Resonance - Epica - Valhalore
- Sparky
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Epica – Aspiral 8.5/10
Inspired by Szukalski's art, embodying renewal, inspiration, and unity is Aspiral, the ninth full length release from Dutch symphonic metal icons Epica. The title personifies their continual growth and individualism.
There is a strong sense of renewal and cohesion across Aspirtal that makes it fresh and exciting. Each track is an individual yet combine to create a cohesive whole that is part introspective, part cosmic yet pure Epica. The first single, Cross The Divide’’ personifies this change, the guitar sound is thicker and more immediate with its dynamics. ‘’ Darkness Dies In Light - A New Age Dawns Part VII’’ Is a musical masterwork, at times underrated every member of Epica is in supreme command of their instrument, capable of time and key changes with aplomb delivered with power and ceremony yet also as subtle is it is grandiose. Always framed around the mezzo soprano talents of Simone Simons, it charges from frantic 2/4 attack ( Ariën Van Weesenbeek’s percussive work is superb) to the classical choir arrangements everything is a seamless progression that twist and turns that make eight minute tracks feel half as long. ‘’ Obsidian Heart’’ is a slower number that employs a strong rhythm and of course those vocals to drive the song. ‘’Metanoia - A New Age Dawns Part VIII ‘’ is more pure epic symphonic metal full of twists and turns that is surprising and heavy. Album Closer ‘Aspiral’ Is a beautiful thought-provoking piece of art Simone’s vocals are simply gorgeous on their own accompanied by Coen Janssen’s grand piano. It is a moment of wonder, the spoken word interlude ‘’We make ourselves what we are’’ personifies the album its crescendo rousing and inspiring, a simply incredible song that demands to be repeated, many, many times.
Aspiral is without doubt Epica’s most accessible record yet sacrifices none of their principles, incredible musicianship or grand ideas that make them so unique and powerful. Their continual evolution is to be applauded and heard to be believed, it feels effortless and full of confidence, a symphonic metal celebration!
Valhalore - Beyond The Stars 8.5/10
It has been eight long years since Voyage into Eternity, Brisbane’s Valhalore’s debut opus. To say that Beyond the Stars is eagerly awaited is an understatement, album number two deliveries on all fronts with their epic folk metal!
Valhalore’s Epic Viking Folk metal is inspiring rousing with tales of purpose and introspection. Wayfinder is simply an emotional anthem full of clean vocal power and a riff that explores the heavens, both intimate and emotional, its polar opposite is ‘The Storm’ a tempest of calamity and aggression the predominately harsh vocals a perfect match for its fury. ‘’Horizon” combines the two vocal styles with epic double kick breakdowns and excellent riffs. Its both powerful and subtle, something that Valhalore excel at, music that is always in continual motion and its heaviness demanding the type of reaction only epic metal can deliver. Your love for this album will depend on your affection for folk metal, the Cello, Mandolin and wind instruments are on equal footing with the excellent percussion and guitars. When it is restrained, it is beautifully so “Aether” and when it is heavy it is exceptionally as on the epic “Heart of the Sea” soaring melodies and crushing riffs. “A Walk among the Stars “is pure Scandinavian inspired metal brilliance, it warms the soul against the dead of night, with wonder and majesty, stirring and poignant.
Valhalore have created a modern folk metal piece de resistance that belies their origins. Beyond the Stars superb in places and surprises with its energy and vibrancy. A perfect fusion of the modern metal with the traditional that demands your immediate attention. Highly recommended!
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