Symphonic metal bands can mistakenly eschew much of the 'metal' facet in favour of overblown arrangements and self-congratulatory musical prowess.
Dutch outfit Epica carve a heavier direction here, cranking up the guitars but retaining trademark bombast and melody. Utilising live instruments like violins and clarinets instead of sampling imbues greater character and nuance. Dancing In A Hurricane injects tasteful Arabic flourishes; Universal Death Squad and The Cosmic Algorithm's earnestness impresses. There's an effortless chemistry between Simone Simons' commanding siren vocals and Mark Jansen's grunts, too. At 70 minutes it can be laboured, but detractors will tap out before the (ahem) epic closing title track's arrival.
