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Epica
The Classical Conspiracy
(Nuclear Blast Records)
Having been born and raised certifiably White Trash, I’ll be the first to openly admit my musical tastes were initially limited. And who could blame me? Reared on a steady diet of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet and, to a lesser extent, the curiously-overlooked Raging Slab, even after I discovered the Heavy Metal, Pop and Country genres, my desire to ‘…cleanse my palette…’ was minimal, at best. Fortunately for all parties involved, my desires and needs (and the artists and groups I partake in most frequently) did change rather dramatically as I aged and matured, leaving me both wiser and more culturally diversified. Not surprisingly, when I was initially approached regarding writing a review of The Classical Conspiracy, the latest highly-anticipated offering from acclaimed Dutch Symphonic Metal icons Epica, I was only more than happy to oblige.
On the brilliant The Classical Conspiracy (2009), an expertly assembled twenty eight (!) song, two disc collection of flawlessly executed ‘…in concert…’ recordings (taken from the group’s 06/14/08 performance at the acclaimed Miskolc Opera Festival), each track, beginning with a note-perfect rendition of the Sergei Prokofiev classic “Montagues & Capulets”, a of the battle scarred Edvard Grieg staple “In The Hall Of The Mountain King”, and the delightfully soaring “Ombra Mai Fù” (i.e. “Never Has There Been A Shade”), immediately command the rapt and undivided attention of even the most jaded and unimaginative of patrons. Wasting little time brazenly engulfing both new and established listeners alike amid their now-trademark tonalities, the group again distances themselves from their few true contemporaries with a truly sickening ease.
Continuing with the undeniably self-explanatory “Pirates Of The Caribbean Medley”, the impossibly exhaustive “Chasing The Dragon”, and the relentlessly pummeling “Beyond Belief”, the steadfast--to say the very least--combination of vocalist Simone Simons, ex-After Forever guitarist/vocalist Mark Jansen, guitarist Ad Sluijter (who has since been replaced by Belgium-born ex-God Dethroned axeman Isaac Delahaye), bassist Yves Huts and keyboardist/pianist Coen Janssen steamroll ahead with what can only be described as a carefully calculated ease. Accompanied throughout by a 40-piece Orchestra and a 30-piece Choir, the ensuing sonic barrage(s), while not necessarily groundbreaking and certainly far from revolutionary (a distinction I’ll continue to reserve for the recorded works of the mighty Therion), are destined to thoroughly satisfy all parties involved.
Although obviously not for everyone (particularly those without a genuine and sincere interest in broadening their musical horizons), the group, as they have consistently done in the past, punctuate their already undeniably bombastic set with a veritable wealth of arguably unparalleled musicianship and ‘…raw human…’ emotion, resulting in a breathtaking collection of material that is, without a doubt, quite easily worthy of the highest of critical and commercial accolades. Thus, other standouts, including the gently lilting “Safeguard To Paradise” (taken from 2007’s conceptual masterpiece The Divine Conspiracy), the slow-building--yet ultimately highly-effective--“Cry For The Moon”, and the equally impressive closing dirge “Consign To Oblivion”, only add fuel to the proverbial fire, only further solidifying the group’s disturbingly dedicated international fan base.
But is it really that freakin’ good? Absolutely! Even if you somehow find yourself less than enthralled with the frequently ferocious sextet’s obviously painstaking penchant for all things melodramatic, one must, at the very least, sincerely admire the group’s seemingly unique ability to seamlessly intertwine the Classical and Heavy Metal genres without sacrificing the breathtaking intensity at the refreshingly intricate epicenter of each multidimensional composition. As a result, if you’ve once again found yourself in search of a decidedly ‘less than obvious’ alternative to the painfully mindless din and clatter that is so often force fed en mass, then this, my friends, might just the high octane cure for what ails you. Do yourself (and your friends and neighbors in your immediate vicinities) a truly massive favor and check this one out. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
Select Discography
The Classical Conspiracy (2009) **
The Divine Conspiracy (2007) **
The Road To Paradiso (2006) *
The Score -- And Epic Journey (2005) *
Consign To Oblivion (2005) *
We Will Take You With Us (2004) *
The Phantom Agony (2003) *
* released via Transmission Records
** released via Nuclear blast Records