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Epica > The Solace System > 2017, CD, Chaos Reigns (Japan) > Reviews
Epica - The Solace System

Epica - The Solace System - 85%

Orbitball, September 21st, 2018
Written based on this version: 2017, CD, Nuclear Blast

These are tracks that weren't featured on 'The Holographic Principle'. They're still simply awesome, with intelligent lyrics and beautiful orchestrations. If you don't like synthesizers, you won't like this band. Hands down. This EP is rather invigorating and noteworthy. It's incredibly diverse with Simone's epic vocals mixed with harsh voice. The rhythms on here are HEAVY, but there's one song that's entirely acoustic. Simply amazing riffs and vocals. Simone is one of the best female vocalists in METAL today. Some critics may argue that and say maybe Tarja is but I don't think so.

All of the tracks on here are well thought out and meticulous. I like the back and forth clean (Simone) to harsh vocals. My favorite track on here has to be "Wheel of Destiny." But I liked every song on here. I think they were well thought out especially the lyrics. They really put their heart and soul into their releases. I don't mind the synthesizers because they seem to augment the vocals quite nicely. They've got an even longer career out there in the METAL scene. If you don't like their music, that's alright. I enjoy their symphonic power metal. They really have a huge part to offer in the metal realm.

Simone's vocals fit perfect with the heavy, but magical music. This is one EP that I overlooked before I checked my collection. I absolutely loved the acoustic track. It's so serene. It fits well with the release. I think they just wanted something to offer than just brutality. Clean vocals galore. Their music is what brings me in about them. They're really a diverse band. The harsh vocals give the music a little more variety to them it isn't all clean. They seem to have it down musically and are able to create leads as well as rhythms that just plain kick ass. Simone's vocals are my favorite though, close to Cristina Scabbia's voice, that's a second one in the female vocal department.

I liked this whole EP, so if you like metal and you're looking for something that isn't too long in length and are willing to try out some symphonic stuff, 'The Solace System' is for you. Keep an open mind when listening to it. It's not "crap" or just another "lame" release from Epica. They're very intelligent in their lyrics and their music. They hit home here and I'm glad that they were able to roll this over from 'The Holographic Principle'. These songs are totally amazing kind of like how the album is that was previously released. If you have Spotify, download this release and make the most of it. 'The Solace System' is where its at! Get this, NOW!

Five Blasts and a Ballad! - 85%

andreipianoman, July 11th, 2018

It seems that once Epica found a recipe that works, they've decided to stick with it. This EP offers the same type of material that was found on their past two releases ( I'm not very familiar with their earlier stuff ). The idea is simple. Pile up some heavy and impactful riffs and drums combined with a consistent layer of keyboards, orchestra and choirs. Above that skeleton shred some flamboyant solos and contrast the crunchy growls and ethereal operatic female vocals as well as a more basic singing style. Raise the tempo and wrap it all in a basic song structure and you're pretty much settled. It's easy, catchy and very enjoyable.

I'll be completely honest with you, don't expect too much. This won't blow your mind in any way and if you're walking into it with that expectation, you will be disappointed. Despite their name, I've never considered Epica to be very epic. In terms of songwriting at least, you don't have anything very spectacular. It's all basic and it was done before. What makes them shine is the "epic" wrapper in which they put it. Bringing out a lot of orchestra and contrasting the dual vocals and the choirs gives their music a lot of drama and dynamic. And it's also filled with hooks. They have this strange ability to hit you with some of the most enjoyable choruses ever, seemingly out of nowhere. And they've also kept the motivational and positive lyrical style. It all rounds up to making you feel good. It's a quick and effective dose of energy with a fine touch of "fantasy" music.

So that's pretty much it. It's a style that works well and just to mix it up a bit, the fifth track is a ballad based exclusively on acoustic guitar, keyboard strings and gentle, soothing vocals. The only thing that worries me with this release is that when you keep going for the same formula over and over, you will eventually run out of inspiration and ways to make it feel new. And while it's all good for now, it's definitely less satisfying than what they did on "The Quantum Enigma" and "The Holographic Principle". That's understandable though since this is just recicled material that didn't make it on their last full-length release. But let's not worry about Epica going downhill just yet because they're doing great for now and when it comes to good vibes and simple, catchy music, they're amongst my first choices!

