Two years ago I wrote a post about
my favourite symphonic metal band, Epica (Those who missed it can find it here).
Although I don't want to make a habit out of posting about the same artist
twice, I felt I had no other choice after listening to the song they released
this week. The song titled Beyond The Matrix - The Battle is a rework of the
original Beyond The Matrix, which was already a symphonic masterpiece. In this
rework however Epica teamed up with the Metropole Orchestra, a Dutch hybrid
orchestra playing both big band and symphonic music and one of the largest of
its kind in the world. The result is a nine minute long battle between swing
jazz and symphonic metal which works out surprisingly well. Although I have to
admit it's not the most accessible song and requires a couple of listening
sessions to really start appreciating it. I've heard it several times now but
still discover new melodies and musical layers. I urge you to give it a try as
well, who knows you might even like it!
Check out more of Epica on their
official YouTube channel.
