EPICA – Requiem For The Indifferent

The ever dynamic Epica is back with their fifth studio album Requiem For The Indifferent. Epica has always been a trend setter due to their powerful contrasting between two extremes; brutality and airy female melodies. They have made an art form out of the concept and continue to break new ground with each new album. Requiem For The Indifferent exemplifies all the grand, epic, and aggressive facets of their music that fans have identified with the band. There is no shortage of power and emotion with this album, and it should easily be considered another excellent piece of their already prestigious catalog.

Of course Epica is led by the extraordinarily talented mezzo-soprano vocalist Simone Simons. She is the lifeblood of the signature sound for Epica and gives them the Classical and Symphonic style from which the songs are primarily based. The first single from Requiem For The Indifferent, “Storm The Sorrow,” provides a perfect display of the dynamic theatrical emotion of Simons vocals. Although the song itself is relatively simplistic from a historical Epica perspective, it provides the perfect window for a sampling of the class and grandiose style of the band.

One thing that separates Epica apart from their contemporaries is their intricate approach to the compositions. Many bands will put significant effort into their strengths, focusing heavily on a strong vocal performance or mind-blowing guitar work. Epica, however, provides an all-inclusive method of portraying their musicianship. Every member of this band is an outstanding musician, and it becomes clear when listening to this album that every miniscule detail was covered.

Another important element to Epica’s performance is the involvement of Death Metal themes, most notably through the work of lead guitarist Isaac Delahaye. Both guitarists of Epica, founding member Mark Jansen and Delhaye, come from a Death Metal background, which assists in creating a darker sound than their early albums. Delahaye premiered with Epica on their 2009 acclaimed release Design Your Universe and he continues the aggressive and blistering guitar work, which made that album such a success.

Every single composition on Requiem For The Indifferent is an epic thrill ride incorporating different levels of fervor and emotion. There is an abundance of masterful musicianship, outstanding quality, and poignant vocals. Although the tone of the album as a whole is very dark and gloomy, from a materiality standpoint it’s near masterful. Epica is truly evolving as a leader of Symphonic Metal.