The Holographic Principle

The Holographic Principle is the seventh album, on which EPICA took on the grand themes of reality and illusion, the universe and consciousness. It was made with the full lineup of Simone Simons (vocals), Mark Jansen (guitar/growls), Isaac Delahaye (guitar), Coen Janssen (keyboards), Rob van der Loo (bass) and Ariën van Weesenbeek (drums). Using choir and orchestra fully, it pushed the symphonic-metal style to its limit. The solemn opening of "Eidola," the ferocious drive of "Universal Death Squad" and the great cathedral of the over-nine-minute title track "The Holographic Principle - A Profound Understanding of Reality" show the band's attainment. The dramatic development of "Beyond the Matrix" is memorable too. Balancing precise construction and overwhelming scale, it is a powerful work representing EPICA in their mature period.