Is Consign to Oblivion a good place to start with Epica?

Yes, Consign to Oblivion is recommended as a starting point for new Epica listeners. A grand tapestry of symphonic melodies intertwines with heavy guitar riffs, creating a cinematic metal experience. Released on April 21, 2005, Consign to Oblivion was Epica's second studio album, following their debut The Phantom Agony. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the symphonic metal genre, expanding on the themes and orchestration introduced in their first album while establishing their signature sound.

Who is Consign to Oblivion for?

Consign to Oblivion works well if you're into dynamic journey with epic climaxes, immersive orchestral soundscapes and wave-like pacing with peaks.

How many songs are on Consign to Oblivion?

Consign to Oblivion has 11 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Consign to Oblivion

Epica · 2005

52 min · 11 tracks · symphonic metal

A grand tapestry of symphonic melodies intertwines with heavy guitar riffs, creating a cinematic metal experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Dance of Fate Start here — This track showcases Epica's blend of powerful vocals and intricate instrumentation, highlighting their lyrical depth while also featuring dynamic shifts between melody and aggression.
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Solitary Ground — A standout moment on the album, Solitary Ground combines anthemic choruses with thought-provoking lyrics about personal struggle, demonstrating Epica’s ability to merge heavy music with meaningful content.
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Mother of Light (A New Age Dawns, Part 2) — This track serves as a pivotal point on the album, blending ethereal vocals with orchestral elements that elevate its emotional impact, encapsulating the thematic journey of the entire record.
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Consign to Oblivion (A New Age Dawns, Part 3) — The closing track offers a sweeping conclusion to the narrative arc presented throughout the album, featuring complex arrangements and powerful climaxes that showcase Epica's musical ambition.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases ambitious compositions and strong cohesion, solidifying Epica's presence in symphonic metal.

What we noticed

The album opens with a prologue that sets a thematic tone, followed by tracks that blend orchestral elements with heavy guitar riffs.
Each track features complex arrangements, often incorporating choral elements and operatic vocals alongside traditional metal instrumentation.
Several songs exceed five minutes, allowing for extended instrumental passages and dynamic shifts in intensity throughout the record.
The final track serves as a culmination of the narrative established in earlier songs, tying together thematic elements from the entire album.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic journey with epic climaxes
immersive orchestral soundscapes
wave-like pacing with peaks
engaging narrative throughout tracks
cathartic release in closing track

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward, concise tracks
seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Helped solidify Epica's reputation in the symphonic metal scene.
Themes: gothic narratives· mythical struggles
Career context: Released on April 21, 2005, Consign to Oblivion was Epica's second studio album, following their debut The Phantom Agony. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their presence in the symphonic metal genre, expanding on the themes and orchestration introduced in their first album while establishing their signature sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Nightwish· Within Temptation· Kamelot