Requiem for the Indifferent

Requiem for the Indifferent is Epica's fifth album, on which they dramatically depicted social themes through grand orchestra and heavy riffs. Taking as its subject the problems facing modern society — clashes between religions and cultures, war, natural disasters, financial crisis — it builds a darker, more many-sided sound than before. "Internal Warfare" is dedicated to the victims of the 2011 Norway attacks, and "Deep Water Horizon" draws on the oil-spill disaster. It is also the last album to feature bassist Yves Huts, and the first to enter the UK and US charts. The single "Storm the Sorrow" is a signature song with drive and a big chorus. From the solemn opener "Karma" to the dark "Guilty Demeanor" and the nearly ten-minute closer "Serenade of Self-Destruction," songs of wide range line up. Simone Simons's singing and Mark Jansen's growls cross fiercely. Under Sascha Paeth's production, it is an ambitious work carving the band's maturation. Seamlessly connecting varied elements, it is one of Epica's most dynamic records.