Band:	Epica
Album:	The Holographic Principle
Style:	Symphonic metal
Release date:	September 30, 2016
Guest review by:	TheJester

01. Eidola
02. Edge Of The Blade
03. A Phantasmic Parade
04. Universal Death Squad
05. Divide And Conquer
06. Beyond The Matrix
07. Once Upon A Nightmare
08. The Cosmic Algorithm
09. Ascension - Dream State Armageddon
10. Dancing In A Hurricane
11. Tear Down Your Walls
12. The Holographic Principle - A Profound Understanding Of Reality

The Acoustic Principle - acoustic bonus tracks (Digibook / Earbook / Digital):
13. Beyond The Good, The Bad And The Ugly
14. Dancing In A Gypsy Camp
15. Immortal Melancholy [acoustic version]
16. The Funky Algorithm
17. Universal Love Squad

The latest Epica album carried on the feeling of the previous three albums. Somehow it was not as powerful as Design Your Universe or The Quantum Enigma, but still it was far superior to Requiem For The Indifferent

The album had a very powerful start with the first riffs of "Edge Of The Blade". Heavy guitar riffs, catchy vocal harmonies supported by Mark's growls, dominating keyboard melodies... simply the Epica we all know and love. Drums were dropping or ripping from song to song, great job as always. Bass strong, but still somehow swallowed by guitar riffs. Simone gave us her signature and unique vocal harmonies like ones in "Universal Death Squad", "Beyond The Matrix" and "Once Upon A Nightmare". Assuming the previous statements album had such a strong start! To be exact, first half of the album was absolutely great, but it went downward after "Once Upon A Nightmare".

"The Cosmic Algorithm" in my opinion is the weakest point on the album. Simone's vocals were boring, growls nothing special as well. Rhythm section was good, but that was not enough to catch my attention or to make me play this song ever again. The next few songs were better; in particular "Dancing In A Hurricane" was interesting, with unusual vocal harmonies and a tribal vibe throughout the whole song. However, the title song in the end saved the day for this album that went a little bit downwards. Everything was just so well written that made me feel that song lasted no more than 4 minutes even though it's 11+ minutes.

Highlights: "Edge Of The Blade", "A Phantasmic Parade", "Universal Death Squad", "Divide And Conquer", "Beyond The Matrix", "Once Upon A Nightmare", "The Holographic Principle"

Conclusion: All in all, a very good album, it had it's flaws but is still worthy of being a successor of masterpieces such as The Quantum Enigma.

So my journey through Epica's discography has ended, but I still owe you The Phantom Agony and Consign to Oblivion reviews.