Epica Omega CD (Jewel case, 2021, Nuclear Blast)

Omega is the eighth studio album from the Dutch symphonic metal band Epica released on 26 February 2021 through Nuclear Blast Records. Stylised as Ωmega, the album brings together Epica's signature combination of orchestral arrangements, cinematic choirs, operatic vocals, heavy guitar riffs and extreme metal growls, creating an expansive symphonic metal sound with progressive structures, melodic hooks and intricate arrangements. Omega was the band's first studio album of entirely new material in five years, following 2016's The Holographic Principle.

Produced by Joost van den Broek and Epica, Omega was recorded between January and May 2020. The album continues the conceptual trilogy that began with The Quantum Enigma (2014) and continued with The Holographic Principle (2016), exploring themes of humanity, spiritual awareness, inner duality, unity and the philosophical concept of the Omega Point. Its ambitious production incorporates metal, orchestra, choir and a variety of ethnic and oriental instruments, while maintaining memorable melodies and accessible song structures.

Tracks such as "Abyss of Time – Countdown to Singularity", "The Skeleton Key", "Freedom – The Wolves Within" and "Rivers" showcase the album's balance of symphonic grandeur, driving metal instrumentation and melodic songwriting. "Kingdom of Heaven, Part III – The Antediluvian Universe" continues one of Epica's most ambitious recurring compositions, while the closing title track, "Omega – Sovereign of the Sun Spheres", provides an expansive finale. The album also features guest vocal appearances from Zaher Zorgati of Myrath on "Code of Life" and Vicky Psarakis on "Twilight Reverie – The Hypnagogic State".

Omega features Simone Simons (lead vocals), Mark Jansen (grunts and rhythm guitar), Isaac Delahaye (guitars), Coen Janssen (keyboards, piano and orchestral arrangements), Rob van der Loo (bass) and Ariën van Weesenbeek (drums). The standard edition contains 12 tracks, combining the band's distinctive contrast between Simone Simons' soprano vocals and Mark Jansen's harsh vocals with elaborate orchestral and choral arrangements.”

Recommended if you like: Within Temptation, Kamelot, Delain, Nightwish, Lacuna Coil, Amaranthe, After Forever and Xandria.

Artist: Epica 
Title: Omega
Label: Nuclear Blast
Catalogue Number: NB54522
UPC: 727361545222
Release Year: 2021
Duration: Album
Format: CD
Case Type: Jewel Case
Condition: New & Factory Sealed

Tracklist:

1.Alpha (anteludium)
2.Abyss of Time (Countdown To Singularity)
3.The Skeleton Key
4.Seal of Solomon
5.Gaia
6.Code of Life
7.Freedom (The Wolves Within)
8.Kingdom of Heaven (The Antediluvian Universe) (Part 3)
9.Rivers
10.Synergize (Manic Manifest)
11.Twilight Reverie (The Hypnagogic State)
12.Omega (Sovereign Of The Sun Spheres)