Dutch symphonic metal band Epica has announced the release of their ninth studio album, Aspiral, due on April 11, 2025. The album takes its name from a 1965 bronze sculpture by Polish artist Stanisław Szukalski, a figure known for his intricate, often symbolic works that blend mythology with surrealism.
“The album title is derived from the eponymous bronze statue,” the band said in a statement. “It stands for renewal and inspiration—keywords that were essential to us while creating this album. 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. For us, this was the perfect analogy for the album: each song stands on its own with a distinctive vibe and meaning, while together they enforce each other into what we believe is our most monumental effort.”
Founded in 2002 by guitarist and songwriter Mark Jansen following his departure from After Forever, Epica quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the symphonic metal genre. The band’s sound blends orchestral elements with heavy guitars and operatic vocals, led by Simone Simons, whose soaring mezzo-soprano voice has become one of the most recognizable in metal. Their early albums, such as The Phantom Agony (2003) and Consign to Oblivion (2005), set the foundation for their intricate, cinematic approach to songwriting, while later releases like The Quantum Enigma (2014) and Omega (2021) showcased a more refined balance between metal aggression and symphonic grandeur.
Epica’s ability to fuse philosophical and esoteric themes with complex musical arrangements has earned them a devoted following worldwide. Their previous album, Omega, charted in multiple countries, reinforcing their status as one of the most enduring acts in symphonic metal.
Tracklist
- Cross the Divide
- Arcana
- Darkness Dies in Light – A New Age Dawns Part VII –
- Obsidian Heart
- Fight to Survive – The Overview Effect –
- Metanoia – A New Age Dawns Part VIII –
- T.I.M.E.
- Apparition
- Eye of the Storm
- The Grand Saga of Existence – A New Age Dawns Part IX –
- Aspiral
Formats:
- Jewel Case CD
- 2LP Gatefold VINYL in various exclusive colors
- 2-Disc DIGIPAK:‘Aspiral’ CD‘Live at The Symphonic Synergy’ Blu-ray
- 5-Disc EARBOOK:‘Aspiral’ CD
‘Aspiral’ Instrumental CD
‘Live at The Symphonic Synergy’ Blu-ray
‘Live at The Symphonic Synergy’ 2CD - Collector’s BOXSET:5-Disc Earbook
Exclusive Picture Disc 2LP Vinyl
Exclusive EPICA Coin
