April 26th, 2014 - Requiem For Delirium

One more for you tonight kiddies... the Meista here with another pairing for you my friends.  This evening I'm going in a very bold, complex, and bombastic direction, both with ale and with music choice... a Delirium Tremens from Brouwerij Huyghe and Epica's "Requiem For The Indifferent"!

"Requiem For The Indifferent" is the 5th studio album by Dutch symphonic metal band Epica.  It was released on March 9th, 2012, in Europe and on March 13th, 2012 in the U.S.  Of the album's title, title track, and general theme, the band released the following: "This title refers to the end of an era. Mankind can no longer stick their head in the sand for the things that are happening around us. We are facing many challenges. There is an enormous tension between different religions and cultures, wars, natural disasters and a huge financial crisis, which is getting out of control. More than ever we will need each other to overcome these problems. As we are all connected; the universe, earth, nature, animals and human beings, this period in time will be the prelude to the end for those who still don't want to, or simply won't see it. A Requiem for the Indifferent but also a possibility for a new beginning with great new chances!"  As with all of Epica's albums, the highlight of their work is the unearthly and elegantly beautiful voice of Simone Simons juxtaposed against the aggressive death/black metal growls of guitarist/vocalist Mark Jansen and drummer/vocalist Ariën van Weesenbeek along with the bombastic symphonic/progressive metal of the band. The highly talented vocalist Amanda Somerville also provides guest alto vocals.  Songs like "Monopoly On Truth", "Storm The Sorrow", "Internal Warfare", "Requiem For The Indifferent", and "Deter The Tyrant" make for a brilliantly intriguing, cerebral, and enchanting evening of listening enjoyment!  And speaking of brilliantly intriguing...
Apart from the obvious (the 4th track on Epica's "Requiem For The Indifferent", the song "Delirium"), Delirium Tremens from Brouwerij Huyghe makes for a great bedfellow with Epica's most recent album as it is a wonderfully complex, yet light ale.  The Delirium Tremens pours a hazy and bubbly golden-amber with a huge, rocky, and sustained head that leaves chunky lacing throughout.  The nose is full of sweet fruit ester with a slight metallic note.  There are aromas of soft banana, pineapple juice, lemon, and pear, along with Belgian yeast and honey.  Very crisp, very frothy, the mouthfeel is both creamy and bubbly.  The flavor is insanely complex... sweet, tart, and delicious.  There are notes of white grape and champagne up front, pear, banana, and pink bubble gum in the middle, and peppery spice in the back.  Coming in at 8.5% ABV, this is definitely a Belgian Strong Pale Ale, but the booziness is well-masked by the fruit ester sweet and tartness of the beer.  The finish is fairly clean, but with some lovely spiciness that lingers.  A favorite Belgian of mine, I think it works wonderfully well with the brilliance that is Epica!

Proost... gezondheid!!