordings as well as a bona fide choir, providing that necessary depth.
Although categorically in the Melodic Dark/Power Metal vein, Epica is able to take the genre to higher levels of sophistication with their keen sense of melody. Theres no doubt that the aim here is to produce music that will rival many musical scores typically bound for film. Epica excels at painting larger-than-life landscapes of mystical tales, inspiration provided by ancient Mayan tales.
Production wise everything is stellar thanks to Sascha Paeth (Heavens Gate) and Olaf Reitmeyer, both of Kamelot engineering fame. Reproachable however is guitarist Jansens use of growling vocals over Simons voice, like ice in a glass of Pinot Grigio, and herein lies one of few complaints, along with the shallow depth of the guitars, far overpowered by the exquisite orchestral arrangements.
Nevertheless, a solid release from which many more accolades are sure to stem.
8/10
Official Epica Website
Official Transmission Records Website
Transmission Records TMSA3052 - October 2005
By Vince Levalois
Theres something to be said about the beauty and sensuality of the female voice when applied to Metal music endeavors. From Pamela Moore in Queensryches timeless Operation Mindcrime to Christine Rhoades on Nevermores 5, they can certainly make an impression. And with Epica, it is no different. As soon as Simone Simons vocals kick in on Dance Of Fate, you realize youre in for something special.
In Consign To Oblivion, their second full length effort, Epica puts to work all of the forces of symphonic arrangements. From the purely instrumental first track Hunab Ku to the eloquently baroquish Quietus or meaningful Trois Vierges and throughout all tracks, meticulous detail is given to emphasize dynamics in a classical sense, yet retain that semi-aggressive edge. Unlike most other contemporaries, Epica chooses to use real orchestra instruments in their recordings as well as a bona fide choir, providing that necessary depth.
Although categorically in the Melodic Dark/Power Metal vein, Epica is able to take the genre to higher levels of sophistication with their keen sense of melody. Theres no doubt that the aim here is to produce music that will rival many musical scores typically bound for film. Epica excels at painting larger-than-life landscapes of mystical tales, inspiration provided by ancient Mayan tales.
Production wise everything is stellar thanks to Sascha Paeth (Heavens Gate) and Olaf Reitmeyer, both of Kamelot engineering fame. Reproachable however is guitarist Jansens use of growling vocals over Simons voice, like ice in a glass of Pinot Grigio, and herein lies one of few complaints, along with the shallow depth of the guitars, far overpowered by the exquisite orchestral arrangements.
Nevertheless, a solid release from which many more accolades are sure to stem.
8/10
Official Epica Website
Official Transmission Records Website
