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Epica Design Your Universe Nuclear Blast Following the tremendous amount of success
that 2007’s The Divine Conspiracy generated, Dutch symphonic Metaller’s Epica
have returned with the most astonishing album of their career. The new offering,
Design Your Universe takes the band to an entirely new level of
greatness. By embodying all of the superior moments from releases past, they
have crafted a true work of ultimate perfection. From the soaring opening prelude of “Samadhi”, it is vastly evident that
the band have experienced an influx of heightened creativity. Songs such as “Tides
of Time”, “Our Destiny”, and “Unleashed” are landmark masterpieces in their own
right. Simone Simons angelic voice is as tantalizing as ever and stand in stark
contrast to guitarist Mark Jansen’s guttural barks, which surface here much
more than previous releases, much to the more aggressive Metal enthusiasts
liking. In addition, fans will be especially interested in the continuation of
Jansen’s “A New Age Dawns” series which began on 2005’s Consign To Oblivion
album. Delivered this time around are parts IV “Resign to Surrender”, V “ Design Your Universe is sure to be one of the most
talked about albums of the year and adds another fantastic chapter to one of
the most astounding bands in existence today. Following Simons bout with a very
serious MRSA staff infection in 2008 there was considerable concern amid fans
as to whether or not she would be able to return to her duties fronting Epica
thankfully she was able to overcome her illness and this latest CD is as big of
a come back as one could possibly expect. -Priest |