The Standard System - 74%

kluseba, October 23rd, 2017
Written based on this version: 2017, CD, Nuclear Blast (Digipak)

Epica has established and solidified its brand of symphonic metal and doesn't move one inch away from it. The Holographic Principle was nearly a copy of its predecessor The Quantum Enigma minus the atmospheric world music elements. The Solace System now offers six songs that were recored during the sessions for The Holographic Prtinciple. As you might have guessed, the six new songs offer nothing new in the Epica universe.

What you get here is omnipresent bombastic symphonic metal with epic classical music passages, bombastic choirs and one of the genre's most talented female lead singers. Add a few harsh vocals here and there to spice things up and the usual ballad to calm things down. The powerful production only adds to the emotional and intellectual roller coaster ride. While the record is as predictable as it gets, one has to admit that the band stagnates on an elevated level and offers six entertaining tracks without any filler material. Some of the songs are actually better than several tunes from The Holographic Principle that were at some points almost exact copies from songs from The Quantum Enigma.

Therefore, I would rather recommend buying the compact The Solace System for a reasonable price than an overlong full length effort with noticeable lengths. The Solace System basically represents Epica in a nutshell. If you haven't bought one of the band's records yet, you can grab this release to get a great idea of what they sound like. The numerous faithful fans of the group can't go wrong here either. Those who were hoping that Epica would take the chance to try out something new will be disappointed. Those who have never liked the band, won't be converted by this release either. The bottom line is that The Solace System is good for what it is, no more, no less.

Systems Go - 95%

Larry6990, September 14th, 2017
Written based on this version: 2017, CD, Chaos Reigns (Japan)

Who could wish for more from an EP than six brand new tracks? Not just new material, but of such a standard that they might as well be included on a full-length album. For those who like the idea of enjoying Epica's brand of ultra-heavy symphonic metal but find their LPs to be an enormous slog - may I present to you The Solace System: the perfect way of sampling what the Dutch masters are all about, without being overwhelmed by the sheer enormity of ideas presented on a studio album. It follows the direction taken since the line up stabilized around 2013: more intricate orchestrations; heavier riffs; more harsh vocals; and an ever-improving production quality.

Everything on offer here is between three and 6 minutes long, making it easily accessible for any eager fan of the genre. However, let that not lull you into a false sense of security. Direct and focused though these songs may be, they still contain plenty of twists and turns performed in that noble way only Epica can pull off. Fourth track "Wheel Of Destiny" is exemplary in this respect - pushing the tempo up to almost thrash standards for its main riff, but familiarizing us with its hooky mid-tempo chorus and spaghetti-like middle section. Simone's voice seems to age like a fine wine, becoming increasingly angelic no matter how aggressive the accompaniment. Be it the vicious riffs of the title-track, or the remarkably delicate air of "Immortal Melancholy", her parts always shine brightly - reminding us of just how much talent lies right under our noses.

Mark Jansen's growls also deserve much praise. Despite being very hit-and-miss live, on disc he's always brutally wholesome, providing the yang to Simone's yin in rapid-fire numbers like "Fight Your Demons". Listen to him in the middle section of closer "Decoded Poetry"; given that this segment directly precedes a lush orchestral arrangement, it's all the more effective. It's definitely the opening half of the EP that strikes with most impact, taking more accessible structures and beefing them up with seriously groovy riffage and colossal choirs. But only a fool would lose interest before getting to the awesomely varied closing track. With its melodic hooks, choral interplay, blast beats and sense of dramatic climax - "Decoded Poetry" is the one track I wish could've made it onto The Holographic Principle.

Their tenth year with Nuclear Blast proves Epica to be on a winning streak. This wasn't a throwaway EP full of b-sides and useless rarities that only die-hards give a shit about. This was a way of saying 'bear with us whilst we work out how awesome our next album is going to be. In the meantime, here's a little bit of said awesome stuff'. I understand if the casual metalhead would ignore EPs for being less momentous, but The Solace System is half an hour of well-written, perfectly executed and thoughtful symphonic metal that is more than worth your money. If you find yourself lost in the ridiculous scope of their lyrical content, just lie back and absorb some true musicality from the Netherland's finest.