Epica – Retrospect

The definitive live performance, captured.

As the band head into the recording studio to begin laying down the tracks for the forthcoming sixth studio album (as yet untitled), this release ( 2DVD/3CD or 2BLU-RAY), may seem a bit of a stop gap affair. Far from it though, as the band rightly choose to mark their tenth anniversary by putting on, arguably, the best live performance of their careers. Recorded in Eindhoven, complete with seventy piece orchestra and the Miskolc National Theatre choir and featuring guest appearances from Floor Jansen and also former Epica members, Jeroen Simons, Ad Sluijter, and Yves Huts, this really was a unique and completely one off event. Throw in the fact that the band streamed the show all over the world to appease those of us that could not attend, and it becomes apparent just how seriously the band took this show.

Having amassed ten years worth of material, it must have been a bit of a nightmare picking the set list but it works perfectly, covering all elements and developments of the trademark Epica style and sound, from the early days of ’The Phantom Agony’, through to latest groundbreaking release ’Requiem For The Indifferent’, no stone is left unturned. As you would expect, it is a greatest hits show and so the staple tracks such as ’The Obsessive Devotion’, ’Consign To Oblivion’, ’Quietus’ are all there, delivered in a way that compounds my belief that Epica are one of the most technically gifted bunch of musicians out on the circuit.
A couple of live debuts come to light though, in the form of ’Twin Flames’ and ’Retrospect’, which sit well and blend effortlessly with the remainder of the set.

My overriding feeling from listening to this album, is one that the band seemed to have had so much fun performing, that it was almost a release of pent up energies, a statement to the world that this Epica and we’re damn proud of it.
If you are already an Epica devotee, then this album/DVD is pretty much essential. If you are not familiar with the bands history and material, then this is pretty much a no brainer to get a feel of what the band are all about. An amazing event, captured for posterity, and well worth shelling out for.

Track Listing;

1. Introspect
2. Monopoly On Truth
3. Sensorium
4. Unleashed
5. Martyr Of The Free Word
6. Chasing The Dragon
7. Presto
8. Never Enough
9. Stabat Mater Dolorosa
10. Twin Flames
11. Serenade Of Self-Destruction
12. Orchestral Medley
13. The Divine Conspiracy (Anniversary Edition)
14. Delirium
15. Blank Infinity
16. The Obsessive Devotion
17. Retrospect
18. Battle Of The Heroes & Imperial March
19. Quietus
20. The Phantom Agony
21. Cry For The Moon
22. Sancta Terra
23. Design Your Universe
24. Storm The Sorrow
25. Consign To Oblivion
26. Outrospect

Epica are;

Simone Simons – Vocals
Mark Jansen – Guitar, Vocals
Isaac Delahaye – Guitar
Coen Janssen – Synth, Piano
Ariën Van Weesenbeek – Drums
Rob Van Der Loo – Bass

Released via Nuclear Blast Records on November 8th (11th in the U.K.)

http://epica.nl/
https://www.facebook.com/epica
http://www.nuclearblast.de