Epica : Perfect balance between return to roots and renewal with ‘Aspiral’

On 11 April, Dutch symphonic metal band EPICA released their 9th studio album Aspiral. Heralded as a revival for the band, the album oscillates between novelty and a return to their roots, sprinkled with an artistic maturity acquired over the years. We even got the chance to talk about it with Mark Jansen, the band's guitarist and singer, in an interview you can find here.

Photo : Tim Tronckoe

   Inspired by a statue of Stanislaw Szukalski, the title track “Aspiral” conveys inspiration and rebirth, two common themes for the Dutch band on this new album. It features sounds from their earlier albums, notably Metanoia - A New Age Dawns Part VII, with a more experimental edge added in a search for renewal.

Artwork : Hedi Xandt

   You can feel their evolution and, more importantly, their passion for music, because unlike previous albums of their discography, this one was recorded as a group, rather than instrument by instrument, offering a live atmosphere, spontaneity and a notable cohesion between the band members. 

   Even in the darkest lyrics, the album is positive and offers a real message of hope: something very common to Epica. The band has always been optimistic and confident, taking listeners on a journey that will restore their confidence and make them look on the bright side of life. And isn't that the whole point of music, that infinite outlet that writes our deepest emotions on sheet music?

   But while the album explores themes common to all the tracks, some stand out from the rest. Arcana was undoubtedly chosen as the first single because it contains all the elements of the album and is therefore the most representative. Cross The Divide is the most unique, with a sound like no other on the album and a driving rhythm.

We can also talk about Darkness Dies In Light, Metanoia and The Grand Saga Of Existence, the third trilogy in the A New Age Dawns saga the band began in 2005 with the release of their Consign To Oblivion album.

   The album closes with the eponymous track, which is gentler but has a more epic ending, with more spoken lyrics than sung, offering the listener a real theatrical experience.

   And while each track is a real pleasure to listen to in the studio, we can't wait for the live versions, given the band's stage experience and the beauty of their set design. The band will be hitting European roads in January 2026, but will be making a stop in France at Hellfest, on Mainstage 2, on Friday 20 June!

In conclusion, we can say that this is an album that adds perfectly to the band's discography, with a well-managed balance between the old and the new, the soft and the strong. And if you haven't already done so, go and stream / buy this album!