EPICA — Requiem for the Indifferent (review)

EPICA — Requiem for the Indifferent album cover

Album · 2012 · Symphonic Metal

4/5 · 2012-04-09
arcane-beautiful

(This album is a lot like the new Cannibal Corpse album…not in style, just in the way I feel about it)

Why I haven't gotten round to reviewing one of these guys albums yet is a mystery to me...cause I really do love this band. But sure, I'm reviewing all the new stuff now, so I might as well give my opinion about this knew one.

Now Epica have been a band I have really loved for quite a long time now. Ever since The Divine Conspiracy (which is definitely one of the best symphonic metal albums ever made) I have been a fan. Now their last album Design Your Universe I haven’t really gotten around to listening too, and I don’t physically own a copy of their first 2 albums (although I do know they are 2 amazing albums). So I was excited to actually sit down and listen to this one.

Now, I was slightly disappointed with this one…but it’s still not a bad album.

There is a definite slight change in direction with this album, but with good intentions. Usually the choirs and orchestration are really over the top in Epica albums, but with this one, they’ve taken a slight backseat. They are still there, don’t get me wrong…just not as in the limelight as they where. The guitar sound has improved as well, and the guitar playing (I think someone has been listening to Dream Theater in my opinion).

The vocals as usual from Simone are amazing as always (she really is one of the best female metal vocalists, and she is always underlooked). But the biggest surprise from me is that Marks vocals really are improving, and in my opinon are becoming a real highlight of the band. Also the drummer is doing some grunts now as well, which is pretty cool.

As usual, Epica’s lyrics are always a little bit better than most metal bands, whether they’re singing about mental health, politics, philosophy or just life in general. Both Simone and Mark are great lyric writers.

The only problem I can see with the album is that there are only moments that really grab my attention. Usually with an Epica album, every song is stuck in my head after listening to it, but with this one, at the most 2 have really became Epica classics.

But…that’s my opinion really.

1. Karma – A nice little intro. 6/10

2. Monopoly Of Truth – Ok, now this is the way you start an album. Such a kick ass song. This song seems to show Epica’s more proggier approach, which I have to admit, sounds amazing. There is also a riff in this song which Epica stole from me…now I have proof I wrote it 4 years ago…but I’ll let them have it this time. 10/10

3. Storm The Sorrow – Ok, this is the single from the album, and I can see why. I really didn’t expect this song to be that good. Love the choir arrangements. Such an epic ending. 10/10

4. Delirium – Beautiful vocal intro. I love the choir arrangements in the song. There is some really beautiful moments in this song. 8/10

5. Internal Warfare – The verse melody reminds me of Alladin, for some odd reason. There is some really dark moments in this song. Great lyrics. 7/10

6. Requiem For The Indifferent – Nice middle eastern sounding intro to the song. Mark’s vocals are pretty killer in this song. Nice chorus. The lyrics are the best part of the song in my opinion, and really bring up some pretty cool topics like recession and the current economic climate. 9/10

7. Anima – A nice piano interlude. 5/10

8. Guilty Demeanor – Pretty kick ass song, and it’s pretty quick too. Some nice lyrics too. 8/10

9. Deep Water Horizon – The changes throughout this song are pretty odd, but interesting nonetheless. The instrumental section in this song is epic as hell. 8/10

10. Stay The Course – Killer vocals from Mark. Pretty epic at times. 8/10

11. Deter The Tyrant – The use of the choir is pretty epic. Kick ass song with a pretty cool chorus. 8/10

12. Avalanche – Great use of vocals in this song, especially from Simone. Cool chorus too. 8/10

13. Serenade Of Self-Destruction – Ok, for those that don't know, there was a total cock up in the mixing and distribution of this album. For some odd unfathomable reason, the vocal tracks for this song where taken out...which really is like taking the cake out of a birthday cake. So no mark for this one. I blame Nuclear Blast. The only time they've done me wrong.

14. Nostalgia – I can see why this wasn’t on the album. It’s alright I guess. The vocals are the highlight really. 6/10

CONCLUSION: This is their weakest album in my opinion. It’s still pretty great, but comparing it to there others, it’s their weakest. I would recommend this album to a metal fan, but if someone really wants to get into Epica, I would suggest something else.

7.2/10

more than 2 years ago
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adg211288 wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I'm just finalising my own review for this. I can't say I think its their weakest, but I'm not as familiar with The Phantom Agony and Consign to Oblivion as I am with everything since The Divine Conspiracy. I'm rating it at 8.7 on my website's score system, so that will round to 4.5* on MMA. Since I gave their last two 5's I guess its still fair to say that this was a bit disappointing for me. My biggest issue is the production though.

arcane-beautiful wrote:

more than 2 years ago

thanx. apparently i have it nyway. will give the song a listen then. i hear its one of the best on the album

adg211288 wrote:

more than 2 years ago

You can download the correct version of Serenade of Self-Destruction for free from Nuclear Blast's website. I'm hoping they fix future pressings of the album though. CD's cost enough without having to pay for one's with incorrect tracks on them.