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Album Review: Epica – Requiem for the Indifferent

Album Review: Epica
Requiem for the Indifferent
Nuclear Blast

Completely shattering any doubts of the ability to kick ass, Simone and co. return with the fiery vengeance of a thousand horny angels. After a rather depressing three years of waiting for a new album since the release of Design Your Universe, we have finally been blessed with another studio album from the ‘Ginger Queen.’

Requiem for the Indifferent does indeed have the feel of a musical setting for a Mass for the dead- to be more specific, a Black Mass. This atmosphere is maintained fully from the start of the album at “Karma,” through to the end with “Serenade of Self Destruction”. Of course, there are certain tracks that stand out as more powerful than others – some more sonically powerful, others more emotionally, and so on. “Storm the Sorrow” and “Requiem for the Indifferent” in particular stand out with a mix of these qualities.

The dark beauty of so-called ‘symphonic metal’ lies in neither the lush orchestral textures, nor the frequent and soaring operatic vocals, and indeed not in any single aspect of the music. Rather, it is the powerful unitary force which brings together all these elements. Some such bands might use a beautiful vocalist to initially draw in fans, such as Nightwish with Anette Olzon. Other bands seem to care little for human aesthetics, and instead utilize ludicrously over the top cover art (Cradle of Filth, anyone?). Thankfully, Epica as a whole has the good sense not to give a rat’s ass, and foremost puts out quality music.

“Deter the Tyrant,” “Avalanche,” and “Serenade of Self Destruction” are all fitting tracks to close this album. For those who perhaps are newcomers to the concept of symphonic metal, Requiem for the Indifferent is certainly an excellent introduction to this darkly lush subgenre of heavy metal. Requiem is an exquisitely crafted piece of art.

Epica

By: Chris Neuberger

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