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The concept and lyrics are inspired by quantum physics and how each human is connected to each other on a "subatomic level"..yea interesting stuff, along with their defining sound of growling and exquisite Mezzo Soprano vocals of Simone Simons
Mark Jansen and Coen Janssen are geniuses of the metal world..yet aren't as popular as they should be. The guitar riffs may seem like a bunch of "chugging", however look deeper and listen for the technicality and precision locked into their notes. The HEAVIEST song with the most growling would have to be Semblance of Liberty. This track does feature their amazing choir, they've assembled along with Simone jumping into the mix now and again. It's quite fast as well, the drumming by Arien van Weesenbeek is exceptional and frankly underrated in the drumming world..in my opinion. Martyr of The Free World is the other heaviest track in my book and the two always get me ready to go "A-wall"!
To compliment the heaviness of most of these stellar tunes, you have beautiful, melodic, symphonic compositions by the group..such as : Tides of Time and White Waters. These two songs are lovely and top notch. Simone's voice ranges from soothing to powerful! She can change instantly and with no pitch problems(Live I didn't hear any off key notes or bad pitch from her). The chords are even interesting by the strumming/picking patterns Mark and Isaac use.
Other notable parts of the album, include two or 3? political clips from George H.W. Bush and President Obama. I didn't care for the Obama clip(political reasons), but the message through the interludes and political clips are pretty good.
Dislikes: I thought White Waters could have had more instruments..that's it.
After many many listens, I believe this is my favorite album from Epica and I hope more people buy this record and listen to it so much they wear it out:p This easily has become a "Top 100" album for me..there are no flaws in these 75 minutes of pure magic!
Rating: 9.9/10
The Tracks!:
Favorite Track Indicated with:$
Standout Tracks Indicated with: *
--1. Samadhi (Prelude)-----------------------------01:27
--2. Resign to Surrender (A New Age Dawns Part IV)--06:19
-*3. Unleashed--------------------------------------05:48
-*4. Martyr of the Free Word------------------------05:03
--5. Our Destiny------------------------------------06:00
-*6. Kingdom of Heaven (A New Age Dawns Part V)-----13:35
--7. The Price of Freedom (Interlude)---------------01:14
$*8. Burn to a Cinder-------------------------------05:41
--9. Tides of Time----------------------------------05:34
--10. Deconstruct------------------------------------04:14
-*11. Semblance of Liberty--------------------------05:42
-*12. White Waters----------------------------------04:44
--13. Design Your Universe (A New Age Dawns Part VI)09:29
10/10
