1 Indigo (2:05)
2 The Obsessive Devotion (7:13)
3 Menace of Vanity (4:13)
4 Chasing the Dragon (7:40)
5 Never Enough (4:47)
6 La‘petach Chatat Rovetz (1:46)
7 Death of Dream (6:03)
8 Living a Lie (4:56)
9 Fools of Damnation (8:42)
10 Beyond Belief (5:25)
11 Safeguard to Paradise (3:46)
12 Sancta Terra (4:57)
13 The Divine Conspiracy (13:56)
Epica was formed in 2003, and TDC is their third full length album. Well for not sounding too fan-boy'ish, i can say that i love this band, and this album is masterpiece. Since its release on 2007 it has been my top album, and its not going anywhere.
1. Indigo
The best Epica intro so far, starts quiet, but turns to massive orchestral piece. Its great starter and it turns the hunger for Epica bigger everytime
2. The Obsessive Devotion
Starting aggressively followed by Simone's verse, followed by Mark's grunts, followed by choirs. Okay, so this is certainly not the usual verse-chorus-verse-chorus track, actually very little of Epica's tracks are like that. Amazing blend of emotions and brutal energy, really powefull track. Also Amanda Somerville's passionate speak part deserves some kudos too.
3. Menace of Vanity
One of the heaviest Epica songs ever. Certainly not gothic, its nearer to black metal this time. The drums impress me everytime, Arien is fcking beast! This song has very little of Simone, she is just part of the choir, but it fitts well. Mark does some really good grunts here. Good track, not one of my favourites though.
4. Chasing the Dragon
Huge piece of art. Starting as the most beautiful Epica ballad ever, but the end gived suprise. Aggressive black metal drumming and whole kick from the band, i love it. This song is near the perfection, and Simone sings really well here.
5. Never Enough
For shure the most boring track of the album. Traditional single song, its nearer the other female fronted bands than any other track here, its not unique at all. Simone sings really well and the song is catchy, but it doesnt give more.
6. La‘petach Chatat Rovetz
Cool instrumental, though i must admit i usually forget to listen to it waiting for the next track which...
7. Death of Dream
...kicks your ass out! Its really good track, one of the best ever i have heard. We got even visitor here, Sander from After Forever, he does really good job. There is slight eastern vibe on this song, i like it.
8. Living a Lie
Another track i dont listen much. Starting with the most positive non-brutal grunts i have heard, fitting well the atmosphere. Decent track with another spoken part (from Ayreon guys brother!), Simone sounds really good here. The song is not too long, it goes away fast. Some choirs here i dont like too much, but its good track still.
9. Fools of Damnation
This is the best song ever! The most prog song Epica has given so far. Starting with Simone's eastern vocal melody followed by grunts. There is really flattering and well working instrumental part here, the best guitar work ever (even noticed by guitar work loving prog friend of mine), really powerful and unique track afterall. Nice grunts here too.
10. Beyond Belief
The first guitar solo on Epica track! And its good solo, short but interesting. This is good track, with lot of different elements. I love the fact in this song when you think it would be ending, it just started. Thats what Epica is about. Doing it differently
11. Safeguard to Paradise
Pretty good ballad, i'm not huge fan of ballads so to be true i dont listen this too often. Its pretty for shure and Simone sounds angelic for a while
12. Sancta Terra
The second poppy track on album, starting with violins and followed by Simone's opera vocals. Its really powerfull and catchy track. (I love btw the new bass intro they use in gigs for this song these days)
13. The Divine Conspiracy
The HUGE ending song of the album. It took me many many listens to appressiate this track, but now i absolutely love it. Its long for shure, but it doesnt turn boring. There are aggressive parts, slow parts, pretty part, choir parts, there is practically everything Epica has to offer. I love it, its probably the best track of the album in the end
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Vocals 9
Music 10
Songs 10
Mixing 9
Total 9