Epica

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Customer reviews

review by: Letsrock date: 2008-08-31 rating:
Definitely an epic!
In terms of production, arrangement and structure this is a most impressive album. The most impressive part for me is Kahn's absolutely amazing singing voice. He is not a traditional metal singer, he sounds almost like a Broadway musical singer, an excellent one too, and his words are very clear. br / br /The style of the music is very flamboyant and emotional. The musicianship is absolutely top-notch and combined with the vocals has some real goosebump moments. br / br /The album kicks off with a 'Prologue' which is an instrumental with strange vocal noises and a ticking Grandfather clock. It is a warm up which flows seamlessly into 'Centre of the Universe' in the best progressive tradition. Centre of the Universe is symphonic and upbeat and one of the heavier songs on the album. It has some nice extras, such as nice flute and piano parts. br / br /My favourite part of the album is the Gregorian style chanting of 'Interlude one' and the way it flows seemlessly from the chanting into strong riffs of 'The Edge of Paradise'. br / br /The album uses four interlude songs with good affect to give a Progressive feel to the arrangement of the album. The interludes alway form interesting little intros for the next song and they always flow seemlessly into the following song. br / br /'Wander' is a slower paced track which really shows Kahn's magnificent vocal range. The piano and violin accompaniment fits the vocals perfectly. br / br /Another high point (there are too many for a short review) is 'Helena's Theme'. It starts with tweeting birds and then some beautiful female vocals take over which is accompanied by swirling violins and crashing cymbals. The track wouldn't sound out of place in a Tim Burton film. The track is very short and I like the the use of Interlude IV to move back into the heavier riffs of 'The Mouring After'. br / br /So who would I recommend this to.... well a friend and not an enemy for a start. But anyone that appreciates fantastic musicians, operatic vocals and lots of 'hidden extras', such as pianos, flutes and orchestral production. br / br /If you like Progressive Metal, Power Metal, Symphonic Metal, Goth or even classical Broadway stuff (i.e. Phantom of the Opera) this is well worth a flutter. br / br / br / br /

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review by: Northern Warrior date: 2007-12-10 rating:
Masterful
Kamelot are fast becoming my favourite band in the power-metal genre. All their albums are great but Epica has been getting most of my time recently. I honestly don't think there's a bad track on this album. If you are a particular fan of the soaring, epic, orchestral sound you will not be disappointed. br / br /As I've said on other reviews this music should be heard by a much wider audience - essentially it's classic rock for the 2000's. If you are a fan of Genesis or Marillion you will find this very accessible and come away moved and satisfied.


review by: Joel CJ date: 2007-05-31 rating:
Fantastic and Inspired power metal
Ahhh Kamelot, where do I start? These Floridian power masters are yet to release a bad album, and Epica counts as one of their best. br / br /Based on Goethe's "Faust", this album depicts the first half of the story in which the main character (Ariel) leaves all he knew and sells his soul to Mephisto, and the consequences that ensue. Musically, this album is very well made and well produced, with the foreshadowings of their symphonic and progressive touches that would later reach their full potential on "The Black Halo" The album starts well with the memorable "Center of the Universe" and moves onto the solid-sounding "Farewell" as well as other great tracks such as "The Edge of Paradise" and "Descent of the Archangel". A particular highlight for me is "Lost and Damned", using an unusual keyboard part and spectacular rhythm and melodies. One should purchase this along with "The Black Halo" not only because they form two halves of the story but also because they go so damn well together. However, this album gets a 4* from me as "The Black Halo" is even more amazing in comparison.

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