Reviewed - 02/01/2006
Consign To Oblivion
[The End/Transmission Records]
In an era of pseudo-operatic female fronted bands Epica has gained a popularity with the European crowd. Some of that popularity has carried over to the American continent. Consigned to Oblivion is my chance to discover what the fuss is about and what makes Simone Simons an object of worship for many fans.
The album had all the markings of something I should like. It was billed as epic and powerful and the band had won some Metal award in The Netherlands. A piece of the album art depicted the Aztec sun wheel which brough fond memories of my visit to Mexico City this past summer... People on boards keep raving about Epica and Simone... With trepidation I put the CD in the player and waited for it to start.
A mundane (by today's standards) intro kicked it off - symphonic and all, but nothing out of the ordinary. Sometimes I question why bands even bother with those. Then came the first song. My only encounter with Simone is from the Aina Metal Opera which came out last year. She had a very short bit on the underwhelming closer of that album. I was expecting to be blown away. Alas... Ms. Simons was off pitch right off the bat. Pity. She has a decent enough voice. Personally, I do not find it appealing. At least she does not screech - being billed as a mezzo-soprano, her voice is obviously more suited to the lower registers and that is where it stays. That at least is away from the trends.
The whole album is epic and symphonic and bland all at the same time. For the fans of the genre Therion is a much better bet. For female singers... heck... even guitarist Mark Jansen's former band - After Forever - is a better choice.
I was reading the material that came with the promo and I am confused... Why is the Aztec Stone of the Sun featured so prominently if the song titles and lyrics are supposed to refer to Mayan this-and-that? Wow... Now I am thinking about my Cancun vacation last year... It is sad when the music is not what moves you.
An interesting piece is the duet with Roy Khan of Kamelot - Trois Vierges. Unfortunately, Simone and Roy do not blend well together. His voice is smooth, hers considerably harsher and they do not complement each other. Thus the result is disjoint and unappealing.
Okay, okay. It is not as bad as I have made it sound. It is not an abomination. It is melodic and it is catchy, even if all the songs sound the same. For some it is a perfect album. Great. Those who like it - by all means, enjoy it. For me... I'll channel my inner pseudo-goth and retreat to my Lacuna Coil.
[The End/Transmission Records]
In an era of pseudo-operatic female fronted bands Epica has gained a popularity with the European crowd. Some of that popularity has carried over to the American continent. Consigned to Oblivion is my chance to discover what the fuss is about and what makes Simone Simons an object of worship for many fans.
The album had all the markings of something I should like. It was billed as epic and powerful and the band had won some Metal award in The Netherlands. A piece of the album art depicted the Aztec sun wheel which brough fond memories of my visit to Mexico City this past summer... People on boards keep raving about Epica and Simone... With trepidation I put the CD in the player and waited for it to start.
A mundane (by today's standards) intro kicked it off - symphonic and all, but nothing out of the ordinary. Sometimes I question why bands even bother with those. Then came the first song. My only encounter with Simone is from the Aina Metal Opera which came out last year. She had a very short bit on the underwhelming closer of that album. I was expecting to be blown away. Alas... Ms. Simons was off pitch right off the bat. Pity. She has a decent enough voice. Personally, I do not find it appealing. At least she does not screech - being billed as a mezzo-soprano, her voice is obviously more suited to the lower registers and that is where it stays. That at least is away from the trends.
The whole album is epic and symphonic and bland all at the same time. For the fans of the genre Therion is a much better bet. For female singers... heck... even guitarist Mark Jansen's former band - After Forever - is a better choice.
I was reading the material that came with the promo and I am confused... Why is the Aztec Stone of the Sun featured so prominently if the song titles and lyrics are supposed to refer to Mayan this-and-that? Wow... Now I am thinking about my Cancun vacation last year... It is sad when the music is not what moves you.
An interesting piece is the duet with Roy Khan of Kamelot - Trois Vierges. Unfortunately, Simone and Roy do not blend well together. His voice is smooth, hers considerably harsher and they do not complement each other. Thus the result is disjoint and unappealing.
Okay, okay. It is not as bad as I have made it sound. It is not an abomination. It is melodic and it is catchy, even if all the songs sound the same. For some it is a perfect album. Great. Those who like it - by all means, enjoy it. For me... I'll channel my inner pseudo-goth and retreat to my Lacuna Coil.
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Tracklist:
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| Rating: 6/10 | |
| Release Date: 2005 | |
| Length: 52:39 | |
| Review By: Anna Naydenova | |
| Total Reviews: (1) | |
| Band's Website: Go Here | |
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