Dutch symphonic metal band Epica began the musical rollout for its upcoming EP, The Solace System (due Sept. 1 on Nuclear Blast), with an anime video for the title track, which Billboard is exclusively premiering today (Aug. 29). The clip, created by animator Davide Cilloni, depicts a woman who finds a purple pendant that unlocks a portal to another world that’s inhabited by evil beings.
Epica keyboardist Coen Janssen explains that the concept behind the video is related to the existence of multiple dimensions. “There is one dimension that wants to take over all others by tricking them into opening a gateway through which the ‘Universal Death Squad’ can enter,” he says. “In the upcoming videos, we learn if they will succeed.”
Janssen further enthuses, “The main thing I tried to do with the story is connect certain aspects of the album, artwork, live show and even previous albums. I love thinking in big concepts, and because it is an animated video, you can basically do whatever you like. [It’s] an easy way to connect the dots. I think the fans will get the connections and even find some Easter eggs that are hidden in the video.”