Napoleon has been making their mark in the heavy progressive music scene since 2012. In 2016 they released an anticipated debut Newborn Mind that release led to headlining tours with Counterparts and August Burns Red. The trio did not take any time off and are back with their sophomore album Epiphany (Basick Records). The album has a lot to offer—impressive techniques and profound delivery to a sound that is recognizable by the Napoleon name.  

‘Godspeed’ opens the album sharply with hectic vocals and a percussion line sets up the tone nicely. The rhythm, in the beginning, will intrigue a listener with its fun tempo. ‘Above and Below’ comes in second, keeping that same uplifting tempo, it’s fast with its pounding drums and winding riffs and the instrumentation is heavy yet with minimal distortion.

Wesley Thompson delivers his vocals alternating between harsh and as melodic as they are needed—flowing through the tempos of the drums and the guitars. He emphasizes the lyrics to match the accurate mood but it’s the range in ‘Ignite’ that you can really here the diversity of his voice. Thompson is a true Melodic Hardcore vocalist.

The guitar in the title-track brought to you by Sam Osborns is melodically and technically progressive and keeps you engaged. ‘Fantasist’ comes in hard, moving fast around the notes with Osborn again shining on this track—leads come in staggering throughout the track creating an infectious melody. All three band members come strong in this album and they all play their part well. ‘Diamond in the Rough’ has a breakdown that really captures the musicianship among them.

The chorus in ‘Zeitgeist’ is catchy and will put you in the summer mood for a mosh pit; in ‘Living Ghost the percussion line is what makes the song vivacious and dynamic, and ‘Dream Sequence’ ends the album with the same tone found in the rest of the album but what sets the track apart is the final moments—a string section that leads the song to a beautiful finish.

Epiphany is a bold statement for the sophomore effort it is. There’s minimal distortion for band defined by a genre that thrives in distorted rhythms—the lack thereof is effective. Napoleon offers listeners their instinctive ability to create catchy riff and rhythmic sections and is the kind of record that you’re going to have to listen to multiple times to get its purpose—but Napoleon knows what they’re doing.

8.0/10

CYNTHIA JO