Consign To Oblivion - Epica

Ok, so most of you are wondering who the hell Epica are. Thats unimportant really, compared to what they do. But still, a little background. Epica are a dutch band, with a young female singer - 18 i think when this was released. They have the obligatory keyboard player, a screaming guitarist, bass and insane drummer - and then the difference. An orchestra. And a choir. Something a little new then! Initial impressions here were... mixed. It took me a little while to get used to the way its all put together, though once i wrapped my mind around it there was a glorious sound coming from my stereo. The tracks on this CD range from purely instrumental through ...  Read the complete review

Epica's second album is a more satisfying effort than their first, taking a more severe approach to orchestral metal that comes close to the sound of Therion, though without that other band's mastery. With Simone Simons' pleasant singing voice making songs such as 'Dance of Fate' and 'Another Me - In Lack'ech' more accessible as potential singles, and her soprano style working similarly effectively in 'Force of the Shore' when pitted against male growls, this album gets everything right, but still fails a little due to the necessary restrictions of the rock instruments drowned out by the symphony. The interlude tracks and longer finale 'Consign to Oblivion' ...  Read the complete review