Releasedate:   06-02-2026

Dutch symphonic metal band Epinikion emerged in 2020 as an ambitious project that quickly evolved into a fullbband, releasing their debut “Inquisition” in 2022. With “The Force of Nature”, they deliver their second full length release, aiming for a more expansive and polished sound. Rooted firmly in symphonic metal, the album blends orchestral arrangements, heavy guitar work, and prominent female vocals into a cinematic and emotional listening experience

The album opens with “The Moon, The Sun and the Stars,” an orchestral intro that feels almost like a film score. It sets a grand tone, but on its own doesn’t offer much beyond atmosphere. This transitions into the title track “The Force of Nature,” where the band properly kicks in. Here, the combination of heavy riffs, double-kick drums, and Kimberley Jongen’s clear, powerful voice works well, though the structure feels quite familiar within the genre.

“Lessons in Life (Are for Free)” keeps the momentum going with driving rhythms and a melodic approach. It’s effective but not particularly memorable. The following “Come Into My World” stands out more, leaning slightly toward power metal with a catchy groove and a more dynamic arrangement.

After that the mid-album tracks like “Your Ultimate Joy” and “I Thought You Were on My Side” you notice they focus more on emotional storytelling. The layered orchestration and vocal harmonies are strong here, but the pacing begins to drag slightly, and some songs blur together due to similar structures and tempos. Ultimately,“Monsters in My Head” forms one of the album’s highlights. Its longer runtime allows for more variation, shifting between heavy sections and more atmospheric passages. But “Run with the Wolves” also stands out, combining energy with a strong melodic hook that feels tailor-made for live performances.

At last, the closing tracks called “What Goes Up Must Come Down” and “Eyes Will Glow” wraps things up competently, though without a truly unforgettable finale. The production throughout the album is undeniably strong, thanks to experienced mixing and mastering, giving everything a polished, professional sheen.

Overall, The Force of Nature is a solid and often enjoyable symphonic metal album, especially for fans of bands like Epica or Within Temptation. However, while the musicianship and production are impressive, the album struggles with originality. Still, it shows clear growth from the band and proves they have the potential to carve out a stronger identity in future releases.

Line up:

• Kimberley Jongen – Vocals
• Maarten Jungschläger – Lead Guitar
• Robert Tangerman – Rhythm Guitar
• Renate de Boer – Keyboards
• Rutger Klijn – Bass
• Michal Gis – Drums

Links:

Official