Since signing to Nuclear Blast Records prior to the release of the 2007 album The Divine Conspiracy, Epica has seen a steady increase in their popularity.  Any and all discussion of Epica usually begins with vocalist Simone Simons, who is one of the premier female vocalists today and a driving force in the band.  Having said that, their last album, Design Your Universe, did not have the staying power that their previous albums have had, an indication that the music has become complacent. Epica is ready to unleash a new album in Requiem for the Indifferent, and while it does have the characteristics that have made them famous, it is also the band’s most challenging album to date.

In recent years, Epica’s musical style has strayed a little from the symphonic element in favor of the more straightforward death metal riffs (which, in many ways, explains MaYaN, a band that features members of Epica).  Obviously, this hasn’t been a good thing for everyone, as opinions have been all across the board, proven with songs such as “Monopoly on Truth” and “Internal Warfare”.  Often though, the styles do attempt to mesh and, predictably, the results are half good and half so-so.  There are ballads on the album, with “Delirium” and “Deep Water Horizon” being the best examples, and this is where Simons’ talents best shines.  The title track is one of the longer songs on the album and is actually the band at its finest as they experiment with Middle Eastern sounds (in the beginning) and the vocals; both Simons’ and the harsh vocals of guitarist Mark Jansen work quite well together.  The music on the song is also one of the instances where the Epica of old surfaces, meaning “in your face” symphonic elements and the bombast that feels more natural for the band. There are other songs also worth some time; “Deter the Tyrant” and “Serenade of Self-Destruction” provide some nice moments.  However, as with Design Your Universe, there’s just something missing that keeps me from truly enjoying the album in the best way possible.

Requiem for the Indifferent is a solid album from Epica that could have been so much more.  The elements that made them successful in the past are there, but it seems as though there is that special element missing. Even after a number of listens I cannot point it out. While not disappointing, Requiem for the Indifferent will leave the listener wanting more than what it offers.

TRACK LISTING

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*Comments:

1.  Karma
2.  Monopoly on Truth
3.  Storm the Sorrow
4.  Delirium
5.  Internal Warfare
6.  Requiem for the Indifferent
7.  Anima
8.  Guilty Demeanor
9.  Deep Water Horizon
10.  Stay the Course
11.  Deter the Tyrant
12.  Avalanche
13.  Serenade of Self-Destruction

Total playing time: 73:01

Release Date: March 9, 2012
Label: Nuclear Blast Records

Epica - Requiem for the Indifferent

Reviewer: Peter

March 8, 2012