Thematically it comes to "The Quantum Enigma" to big issues like quantum physics, human perception, the psyche and the existence. Because of the lyrics are once again very meaningful and high-quality, partly critical of society, but always very emotional. Both singer Simone as well as guitarist and vocalist Mark Jansen have done a great job here! Even the cover artwork to these thoughtful topics adapts admirably, emblazoned here, after all, a Buddha in conjunction with many other elements. The Buddha is here representing the personalized spirituality, he has great symbolic power as the center of the picture anyway. The rocky island in obrigen part of the cover represents the point of view of humanity, for their perception of reality - but because there is so much more! For people not to see the mysterious ocean floor which harbors the DNA symbolism and the sign of the elements of earth, wind, fire and water. A boat at sea symbolizes the human desire to find answers to the great questions of existence. Of course that was not all - here an absolute delight to the eye is on offer! Whoever has the opportunity should also necessarily catch a glimpse of the complete cover art as it is displayed in the booklet, because this is immensely more than the cut just described. The artist Stefan Heilemann should not only be recognized for this stunning artwork, he deserves the highest recognition for implementation.
Let's take something musical pearls on Epica's new masterpiece. Along with the bonus track "In All Conscience" contains the digipack version of "The Quantum Enigma" 14 songs that Earbook instead provides the bonus track "Dreamscape". In addition, both versions come along with a second CD that can score with four beautiful and elegiac acoustic versions.
Epica has always been distinguished from the compositional talents of Mark Jansen. On the new disc but show all the band members, what they are - among others Isaac Delahaye and Ariën van Weesenbeek prove here often enough their talent for creative work behind the songs.
Since the beginning of their band history the band shines with the courage to progressivity, without losing the catchiness and accessibility. This balancing act is possible in "The Quantum Enigma" better than ever to take the already anticipated. The Symphonic metallers like never before put on the new album even more emphasis on the melodic component, although the songs sound mostly as heavy and powerful. Despite the complex and thoughtful arrangements - the songs are full of details - prove all the songs to be very compact, which should meet especially the new fans. But old fans get their money's worth, because better choruses had Epica never in store!
The fantastically beautiful songs to a modern, sophisticated and high-quality production joins them, for as I said Joost van den Broek is responsible. The mix ensures that Epica operate here on a new level. A brief conclusion is already more than easy, because the band has here quite simply put down a masterpiece that has no equal. As a lover of Imaginaerum made by Nightwish I find it not so easy to admit it, but here Epica have submitted the best symphonic metal album ever. Not only that: "The Quantum Enigma" exceeds my opinion everything you could previously heard in the metal sector. From hymn to heavy, from ballad to deafening: Here everything is what the tilted fan could wish for!
As an opener of "The Quantum Enigma" the cinematic intro acts "Originem". The intro is of course clearly marked by orchestral bombast, the paired here with the Latin hymns of the choir. In short: This is an introduction to the tradition of previous Epica intros, how could they find, among other things on "Requiem for the Indifferent" and "The Divine Conspiracy". According to the band, the melody is already for many years in the drawer to be used now - and the wait was worth it! "Originem" is a start, which would be better able to turn out.
It continues with "The Second Stone", which is the first real song on the album - there is, however, already going very guitar-heavy and metallic, which makes the piece a perfect opener for the album and the upcoming live shows. To emphasize the magnificent guitar of Isaac Delahaye, from which not only "The Second Stone" is benefited. The chorus loses against the verses a little pace, and is so dignified, therefore, without losing intensity. Gaining momentum the piece once the epic choir in concert with Simone's angelic voice used to complete the refrain. In instrumental terms clearly dominate the guitars - a true neckbreaker just who will bring the fans to the concerts to run around! The lyrics come quite in despair, therefore, act as it does from the psyche and of personal turmoil.
"The Essence of Silence" is the first single from the album, the song was at that time also a pretty lyric video donated. Although there is a single release, it's still tougher than in the previous piece, murderous growls already make the verses a true Metal Monument. Perhaps more fundamentally, diving growls on "The Quantum Enigma" not so frequently as in so many others, album, yet they are always placed correctly and ensure thanks Marks punchy organ for an energetic atmosphere that is unparalleled. In contrast, the chorus of "The Essence of Silence" exuberates only seems like melody - Simone Again reaches extreme vocal heights that one so could not perceive on the previous album. The choice of the first single has fallen to this song penned by Ariën van Weesenbeek, is quite surprising, convincing the song, however, is all. I would like to attest especially large live potential, because it is present in any case! The lyrics that are written in this case by Mark Jansen, carry a lot of energy in itself. It's about the unrest and chaos to withdraw into itself, by embarking on the stillness within. A good way to escape the sensory overload of the present!
