While taking a few weeks off, we decided to explore—track by track—Epica’s latest release, Aspiral. One thing that remains consistent with these Dutch symphonic metal giants is their meticulous attention to detail. From lyrical depth to thematic layering, their compositions continue to evolve while staying true to the core sound that has defined their legacy.
With Aspiral, the band embarks on a new, more polished direction. The album’s pristine production blends their most changed direction, 2014’s The Quantum Enigma, with a more melodic, tempered maturity. This evolution seems to reflect where the band members are in their lives, be it the joys of parenthood or personal growth translating beautifully into the music.
Since their 2003 debut The Phantom Agony, the band has undergone an enormous transformation. Now, in 2025, Aspiral feels like the culmination of their epic(a) journey, showcasing each member mastering their craft while remaining humble, finding more ways to learn, and trying something new. Simone Simons’ vocals are more powerful than ever, perhaps enhanced by her work on 2024’s Vermillion with Arjen Lucassen.
Aspiral highlights how Epica, whether they know it or not, appear as a seamless creative ensemble. There’s balance, intention, and continued experimentation.
“Cross the Divide”
Right away, we’re introduced to a new evolution in Epica’s sound. While there are signature elements present, the track carries a cleaner, more refined direction with impeccable production. Added keyboard enhancements and modern polish set the tone for what’s to come.
“Arcana”
The keyboards lead in with a haunting, eerie atmosphere before the full symphonic elements chime in. Things slow down until Simone Simons’ vocals take over. The production remains crisp and bold, with a romantic-esque chorus. Dark, somber, and deeply compelling, this track leans into Epica’s matured growth and fearless ability to move forward.
“Darkness Dies in Light — A New Age Dawns Part VII”
Here’s the classic Epica sound, especially post-Quantum Enigma. It’s bold, aggressive, and energetic.
“Obsidian Heart”
Heavier and slower, this track carries a sludgy pace, allowing Simone’s vocals to fully resonate. It’s a moodier, introspective moment on the album, allowing for breathing space between the bombastic and disarray medleys.
“Fight to Survive – The Overview Effect”
This one opens slow before building toward a powerful chorus. A memorable hook makes it one of the album’s most enjoyable tracks, reminiscent showing glimpses of “Beyond the Matrix,” especially in parts that feel made for jumping at live shows. The breakdown with Mark Jansen’s growls shifts the song’s direction, merging Epica’s signature style. Easily one of the stronger tracks on Aspiral.
“Metanoia – A New Age Dawns Part VIII”
This track starts with a delicate classical introduction, almost like a forgotten orchestral masterpiece. Soon, it breaks into heavier territory, combining refined Epica elements with their signature recipe. It feels like a bridge between both movements.
“T.I.M.E.”
Controlled chaos defines this track. Epica’s trademark styles are here: fast-paced, masterful vocals and mesmerizing orchestration. Yet the production takes it to another level, increasing the intensity.
“Apparition”
This one shifts between heavy aggression and the band’s newer, matured sound. The back-and-forth structure offers a compelling blend of past and present Epica.
“Eye of the Storm”
A playful yet powerful track, this one embraces Epica’s newer style while maintaining their signature melodies. Mark Jansen’s growls are prominent here, and the song’s structure showcases how the band continues to fine-tune and reinvent themselves.
“The Grand Saga of Existence — A New Age Dawns Part IX”
This cinematic piece weaves with echoes of a “Design Your Universe” structure. Each band member shines here, proving just how well they work together as an ensemble.
“Aspiral”
The album makes a stunning finale with its title track. It musically wrap things up by including a premiere of narration from artist Stanisław Szukalski, tying in the conceptual roots behind the album. In an interview Metal Insider had with Simone Simons, she shared:
“Yeah, the narration is done by the artist Stanisław Szukalski, and it’s actually an excerpt from the documentary, but this passage hasn’t been used before. So, it’s kind of like a premiere, that we got to use it in our music. I think he just tries to motivate us, that if you want to do something, you just need to get up and start doing it. Don’t expect miracles from the beginning, but invest your time and energy into something to make it bloom.”
It’s a transcendent conclusion and a unique way to close a near-flawless record.
Final Thoughts
Listening to Aspiral in order, from beginning to end, reveals just how carefully it was constructed. Epica likely structured the songs carefully, bringing in their new, modernized, matured style, while also including tracks catering to longtime fans with their signature sound. Some songs blend both approaches, forming something that feels close to musical excellence.
Admittedly, on first listen, the full depth of this album might not hit you. But with each spin, it grows, and suddenly you realize this might be their strongest work to date. Will Aspiral be everyone’s all-time favorite Epica record? Maybe not. But should it? Very well, possibly. Well done.
Epica, Aspiral, was released on April 11, 2025 via Nuclear Blast. Order your copy here.
