Retrospect
Epica · 2013
353 min · 52 tracks · symphonic metal
A sweeping orchestral landscape merges with thunderous riffs, creating an epic soundscape that defines symphonic metal's grandeur.
Top tracks — play these first
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Introspect Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Cry for the Moon — This track exemplifies Epica's signature blend of operatic vocals and aggressive instrumentation, making it a standout anthem that resonates deeply with fans.
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Martyr of the Free Word — With its thought-provoking lyrics and dynamic composition, this song represents Epica’s commitment to addressing social issues through music.
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The Obsessive Devotion — This track showcases the band’s theatricality, merging haunting melodies with passionate vocal delivery, embodying the essence of their live performances.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with varied peaks
- operatic vocals for emotional depth
- philosophical themes for introspection
- for long listening sessions
- grand orchestral arrangements
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- seek immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Celebrates a decade of music, showcasing fan- tracks and the band's evolution.
- Themes
- operatic grandeur· societal critique· philosophical reflections
- Career context
- Released on November 8, 2013, 'Retrospect' is a live album that marks Epica's tenth anniversary, showcasing their evolution since the debut album 'The Phantom Agony' in 2003. At this stage in their career, they had solidified their status within the symphonic metal scene and were recognized for their intricate compositions and powerful performances.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Nightwish· Within Temptation· Kamelot
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Introspect Start here 4:20
- 2 Monopoly on Truth 7:08
- 3 Sensorium 6:04
- 4 Unleashed 6:23
- 5 Martyr of the Free Word 6:24
- 6 Chasing the Dragon 8:08
- 7 Presto 3:07
- 8 Never Enough 5:47
- 9 Stabat mater dolorosa 4:08
- 10 Twin Flames 5:02
Disc 2
- 1 Serenade of Self‐Destruction 10:09
- 2 Orchestral Medley 7:52
- 3 The Divine Conspiracy (anniversary edition) 7:38
- 4 Delirium 6:10
- 5 Blank Infinity 5:03
- 6 The Obsessive Devotion 7:56
- 7 Retrospect 4:27
- 8 Battle of the Heroes & Imperial March 6:25
- 9 Quietus 3:59
- 10 The Phantom Agony 9:21
Disc 3
- 1 Cry for the Moon 12:23
- 2 Sancta terra 5:49
- 3 Design Your Universe 11:09
- 4 Storm the Sorrow 5:42
- 5 Consign to Oblivion 9:43
- 6 Outrospect 3:57
Disc 4
- 1 Introspect Start here 3:42
- 2 Monopoly on Truth 7:09
- 3 Sensorium 5:41
- 4 Unleashed 6:24
- 5 Martyr of the Free Word 6:31
- 6 Chasing the Dragon 8:28
- 7 Presto 3:43
- 8 Never Enough 5:07
- 9 Stabat mater dolorosa 5:28
- 10 Twin Flames 5:27
- 11 Serenade of Self‐Destruction 10:42
- 12 Orchestral Medley 7:40
- 13 The Divine Conspiracy (anniversary edition) 7:40
- 14 Delirium 6:56
- 15 Blank Infinity 5:03
Disc 5
- 1 The Obsessive Devotion 7:42
- 2 Retrospect 4:23
- 3 Battle of the Heroes & Imperial March 6:48
- 4 Quietus 4:31
- 5 The Phantom Agony 9:04
- 6 Cry for the Moon 12:20
- 7 Sancta terra 5:34
- 8 Design Your Universe 12:35
- 9 Storm the Sorrow 6:04
- 10 Consign to Oblivion 11:51
- 11 Outrospect 2:23
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Once
Nightwish
Shares grand orchestration and operatic vocals, exploring themes of love and loss with a cinematic feel.
The Silent Force
Within Temptation
Combines symphonic elements with heavy riffs, addressing personal and societal themes in a dramatic storytelling style.
Karmacode
Lacuna Coil
Merges gothic and metal sounds, featuring dual male-female vocals while tackling existential themes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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