With "Victims of Contingency" follows the shortest song on the album - entirely without the piece loses quality. The verses convince the toughest growls, the Epica can offer at all, without thereby stylistically to fall off the grid. Before double bass attacks the drums here no one will be spared! The chorus to "Victims of Contingency" turns out to be one of the most memorable choruses of the album, although Simone's singing is the alternative program for iron-hard verse again. Wacky pace but is guaranteed in every moment! Lyrically it's about to face his own mistakes and weaknesses, to blame for this without a third party. Without self-reflection, it is impossible to learn from its own decisions in life. You see: A text full of wisdom, which is so many surely help.
Then comes "Sense Without Sanity - The Impervious Code -" which begins very cinematic and choral, but quickly finds its way back into tougher climes. Prove somewhat slower, but quite rocking verses that Epica have quite a sense of groove. Of course, here are not the obligatory growls missing that as so often provide the necessary variety and diversity. What is striking is the range of style elements that will be covered in "Sense Without Sanity" - ballad moments alternate with anthemic melodies and growls from shattering. The Simone put forward fantastic chorus and here and there interspersed choral singing heaves the piece in addition to an even higher level - absolutely worth listening to! Similarly, full-bodied are the lyrics - key message is that our view of life and death our lives determines it is therefore too much spiritually.
A ruling on the second single release to make "Unchain Utopia", falls very easily. I would now like to the music video for the song out, which should be published very soon. "Unchain Utopia" begins with expansive, yet very catchy choruses, which can also be found in the chorus. Shortly thereafter, sets fast-paced, aggressive guitar playing in connection with double bass drums. The verses are all marked by Simone as usual beautiful voice, which makes them a melodic adventure and a vocally demanding task for the enchanting frontwoman. By the end of the song is based on an uncommon power to discharge them for this in the breathtaking final chorus. Here the choir and Simone spikes in combination at a stormy singing storm - an absolutely worthy finale of an overwhelming songs. In overall impression "Unchain Utopia" is of course very "catchy", which is also the opinion of the band. Due to the many tempo changes can of course say that it happens very varied, the successful stress buildup is doing its part to do so. "Unchain Utopia" is the perfect choice for the video and the single release, while the far more obvious than single "The Essence of Silence". Likewise overwhelming are the lyrics, which seem very revolutionary and talk about the will of oppressed peoples who want to free themselves from oppression and dystopias.
"The Fifth Guardian" is a dreamy instrumental, yet the introduction of the next song "Chemical Insomnia". The instrumental is very cinematic and almost seems to Asia, so it would easily fit into any martial arts film. "The Fifth Guardian" also appears in relation to the cover artwork with its Far Eastern attitude very appropriate, the Buddha shown there is certainly no contradiction to this. "The Fifth Guardian" should only be shortened and include the following song, but ultimately it was made into a full-fledged pieces. The gentle melodies and enchanting sounds provide plenty of atmosphere and in the mind's eye appear instantly beautiful images that are smoothly carried by the peace that radiates the song.
"The Fifth Guardian" immediately goes into "Chemical Insomnia", which was composed by Isaac Delahaye. After the instrumental, it goes all the driving on, because the song comes up with danceable and poignant verses, which open into a painful and haunting refrain, the one so could not have anticipated. Even the final together with growls and Simone's voice in incredible locations know fully convince. However, the white and the text of Simone, because this deals with the dependence on sleeping pills and the eternal fight against insomnia.
Shortly thereafter, Epica present with "Reverence - Living in the Heart -" a song that is very orchestral and also hard once more. In many parts it comes to progressive here as in other songs, the legendary choir remains, however, immediately hang in the ear. Ariën van Weesenbeek proves with this song once more his compositional skills, while Simone burns a vocal fireworks display. Above all, the guitar solo at the end of the song just does this remarkably well. The text contains a lot of wisdom when he says that we live in the here and now and should enjoy simple things. Self-discovery is a keyword that describes quite well the lyrics.
One of my absolute favorites, if not my favorite song of "The Quantum Enigma" is "Omen - The Ghoulish Malady -". "Omen" is perhaps the catchiest song of the whole work, and he would have had huge single-potential, one would only selected him. The quiet, but vocally repeating outstanding verses full of grace and elegy are only topped by sweeping and powerful chorus, because this provides an outstanding melody that definitely fit for the weeklong catchy. Once again pompous choral songs also appear in "Omen" on, as they are known as a stylistic device of Epica anyway. This time, they are among the best of the band's history, moreover, they were, as so often arranged beautifully by Coen Janssen. The nature of it comes to free himself with the help of loved ones from difficult life as stages of grief. Overall, a quite positive and hopeful tuned text that is encouraging.
