Epica - 'The Classical Conspiracy'

When it comes to recording a classical album, it would be shocking if somebody like Cannibal Corpse or Slayer made one. Epica doing one seems natural. They are heavily influenced by the genre anyway, and it's something their fans would want to hear. They got the opportunity at the 2008 Miskolc Opera Festival in Hungary. Epica played classical pieces with a 40 piece orchestra and 30 member choir.

The choices Epica made on The Classical Conspiracy range from traditional classical composers like Handel and Verdi to more modern songs like "The Spiderman Medley," and one Star Wars fans will certainly recognize: "The Imperial March."

The classical tracks are epic and majestic and very well done, but vocalist Simone Simons is rarely heard because most of the songs are instrumentals. And even if you're not a classical music buff, these songs are pretty well-known, so you'll probably be familiar with many of them.

The last part of the first CD and the entire second CD of The Classical Conspiracy is a regular Epica live show. It includes songs from their whole catalog, including all three of their studio albums. The addition of the orchestra and choir on Epica's own material is really impressive.

Simons really shines during that part of the concert. Her operatic voice isn't overshadowed at all by the size and scope of her backing musicians and singers. It's a perfect fit for her style and background.

The Classical Conspiracy is the best of both worlds for Epica fans. They get to hear the band try something new and different with the classical material, but also hear Epica's songs given a new perspective and sound because of the orchestra and choir.

(released May 19, 2009 on Nuclear Blast Records)