In the days when music is consumed in small chunks via streaming platforms, the art of the album cover is often overlooked. You would be missing out massively here, for the first thing that grabs you about the cover of the ninth studio album from Epica, Aspiral, is the incredible imagery. Created by Hedi Xandt (Rammstein, Ghost, Parkway Drive), this is a cover that would immediately draw you in if you had seen it in the flesh. Remember those days?
Epica – Aspiral
Release Date: 11 April 2025
Words: Paul Hutchings
Enticed or not by the artwork, those who appreciate highly crafted songs with massive production values are likely to be keen to get their ears around the latest album from the Dutch outfit, who are close to a quarter of a century in terms of their musical journey.
Whilst Epica are possibly slowing down in terms of output quantity, their first studio album since 2021’s Omega shows no signs of a reduction in quality.
Stretched over an hour, the 11 songs on offer here provide a new direction and follow the conclusion of the band’s metaphysical trilogy that spanned The Quantum Enigma and ended with Omega.
Drawing the title of their latest work from Stanisław Szukalski’s eponymous statue made in 1965, Epica have embarked on a period of what they describe as renewal and inspiration – something essential in the creation of the release. With each song able to stand individually whilst linking neatly into the overall collective, it’s Epica’s belief that this is their “most monumental effort.”
Given that they have been consistently excellent since 2003’s debut release, The Phantom Agony, this is a bold yet reasonable statement. And on my first few listens, I think I would be in full agreement with them, for Aspiral is as impressive a piece of work as I have heard from Epica.
A Journey Of Growth
A journey of growth at such a moment in their career has clearly worked wonders, for there is a fresh and contemporary sound that greets you from the opening track, Cross The Divide, through to the delicate closing title track.
There is not a debate about the quality on offer here. This is top-tier Symphonic Metal with a harder edge than one might expect. Simone Simons brings the anticipated vocal performance we have come to expect, which nevertheless continues to wow. Simone impresses from start to finish with her range, measured delivery and, at times, her sheer power and passion.
Fans will already be familiar with Cross The Divide and the gargantuan opera of Arcana, both tracks that grab the magnificence of the band and thrust it forward as in victory. The songs are majestically crafted, the lead work of Isaac Delahaye ripping out when needed, whilst Coen Janssen’s ability to create the massive layers of orchestration that give Epica such depth continues to be a highlight of the band’s music.
As an album, it knits together in a cohesive and organic fashion. Whilst the production suggests that every note has been agonised over, there is still a slight edge in parts that provide a smidgeon of grit that is both welcome and needed.
A band who are keen on grandiose song titles bring more once again with the eight-minute Darkness Dies In Light – A New Age Dawns Part VII. It is a sprawling beast that rarely slows in dramatic levels. Some punishing riffs and Mark Jansen’s harsh vocals provide a different dynamic to the soaring voice of Simons.
The word needed here is bombastic, for this is a song that Epica deliver so well. It slips from Progressive to Symphonic with an ease that is challenging to comprehend, such is its skyscraper height.
As you continue the journey through the album, the gems continue to present themselves with each turn. The uplifting tempo of Fight To Survive – The Overview Effect sees Simons soaring with her crystal-clear soprano, providing a dramatic contrast with Jansen’s rougher delivery.
The song itself sweeps along, almost cinematic in score, and I can think of a few so-called Metal fans who would dismiss this song as something belonging in a Disney movie. I would argue that whilst there are whisps of the musical score about the song, it is more complex and intricate and stands poles apart from such whimsical soundtracks.
The centrepiece of Aspiral is undoubtedly Metanoia – A New Age Dawns Part VIII. The choral intro soon gives way to a vicious riff that works in harmony with the overall melody and mood of a dramatic and imposing piece which sees Simons use her full range. It also features drummer Ariën van Weesenbeek in full flow, and he is quite the force.
This is a song that could be the definition of Epica in seven minutes, switching from sweeping soundscapes to crushing Heavy Metal to dramatic orchestration in an instant. The band may use additional elements to achieve their sound, but when they do it this well, who really cares?
It’s The Grand Saga Of Existence – A New Age Dawns Part IX that draws together the central tenant of the album. The third part of the collection, it once again demonstrates that there is much to unpack in this release.
It’s another imposing piece of work and leads into the delicate and charismatic title track that sends chills down the spine as it concludes another hugely impressive release.
Epica have nothing to prove these days but still provide ample quality and creativity with each new album. It is going to be a while until they reach these shores, but January is suddenly looking brighter because of this record.
Epica release Aspiral on 11 April 2025 via Nuclear Blast Records. You can pre-order or pre-save the full album Aspiral here.
Epica And Amaranthe Arcane Dimensions Tour
16.01.26 – DE, Cologne – Palladium
17.01.26 – DE, Munich – Zenith
18.01.26 – BE, Brussels – Forest National
20.01.26 – UK, Bristol – Bristol Beacon
21.01.26 – UK, Glasgow – Barrowlands
23.01.26 – UK, Manchester – O2 Apollo
24.01.26 – UK, London – Eventim Apollo
25.01.26 – FR, Paris – Le Zenith
27.01.26 – CH, Zurich – Halle 662
28.01.26 – IT, Milan – Alcatraz
30.01.26 – ES, Barcelona – Razzmatazz 1
31.01.26 – ES, Madrid – Sala La Riviera
01.02.26 – PT, Lisbon – Coliseu dos Recreios
03.02.26 – FR, Toulouse – Bikini Toulouse
04.02.26 – FR, Lyon – Radiant-Bellevue
06.02.26 – DE, Ludwigsburg – MHP Arena
07.02.26 – NL, Amsterdam – Ziggo Dome
06.03.26 – DE, Hamburg – Inselpark Arena
07.03.26 – DE, Leipzig – Haus Auensee
08.03.26 – DE, Berlin – Columbiahalle
10.03.26 – DK, Copenhagen – Poolen
11.03.26 – SE, Stockholm – Fallan
13.03.26 – FI, Oulu – Tapahtumakeskus Tullisali
14.03.26 – FI, Helsinki – Black Box
15.03.26 – EE, Tallinn – Helitehas
22.03.26 – DE, Frankfurt am Main – Jahrhunderthalle
Epica – Aspiral Tracklisting
- Cross the Divide
- Arcana
- Darkness Dies in Light – A New Age Dawns Part VII –
- Obsidian Heart
- Fight to Survive – The Overview Effect –
- Metanoia – A New Age Dawns Part VIII –
- T.I.M.E.
- Apparition
- Eye of the Storm
- The Grand Saga of Existence – A New Age Dawns Part IX –
- Aspiral