The piano ballad of the album is soon after the turn, in the form of charming "Canvas of Life". The similarity to "Chasing the Dragon" can be purely stylistically not deny, even if "Canvas of Live" something extra sets. Verses and chorus are here as it catchy and vulnerable. Furthermore, "Canvas of Life" the vocal highlight of the album, vocally the song of intimacy is hard to beat. Simone Simons proves here once again that she is the best singer ever! From the second chorus the refrains are still anthemic, powerful and with infinitely more feeling carried forward, so you can absolutely not go wrong with the enjoyment of this song. "Canvas of Life" will be accompanied by piano and an acoustic guitar, the guitar parts are played with virtuosity and very fit perfectly into the composition, although the piano clearly in the foreground. The connection between the two instruments is certainly an outstanding success! The lyrical component is different from the last song a lot of painful and thoughtful, after all, is here but also sung by the "canvas of life."
"Natural Corruption" is the band itself one of the most popular songs, and this fact I can understand very well. After the ballad before it comes here again much energy to, which is also the anthemic chorus, supported by melodic keyboard sounds proves. Ballad it will eventually then but before the grand finale of the piece is rung. This is characterized by a fantastic guitar solo. Generally, these solos do not occur too often on - if so, then they are but of excellent quality and fit perfectly into each song. Simone's song climbs in "Natural Corruption" at least in the chorus new heights, what I particularly want to praise here. Thematically it is very interesting at this point because Epica are here quite right when they talk about our world as paradise and destroyed them that money would no longer suffice in the face of these hard facts.
The crowning glory is of course the title track "The Quantum Enigma - Kingdom of Heaven, Part II -", an epic and monumental completing the album. After deeming of Mark Jansen this song contains elements that might show up as Pink Floyd. Of course the song is the magnum opus of "The Quantum Enigma", a very progressive song in overlength and in its structure highly complex. Musically, it is similar to the previous "Kingdom of Heaven, Part 1" a bit, and lyrically it connects seamlessly with it. For that reason alone, the title "Kingdom of Heaven, Part 2" more than justified. But even without this connection between the pieces remains a song that gives you a heavenly feeling! The lyrics take basically along the what is at stake on this album: the mystery of human existence are ubiquitous here.
As a bonus track of the digipack version acts "In All Conscience", although this song would have been one of the strongest on the regular album. Anyway, the track one of my favorite songs - even in his sleep he would probably still capable of producing goosebumps. "In All Conscience" is clearly dominated by Simone's voice, which the delicate piece of music is of great benefit. The lyrics are very touching, but they act of lost the will to live, yet also the unshakeable bond of love. Bonus track of Earbook version is "Dreamscape", for "Canvas of Life" another ballad. This falls here from a little bulkier than the just mentioned "Canvas of Life", but is just as beautiful and has due to the complex structure on a lot of long-term potential. Towards the end Simone Simons produced once again goosebumps moments by letting resound at the highest level her voice.
CD 2 contains four unplugged versions of popular songs on the album. Included is, among other things, the acoustic version of "Canvas of Life", which again lovely and fragile precipitates as the already gentle original version. "In All Conscience" may as unplugged version convince just like "Dreamscape", which seems more than voluptuous in this version. An absolute highlight in the end is "Natural Corruption", which in its acoustic version has a very maritime strike and inevitably reminiscent of the sea. An imaginative conversion of an outstanding song anyway! In this sense, the second disc is by no means a pointless addition, but a real gem that deserves any attention.
With "The Quantum Enigma" Epica have created an album that is unparalleled in the entire Metal cosmos. Due to the eulogies that einprasselten on the album before the release, although I have already expected a lot, but the final result really skin around. The joint work of the band, which has been working after a long time on the ground and in the Community on the songs, bears fruit in every single song, and Originated truly grandiose songs that you do not have to imagine better or may want to have. Epica will surely delight you with this masterpiece not only the old fans, but to gain new listeners. In addition, the change of producer and mixer does the album very well, the fresh and modern sound fits perfectly into the band structure. In conjunction with the wonderfully beautiful artwork, this work of art turns out to be philosophical masterpiece. Epica wanted with "The Quantum Enigma" usher in a new era - and they have absolutely done! Even more: This album proves that Epica have to hide from any other band in the world. In short: An Album to die for!
