Year: 2021
Total Time: 33:39
Label: Legacy Magazine

On February 26 Dutch symphonic metallers EPICA will release their tenth full-length album entitled “Omega”. Preparing the ground for their new work, five full years after their last album “The Holographic Principle”, they have already released four singles, as well as an EP in collaboration with Legacy Magazine.

The EP, under the name “Abyss Of Time” consists of five songs. The self-titled, which of course comes from their upcoming album, “Freedom – The Wolves Within” also from “Omega”, as well as three live songs, “Beyond The Matrix”, “Consign To Oblivion” and “Dancing In A Hurricane”, all recorded on February 4, 2017 in Paris.

The eponymous is a very catchy track, modern with a dose of old NIGHTWISH and a mixture of modern and older EPICA, that literally sticks in your mind! During its whole duration, it manages to maintain your interest undiminished throughout. Simone Simons’s vocals are very beautiful, but Mark Jansen’s brutal vocals, which are present as much as needed, give the song a more symphonic Death metal aesthetic taking it to the next level. In the same spirit with a slightly more epic style comes  the second sample of the upcoming album, “Freedom – The Wolves Within”. Here Mark’s role is a bit more upfront and extensive, definitely another good song though. The three live-recorded pieces bring us a concert atmosphere, that has been missed by all, and the band’s performance is very good and the presentation of the songs meticulous.

Two songs may or may not be representative of EPICA’s new work. It may be a powerful sample of what their upcoming album will look like, it may not. But if “Omega” moves on these paths and has songs of the same quality in its composition, maybe we are talking about a very strong come back from the Dutch! So, let the wait begin…

Rating: 7/10
Editor: Fanouris Exintavelonis
Related Link: EPICA – Official Page