Epica
Scar Symmetry
Blender Theatre
New York City, New York
November 19, 2010
Tony Pijar
Epica and Scar Symmetry have been selling out venues across America and their show at the Blender Theatre was no exception. Epica, in particular, have been doing the business in the US for some time now and there seems to be no let up.
Scar Symmetry, who come across as a more listener-friendly Soilwork, have generated quite a surge here as well. The uniqueness with this band is, of course, the dual vocals – polished and grated if you will. Roberth Karlsson and Lars Palmqvist complement each other perfectly. The band opened with “The Iconoclast” from “Dark Matter Dimensions,” and followed with “Morphogenesis” from “Holographic Universe.” The title track from their second release, “Pitch Black Progress,” was next and was certainly a fan favorite. The band finished with “Mind Machine,” “Ascension Chamber,” “Reborn,” “Frequency Shifter” and “The Illusionist.” A perfect quencher for the truly magnificent Epica.
Epica has entered almost cult star status here in the US and deservedly so. The band came on stage to the grandiose intro “Samadhi” from “Design your Universe” and then kicked in full force with “Resign to Surrender” with guitarists Mark Jansen and Isaac Delahaye ripping at the seams. And then there’s the totally exquisite Simone Simons. She strolled to the center mic and before you know it that luscious red hair was flowing about as the headbanging commenced. “Sensorium” from the band’s debut followed and really displayed Simons’ ability to straddle between singing that was both sultry and razor sharp. Her immense talent, refreshingly, outshines her physical beauty – no easy feat. “Fools of Damnation”, “Unleashed”, Martyr of the Free World”, “Cry for the Moon” and “Tides of Time” were flawlessly played. A huge shout out to keyboardist Coen Janssen whose musical dynamics were simply staggering. He filled out the live sound perfectly – gave it fullness and texture. The band concluded with “The Last Crusade,” “The Obsessive Devotion,” and “Kingdom of Heaven.”
Epica will be on tour in Europe after the start of the New Year and if you like your power metal with a symphonic, classical twist, then the band is a must see!
