Epica have announced their ninth studio album, Aspiral, arriving April 11th via Nuclear Blast Records. The video for the new single and LP opener “Cross the Divide” can be streamed now.
The upbeat track is a glorious exercise in symphonic prog metal, combining catchy riffs with bouncy keys and an air of classical decadence. Singer Simone Simons — a master of this style — plays both frontwoman and narrator, as if in an opera.
It’s the second single from Aspiral, with the band’s 2024 track “Arcana” also included on the tracklist. The 11-song album was recorded at Sandlane Studios with producer/mixing engineer Joost van den Broek and features striking artwork by Hedi Xandt (Rammstein, Ghost).
Regarding the album title, Epica took the name from a work by Polish sculptor and painter Stanisław Szukalski: a 1965 bronze sculpture entitled Aspiral, which stands for renewal and inspiration.
“In Szukalski’s work, every detail is a piece of art on its own and there’s always more to the story than you initially think,” stated Epica’s press release. “The band saw this as the perfect analogy for the creation of this ninth album: Each song stands on its own with a distinctive vibe and meaning, while together they enforce each other into a monumental effort.”
Aspiral is being released in a variety of vinyl and CD configurations, along with a special edition featuring a Blu-ray of the band’s full “Symphonic Synergy” performance (with an orchestra and choir) that took place in Amsterdam in last year. Pre-orders are available via Nuclear Blast.
Stream the clip for “Cross the Divide” and see the album art and tracklist below.
Aspiral Artwork:
Aspiral Tracklist:
01. Cross the Divide
02. Arcana
03. Darkness Dies in Light — A New Age Dawns Part VII
04. Obsidian Heart
05. Fight to Survive – The Overview Effect
06. Metanoia – A New Age Dawns Part VIII
07. T.I.M.E.
08. Apparition
09. Eye of the Storm
10. The Grand Saga of Existence — A New Age Dawns Part IX
11. Aspiral