EPICA's ARIËN VAN WEESENBEEK: 'Universal Death Squad' Drum Play-Through Video

A drum play-through video by Ariën Van Weesenbeek of Dutch symphonic metallers EPICA for the band's new song "Universal Death Squad" can be seen below. The track is taken from the band's seventh studio album, "The Holographic Principle", which will be released on September 30 via Nuclear Blast. The CD was produced by Joost van der Broek at Sandlane Recording Facilities and was mixed by Jacob Hansen (VOLBEAT, DESTRUCTION). The cover artwork was created by Stefan Heilemann.

"The first song we unleash upon you is 'Universal Death Squad'," states EPICA guitarist and vocalist Mark Jansen. "This track is representative for 'The Holographic Principle', as it's a heavy and melodic album. The lyrics are dealing about advanced robotic legions with a self-determination to kill.

"We have chosen for a different kind of lyric-video concept in which EPICA plays the track in a rehearsal room.

"The song is very much fun to play and I expect this one will do very well on stage. Hope you'll enjoy it as much as we did creating it!"

"The Holographic Principle"can be pre-ordered in several different formats — including many special bonus features for fans:

* CD
* 2-CD-Digi (including five-track acoustic bonus CD)
* 2-LP (different colours)
* Earbook (48p, including acoustic and instrumental bonus CDs)
* Box (including earbook, 2LP pic, poster flag, holographic projector, Nuclear Blast mailorder only!)

"The Holographic Principle" track listing:

01. Eidola
02. Edge Of The Blade
03. A Phantasmic Parade
04. Universal Death Squad
05. Divide And Conquer
06. Beyond The Matrix
07. Once Upon A Nightmare
08. The Cosmic Algorithm
09. Ascension - Dream State Armageddon
10. Dancing In A Hurricane
11. Tear Down Your Walls
12. The Holographic Principle - A Profound Understanding Of Reality

Acoustic Bonus CD

01. Beyond The Good, The Bad And The Ugly
02. Dancing In A Gypsy Camp
03. Immortal Melancholy (Acoustic Version)
04. The Funky Algorithm
05. Universal Love Squad

Instrumental CD

01. Eidola
02. Edge Of The Blade
03. A Phantasmic Parade
04. Universal Death Squad
05. Divide And Conquer
06. Beyond The Matrix
07. Once Upon A Nightmare
08. The Cosmic Algorithm
09. Ascension – Dream State Armageddon
10. Dancing In A Hurricane
11. Tear Down Your Walls
12. The Holographic Principle - A Profound Understanding Of Reality

EPICA previously stated about the lyrical inspiration for "The Holographic Principle": "'The Holographic Principle' deals with the near future wherein virtual reality has taken off and allows people to create their own virtual worlds which can't be distinguished from 'reality as we know it.' This raises the question whether our current reality is a kind of virtual reality on itself, a hologram. This implies the existence of a higher reality which we currently do not have access to. The lyrics challenge you to think out of the box, to reconsider everything you thought to know for sure and to be open-minded towards recent revolutions in science. Fasten your seat belts and get ready for a ride as nothing appears to be what it seems in our holographic universe."