OMEGA

When it comes to female singers performing in symphonic metallic styles then there is no doubt that Floor Jansen has been leading the pack, particularly since joining Nightwish. But to think she is the only person producing incredibly passionate and dynamic work is wrong on so many levels, and Epica are a prime example of that. Guitarist and gruff vocalist Mark Jansen formed Epica after leaving After Forever (where Floor was the singer) in 2002. Keyboard player Coen Janssen and singer Simone Simons have been there since the very beginning, while Isaac Delahaye (guitars), Ariën Van Weesenbeek (drums) and Rob Van Der Loo (bass) are all long-term members. Over the last eight years, three records and hundreds of gigs, the band has formed into an indestructible unit, who know exactly what they want to achieve and how they are going to go about it. Five years on from their last studio album, this is the final part of the trilogy they commenced with 'The Quantum Enigma'.

Although symphonic and progressive, they are also more metallic than the likes of Nightwish, with two guitarists and growled and gruff vocals providing a contrast with Simons. This album sweeps and swirls, and the only way to really describe it is as majestic, as it is that on so many levels. There are times when the keyboards fall away, and we are left with two guitarists belting along, then the keyboards come in to provide support or even take over altogether. During some songs Jansen performs as a co-lead singer, with a far more dominant role than the one undertaken by Marco Hietala, far gruffer and in a lower register. When that is placed against the delicacy of Simons then the contrast is quite stark, driving the music into extremes.

A special mention must be made of "Code Of Life", which contains far more elements of world music with a very ethnic sounding beginning, which allows the song to move in a very different direction indeed, even when the guitars finally come crunching in on the same melody. This is a thoroughly enjoyable from start to finish, and some 20 years since they started, Epica continue to show they are a class act with a great deal to offer the scene.