“Our very first single in two years…”, Simone Simons crooned some time ago. Not quite true, The Alchemy Project of 2022 came and went without much reverb out in the fan crowd. But I guess, she meant Epica-owned music following in the wake of the astonishing Omega. But one can never be quite sure.
So, lo and behold, a new video called Arcana appeared on our to-view list. The clip granting – to quote the label – “…a glimpse into the band’s future music, coming in 2025.” Fair enough. Aspiral beckons you, that kind of thing.
Epica are known for outstanding discographies in often pretty sumptuous settings. And Arcana won’t disappoint. Masked, ominous figures straight from the Ministry of Love breaking into strange buildings on their quest to detect the temptress of the arcane. Or something. And the detection game goes on until the fearless leader is overwhelmed by the witch’s magick and finally sees the terrible truth in all its brutal glory. A mean little video full of hidden gore and slithering things.
And as is often the case, the video is propped upon a pretty simple song that – by itself – won’t turn too many heads. And while this is undoubtedly an Epica production, the track may sail a tad too close to the temptations of Nightwish of 2024. But whatever the case may be, Simons’ performance is simply outstanding. Musically and – also – in the acting department.
But enough blathering, let’s move on to Arcana and its magical delights. Judge by yourself, will ya?
Label: Nuclear Blast Records | Web: Official Band Site
Release Date: 13 November 2024