It took me a few spins to get into it, (I was very disappointed at first) but now I am really enjoying it.
I feel if they had left out "The Skeleton Key" and "Freedom" then the record would be stronger and tighter all round, but it's a great release all the same.

Simone Simons have the best voice in this genre. I loved the more acoustic ones and didn't care much for the songs having a more metal feel to it.

Too corny, except "The Skeleton Key" - it's awesome!!!

Trying my best to like symphonic metal again, but no, its not happening. Once used to like night wish but now even this album is not making me sit through it till end.

The fact that this is below The Holographic Principle is a fucking joke. This album is a positive 'surprise' in the career of Epica. It has a nice new style, carried over from Attack on Titan EP. Simone's vocals are better than ever. For me, it's fresh and enjoyable, and it makes me happy that the band found another style, which I happen to really like. I'm glad that the score is getting is adjusted.

This might be their best work yet and it's definitely my favourite.

Nothing is bad here, a lot of good songs, some a bit weak but ok. I don't seem able to give Epica more than an 8, but then to get a 9 or 10 I think symphonic metal has to be done perfectly. Best song are Abyss of Time, Gaia, Freedom the Wolves Within, Kingom of Heaven pt 3, Twilight Reverie.

When it first came out, i was not impressed. but i returned to this in 2023 and giving it its due, a 9/10.