The Alchemy Project Explained

The Alchemy Project
Type:EP
Artist:Epica
Cover:The Alchemy Project.jpg
Released:November 11, 2022
Recorded:April 2022
Studio:Sandlane Recording Facilities, Rijen, Netherlands
Genre:Symphonic metal
Length:35:54
Label:
Producer:
  • Joost van den Broek
  • Epica
Prev Title:Ωmega
Prev Year:2021

The Alchemy Project is the third EP by Dutch symphonic metal band Epica. It features seven songs, all co-written and performed with guest artists.[1] The lyrical content mainly deals with apocalyptic themes (with the exception of "Sirens - Of Blood And Water").

Background, composition and release

The EP was announced on September 16, 2022 with the release of its first single, "The Final Lullaby" (featuring the band Shining). Rob van der Loo stated that the song was intended to be a "mash-up" between the two bands' sounds, for which he "would come up with some riffs that would be typical Shining and they would do the complete opposite". The band also teased that the EP would include the "heaviest death metal track we’ve ever recorded": "Human Devastation".[2]

On the release date of the EP on November 11, 2022,[3] the band also uploaded a music video for the song "Sirens - Of Blood And Water", which features both Charlotte Wessels (Delain) and Amalie Bruun (Myrkur).[4] The song stems from Simons and Wessels' shared fascination of The Little Mermaid, and is told from the perspective of the protagonist's sisters.[5]

The album cover was designed by German visual artist Stefan "Heilemania" Heilemann.[6]

Personnel

Credits for The Alchemy Project adapted from liner notes.[7] Epica

Guest musicians

Choir – Kamerkoor PA'dam

Strings

Production

Notes and References

  1. Web site: EPICA Announces 'The Alchemy Project' . BLABBERMOUTH.NET . 24 June 2024 . en . 16 September 2022.
  2. Web site: Pre-order New Mini-album, ‘The Alchemy Project’ + New Single, “The Final Lullaby” (feat. Shining) Out Now! EPICA Official Website . Epica.nl . 24 June 2024 . tapann . en.
  3. Web site: Spotify . open.spotify.com . 26 June 2024.
  4. Web site: EPICA - "Sirens - Of Blood And Water" feat. Charlotte Wessels & Myrkur (Official Music Video) . YouTube.com . 26 June 2024 . 11 November 2022.
  5. Web site: Hear the Sirens’ Call as ‘The Alchemy Project’ is Out Today! EPICA Official Website . Epica.nl . 24 June 2024 . en.
  6. Web site: EPICA – new EP & music video for ‘The Final Lullaby (feat. Shining)’! Atomic Fire Records . Label.AtomicFire-Records.com . 26 June 2024 . afireann.
  7. (2022). "The Alchemy Project liner notes". In The Alchemy Project [Vinyl lyric sheets]. Atomic Fire.