Short Reviews [Epica - 2021 - "Omega Alive"]

Normally, when Epica release a new album, they then tour the world for at least 18 months, but of course there is nothing normal about the music scene anymore. Some bands have been able to get out on the road, but there are a great many issues that need always dealing with, and so far, there have been few bands touring anything like they used to. For example, here in New Zealand the closest we have had to an international act touring in the last two years is Crowded House, and most of them are Kiwi! Currently we are in a position where the largest number of full-vaccinated people allowed in one place is 100, which means rock gigs are pretty much off the table although I do have some folk gigs planned. So what were the band to do? They decided to undertake a streaming event with no audience which would be the biggest show they had ever done; with everything they could think of included in way which could not be repeated on tour as it was just too big. Sonically, for the first time ever they performed songs like “The Skeleton Key” or the insanely monumental “Kingdom of Heaven Part 3” from Omega’, alongside the band’s most popular songs, rare songs, fan favourites and surprises. This has of course been made available in multiple different versions and formats, but I only have the audio and what is strange is that there is no audience, which in turn of course means no interaction. At one point Simone thanks the fans for everything they have done, but it is just weird as of course there is no response. Not having an audience did not mean that the band were going to do anything but put their all into the show and the result is another symphonic metallic monster. The strange thing is that they are so good at what they do that at times it feels much more like another studio recording as opposed to a live show. Playing it straight after ‘Omega’ feel quite unnerving, almost as if this were a bonus disc, but this was released at the end of 2021 whereas the studio was at the beginning. If one were to look for just one song to see why these band are held in such high regard then just listen to “Unchain Utopia” which has a stunning performance from Simone, backed up with crunching guitars and choir. Superb. I only hope Epica will be able to get back out on the road soon, and they decide to come down here as that will be a show well worth seeing. Overall, this is a great release.