A towering return built on emotion, mythology, and metal mastery

Two decades in, Epica has nothing left to prove — and yet, with their ninth studio album “Aspiral”, they deliver one of their most creatively ambitious and emotionally charged works to date. It’s an album that doesn’t just revisit what made them symphonic metal icons; it redefines it.

Founded in 2002 by guitarist and growler Mark Jansen after his departure from After Forever, Epica began as a symphonic side project under the name Sahara Dust. It didn’t take long for the band to evolve into a full-force juggernaut of cinematic metal — inspired, in part, by the Kamelot album “Epica”, which also influenced their eventual name. Since then, the band has built a rich and complex discography, exploring themes ranging from science and philosophy to mythology and the human condition. “Aspiral” adds a new chapter to that legacy — one of introspection, renewal, and transformation.

The album title is drawn from a 1965 bronze sculpture of the same name by Polish artist and eccentric genius Stanisław Szukalski. Known for his symbolic and layered artistry, Szukalski crafted pieces in which every detail tells its own story. Epica saw this as a perfect metaphor for their new material: each track on “Aspiral” stands on its own, but together they build something greater — a monument of sound and spirit. The concept of “Aspiral” — both sculpture and album — centers on themes of growth, inspiration, and rebirth, making it an especially fitting banner for Epica in 2025.

But “Aspiral” isn’t just conceptually fresh — it’s built differently from the ground up. For the first time in their career, the band overhauled their entire writing and recording process. Multiple secluded writing retreats helped the band write as a team, sparking deeper collaboration and experimentation. Instead of relying solely on layering tracks in post-production, they recorded much of the album live, capturing the raw power and dynamic energy of their stage performances. That live-band chemistry crackles throughout the record.

The opening one-two punch of “Cross the Divide” and “Arcana” launches the album in classic Epica fashion: sweeping orchestration, tight riffing, and the unmistakable voice of Simone Simons, who joined the band at just 17 and has since become one of the genre’s most iconic vocalists. “Arcana” in particular shines — it’s a towering anthem with Simone delivering an emotional performance that soars over a haunting choir and cinematic arrangements. It’s Epica at their best: powerful, poignant, and deeply layered.

The saga continues — literally — with the return of the beloved “A New Age Dawns” storyline, a conceptual thread woven throughout Epica’s discography. Parts VII, VIII, and IX make their appearance on “Aspiral”, bringing with them echoes of past epics and new sonic surprises. “Metanoia – A New Age Dawns Part VIII” kicks off with a grand instrumental section before transitioning into a fierce duet between Jansen and Simons. With its choral flourishes and galloping riffs, it could easily sit alongside early Epica classics.

Part IX, “The Grand Saga of Existence”, brings an unexpected flavor — there’s a clear Therion-like touch in the choral harmonies and keyboard arrangements. It’s not a departure, but a fresh shade in Epica’s palette, and one that works surprisingly well, especially with the band’s signature orchestral flair.

Another highlight is “Fight to Survive – The Overview Effect”, which opens in a way that might catch longtime fans off guard — a dreamy, spacey intro that feels more sci-fi score than symphonic metal. But soon, it erupts into a rhythm-driven anthem built for the stage. The chorus practically demands audience participation, and the mid-song build-up, followed by a delicate Simons solo and a crushing riff, is one of the most exhilarating moments on the album.

Not every song hits the mark, though. “Obsidian Heart”, while boasting some heavy guitar work, lacks the emotional or melodic punch of the surrounding tracks. It’s not bad, but compared to the ambitious scale of the rest of the record, it feels a bit forgettable.

Meanwhile, the single “T.I.M.E.” impresses with its strong composition and pacing — but the inclusion of a child’s voice, singing and screaming at the intro, feels like a misstep. It’s a creative risk that might not resonate with all listeners.

But “Aspiral” saves its most emotional blow for last. The title track and album closer is pure magic — a slow-burning, cinematic piece that builds toward a breathtaking finale. Just when you think the album has said everything it needs to say, a real voice clip from Stanisław Szukalski himself enters the mix. It’s a stunning and unexpected touch that ties the entire conceptual framework together and leaves a lasting impression. Goosebumps are guaranteed.

With “Aspiral”, Epica shows us that they’re not content to simply repeat what’s worked before — they’re still searching, evolving, and challenging both themselves and their audience. By combining a reimagined creative process with timeless themes and fearless performances, the band delivers an album that’s rich in spirit and substance. From the bombastic highs of “Arcana” to the introspective beauty of the final track, “Aspiral” is more than just a collection of songs — it’s a work of art, just like the sculpture it’s named after.

In 2025, Epica is still rising — ever upward, ever inward. Spiraling into something new.

Rating: 9/10

Release Date: April 11^th 2025

Label: Nuclear Blast Records

Writer: Michael

Tracklist:

1. Cross the Divide
2. Arcana
3. Darkness Dies in Light – A New Age Dawns Part VII
4. Obsidian Heart
5. Fight to Survive – The Overview Effect
6. Metanoia – A New Age Dawns Part VIII
7. T.I.M.E
8. Apparition
9. Eye of the Storm
10. The Grand Saga of Existence – A New Age Dawns Part IX
11. Aspiral