Review Summary: Epica reaching its peakpoint
Netherlands is becoming one of the countries having an unstoppable eruption of creativity in metal. Many awesome bands begin to emerge, and the good ol' popular ones dare to push their own boundaries. I actually wouldn't have included Epica among the ones having much musical progress over the years, and would have never expected them to take considerably brave steps, but they proved me wrong.
For the symphonic metal fans not knowing the band (do such people still exist?!), Epica will remind you of early Nightwish and Therion. However, Epica certainly has a unique style. Consider more power, heavier riffs, thick, almost tubular growls and an epic music parallel to the name of the band. Then include "Simone Simons" factor, which is as strong and dominating as Tarja Turunen.
Epica have kept their style for relatively long without changing so much. This is not to say that they made copies of their old works in each new album, but didn't add much exciting stuff as well. Nonetheless, they're pretty good at producing hits, and I think that's the underlying reason behind the fact that they can release 3 different EPs / singles within the same year. I would say that nobody would expect "Design Your Universe" to be any different. and on the contrary, many would foresee a more "pop friendly" album.
Until they listen to it and get a smack in the face. That's what happened to me and I couldn't be happier. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not saying that they completely changed and decided to kick Simone out and become a grindcore band, but they nicely incorporated elements from progressive metal, death metal, while still keeping their symphonic style which has also become more powerful. They didn't completely get rid of their pop friendly part but why the hell would they do that. Especially when they are becoming better at it. So, what "Design Your Universe" will offer you is a more progressive, brave, tougher, a more epic, overall a much better Epica. Try 14-minute masterpiece"Kingdom of Heaven", which is the biggest and best thing they've done, you'll get what I mean.
In the heart of the top quality sound, the thick 7 string powerful guitar tone, the amazingly improved drumwork that collaborates eloquently with the symphony, there is the battle between the aggressive growls and soft beautiful vocals. The guitar riffs, are more inspired than ever and at times are just dazzling. When such positive elements combine, it is of course crucial to have the sense of collectivity to not mess things up. As to lead guitar, it is obvious that Mark Jensen, the founder of the band did such a good choice when he decided to employ Isaac Delahaye, since "Design Your Universe" simply contains the best lead guitar parts in the whole discography of Epica.
Epica proves to be one of the good theme composers with this album. The layout of songs; where to boil up or where to calm down, where to get in to a new variation, all are adjusted neatly. This album makes it difficult to say that Epica is colorless and boring.
Design Your Universe is also an indicator of the band's running its own style at its full pelt, but now with the passionately executed progressive style. I think if the band gets more into that, everything would be quite different, in a good way. The potential is released.
If you already like the old stuff of Epica, you must surely not miss this one. Moreover, if you don't like the old ones, I strongly suggest you to give another chance. Because "Design Your Universe" is the peak point of Epica. It's time that Epica is compared with Therion and Haggard.
