EPICA – The Solace System

7.5/10

EPICA - The Solace System - 7.5/10

7.5/10

Summary

Nuclear Blast Records
Release date: September 18, 2017

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User Review

5/10 (1 vote)

Epica is now in the unfortunate position of having nowhere to go but down within their current sub-genre. Having been just a little bit too late to the game to be considered a pioneering Power Metal band, they are nonetheless still considered a veteran act by most fans. Featuring both male and female vocalists over the years, Epica is continuing its path further down the Prog-Nightwish road.

On The Solace System, you’ll find a well-honed, technically perfect band focusing more on storytelling, while maintaining the key elements that have defined their sound. The now familiar voice of Simone Simons leads the way with her Pop Metal friendly delivery, which remains largely unchanged from previous Epica efforts, for better or for worse.

The Solace System is another honest, solid release from Epica. It will please existing fans of the band, and may offer a welcome invitation to fans who have overlooked these Dutch Power Metal mainstays in the past. However, as good as this release is, it feels as if the band has hit a bit of a glass ceiling, until they can expand their style or introduce some new influences.

Highlights include, “Architect of Light”, the title track “The Solace System”, and the speedy “Wheel Of Destiny”.

TUNE INTO METALEXPRESSRADIO.COM at NOON & MIDNIGHT (EST) / 6:00 & 18:00 (CET) TO HEAR THE BEST TRACKS FROM THIS UPCOMING RELEASE!!!

Author

Maxxxwell Carlisle

Maxxxwell was a reviewer and the host of The Maxed Out Metal Hour here on Metal Express Radio. He is the current lead guitarist for LA based metal veterans Hellion. In addition to his ongoing role in Hellion, he has also released 5 albums as a solo artist and appeared as a guest writer and soloist on Michael Angelo Batio's Intermezzo album, named one of the Top 5 shred albums of 2014 by Guitar World Magazine. He continues to collaborate with various Metal musicians and teaches guitar technique and Metal composition via Skype. Additionally, he is a former competitive bodybuilder and enjoys a lifestyle based around health, fitness and Metal.
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