Epica unveil new single "Avatar - The Final Incarnation"
Symphonic metal titans Epica proudly release their explosive new single Avatar – The Final Incarnation, a track that deals with the final incarnation (Avatar) to rid the world of unrighteousness and restore truth and purity. The single is accompanied by a stunning visualizer featuring artwork taken directly from the band’s forthcoming Epica Oracle Card Set, launching worldwide on January 7th.
You can stream the song Avatar – The Final Incarnation (created by Dave Letelier) on your preferred platform HERE, or watch the official lyric video on Youtube below:
Mark Jansen shares insight into the inspiration behind the track:
“In Hindu philosophy, Kalki represents the final avatar who restores balance at the end of the age. That idea of breaking free from cycles—through self-realization, detachment from desires, and inner transformation—resonates deeply with me. ‘Avatar’ channels that journey toward liberation, something both powerful and universal.”
Simone Simons adds:
“We absolutely can’t wait to kick off the European tour. Sharing the stage with our incredible fans night after night is the heartbeat of what we do, and this new song will definitely warm you up for the journey we’re about to take together.”
From January till March, EPICA will embark on 'The Arcane Dimensions' European Tour with Amaranthe and Charlotte Wessels’ The Obsession, that brings three of the genre’s most dynamic forces together for an unforgettable live experience. See the full list of dates below and grab your tickets now!
But more is more: On January 7th, the band will release the 'Aspiral Oracle', a beautifully crafted deluxe boxset containing a 12 card oracle deck (one card per song title and one extra artist card called ‘The Map’), a handbook with an in-depth rulesheet and a stunning incense holder, all designed and sculpted by Hedi Xandt who previously created the artwork for Aspiral. This boxset is a true must have that will give you deeper insights into the meaning of all the Aspiral songs, but can also serve as a tool that can give you guidance in your personal journey.
Epica + Amaranthe – Arcane Dimensions Tour
With special guest Charlotte Wessels’ The Obsession
16.01.26 | Palladium | Cologne, DE
17.01.26 | Zenith | Munich, DE
18.01.26 | Forest National | Brussels, BE
20.01.26 | Bristol Beacon | Bristol, UK
21.01.26 | Barrowlands | Glasgow, UK
23.01.26 | O2 Apollo | Manchester, UK
24.01.26 | Eventim Apollo | London, UK
25.01.26 | Le Zenith | Paris, FR
27.01.26 | Halle 622 | Zurich, CH
28.01.26 | Alcatraz | Milan, IT
30.01.26 | Razzmatazz 1 | Barcelona, ES
31.01.26 | Sala La Riviera | Madrid, ES
01.02.26 | Coliseu dos Recreios | Lisbon, PT
03.02.26 | Bikini Toulouse | Toulouse, FR
04.02.26 | Radiant-Bellevue | Lyon, FR
06.02.26 | MHP Arena | Ludwigsburg, DE
07.02.26 | Ziggo Dome | Amsterdam, NL
06.03.26 | Inselpark Arena | Hamburg, DE
07.03.26 | Haus Auensee | Leipzig, DE
08.03.26 | Columbiahalle | Berlin, DE
10.03.26 | Poolen | Copenhagen, DK
11.03.26 | Fallan | Stockholm, SE
13.03.26 | Tapahtumakeskus Tullisali | Oulu, FI
14.03.26 | Black Box | Helsinki, FI
15.03.26 | Helitehas | Tallinn, EE
17.03.26 | Arena Torwar | Warsaw, PL
18.03.26 | Gasometer | Vienna, AT
20.03.26 | Barba Negra | Budapest, HU
21.03.26 | Forum Karlin | Prague, CZ
22.03.26 | Jahrhunderthalle | Frankfurt, DE
Tickets and VIP upgrades are available now HERE
The journey of growth follows a spiral, continuously widening and deepening with every cycle.
By sticking to this spiritual principle, symphonic metal innovators EPICA have reinvented themselves on their ninth effort “Aspiral”, releasing a studio album that shows a band brimming with a newfound joy in their own skin – standing united as a team, where every band member brought inspiration, ideas and years of songwriting experience to the table.
”Aspiral” bears testimony to this unity, but the band’s steep ascent within the past years was far from coincidental and required lots of hard work and combination of things happening after the release of their latest album “Omega” in the midst of a raging pandemic. After walking several steps off their usual path with their EP “The Alchemy Project” which saw them collaborating with artists such as Myrkur, Fleshgod Apocalypse or Uriah Heep, the band played a massive world tour and got invited by a certain band called Metallica for several dates, and played 4 sold out “Symphonic Synergy” shows with a massive orchestra and choir.
After diving deep into hypothetical theories, metaphysical mysticism and themes that were touching the fabric of our existence in the infinity of the universe, Epica ’s 9th studio effort “Aspiral” centres on the work of sculptor Stanisław Szukalski. During the first Covid lockdown, bassist Rob van der Loo saw the documentary ‘Struggle – The Life And Lost Art Of Stanislav Szukalski’ and felt so inspired by his work that he wanted to write soundtracks for some of his sculptures, simply because each and every detail in his works are artworks on their own and their stories go very deep. And this is where the path started. “Aspiral” was born as an instrumental soundtrack to this world, an initially separate project that over time metamorphosed into the new Epica record.
The title comes from a bronze statue Szukalski did in 1965. If you take a close look, you can see snails rebuilding elements out of the mud in cycles and this eventually leads to civilization and a woman reaching out to the sun. It stands for renewal and inspiration – keywords that define Epica now.
For more than 20 years now, Epica have been standing tall. And while already their last efforts clearly showcased their commitment to the game, it is “Aspiral” that truly distils the very heart of their trademark sound.
