EP REVIEW: The Alchemy Project – Epica

Almost two years since the release of their eighth studio album Omega, Dutch symphonic metallers EPICA are back with their third EP The Alchemy Project. However, this latest release has a slightly different flavour to what we have heard before. The Alchemy Project is a collaborative body of work which has really pushed the limit of their musical capabilities once again. The EP contains a total of seven unique tracks with special guests FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, DELAIN‘s ex-vocalist Charlotte Wessels and POWERWOLF‘s Roel Van Helden, just to name a few.

This latest body of work has a very important message behind it though. The Alchemy Project is not just about creating another solid EPICA record, as rhythm guitarist and unclean vocalist Mark Jansen explains: “The idea behind this concept is cooperation. In the world of today with all its chaos and challenges we as humanity will need to work together in order to solve and rise above the problems in order to create a new world where we can all shine again. We are all connected, and when a part of humanity is suffering, we are all suffering from it.“

The first track on the EP is The Great Tribulation, featuring the Italian symphonic death metal group FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE. Starting off in typical EPICA style, this song immediately shows off the talent of lead vocalist Simone Simons. Without a second’s thought, a heavy metal style riff is incorporated into the mix, giving more depth than before. The addition of FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE just makes the song for us, giving a slightly different flavour than we are used to whilst still sounding like the EPICA we all know and love.

Next up is Wake The World with URIAH HEEP‘s Phil Lanzon and Tommy Karevik from American power metal collective KAMELOT. Another infectious, powerful riff kicks things off before Simons‘ recognisable vocals lead the way as always. The fantastic keyboard work of Lanzon and the incredible guest vocals from Karevik are a brilliant addition. Some might have expected this track to have slightly more power metal influences, but it is still enjoyable from start to end. The Final Lullaby follows and features the Swedish black metal band SHINING. It’s another great collaboration, with a catchy chorus which is sure to get stuck in your head from the first listen.

Sirens – Of Blood And Water is a collaboration with Charlotte Wessels and Denmark’s MYRKUR. This track has the most magical introduction, with some beautiful symphonic metal influences coming through. The combination of Simons, Wessels and MYRKUR‘s Amalie Bruun‘s vocals harmonising together is truly wonderful throughout. Death Is Not The End with Frank Schiphorst from MAYAN and SOILWORK‘s Björn Strid is the next track. Schiphorst‘s guitar work is just sensational, managing to elevate the song to new heights. Strid‘s vocals also are a great addition – the perfect harmonisation with Simons‘ angelic voice, although unfortunately this track isn’t as memorable as others.

Human Devastation features GOD DETHRONED‘s Henri Sattler and ABORTED‘s Sven De Caluwé. This is definitely the heaviest track on the EP thus far, with Sattler and Caluwé‘s contributions adding a completely contrasting flavour than what we are used to in a surprising switch up. The closer is The Miner, with guest collaborations from DAMNATION PLAN guitarist Asim Searah, INSOMNIUM bassist and unclean vocalist Niilo Sevänen, and POWERWOLF drummer Roel Van Helden. Whilst there is no denying the musical talent of this collective, this track is a little lacklustre in comparison to some of the others sadly.

The Alchemy Project is definitely a hit or miss record, unfortunately. The EP starts off so well with memorable tracks such as The Great Tribulation and The Final Lullaby, but it becomes less and less impactful as time goes on. Whilst there is no denying EPICA‘s musical talent as well as that of their 13 unique collaborators, the majority of the tracks might just struggle to stand the test of time.

Rating: 6/10

The Alchemy Project is set for release on November 11th via Atomic Fire Records.

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