Musical Style: Symphonic Metal	Produced By:
Record Label: Independent	Country Of Origin: Netherlands
Year Released: 2026	Artist Website: Jeroenymus
Tracks: 7	Rating: 80%
Running Time: 33:59

Hard music enthusiasts interested in a neo-classical and symphonic metal project in which the artists philosophical visions are brought together by world-class collaborators, will find plenty to like about Tribulation.  The independently released February of 2026 full length debut from Netherlands based multi-instrumentalist Jeroenymus, Tribulation represents ‘a journey from alienation to awakening’ and ‘a call to reclaim the soul from the noise of the modern world to the lost road found’ (quoting the artists press material).  Specifically, the album ‘is an independent production dedicated to the Eternal Creator and the gift of Free Will’ via the use of ‘orchestral bombast, aggressive riffs, and introspective piano’ (again, artists press material).

Jeroenymus, whose musical influences include King Diamond, Nightwish, Hall & Oates and Vivaldi, considers music a sovereign act and consequently sidesteps predictable AI algorithms with the goal of striving for something authentic.  That quest for authenticity led to the creation of Tribulation and the ‘bombastic classical traditions, heavy metal tension and philosophical exploration’ that define it.  Ultimately, the album embodies ‘a bridge between the material life (that) we know and the immaterial journey that follows’.  Hence, how it lyrically ‘indicts, warns, and heals- a musical odyssey from alienation to awakening relevant to listeners who appreciate dark, intellectually charged, and emotionally resonant music’.

Two minute opening instrumental “The Dark Illuminated” sets the momentous stage with up-tempo residuals realized in lively piano and brisk rhythm guitar with heavier moments touching upon a thrash aspect.

First vocal piece “Metaverse Of Madness” introduces first of said world-class collaborators in front man Marko Duplišak (Inmate), whom proves no small talent with a grounded but soaring mid-ranged vocal style that brings to mind Lance King singing in a lower register.  It represents five quintessential minutes of symphonic metal, rooted in the mid-tempo as pulsating guitar riffs power in and out of the mix over classical keyboards but emanating of the firsthand, referencing the larger than life European melody to command.  Sweden’s Narnia comes to mind.  Lyric snippet:

Your self-determination
Of body and soul
Has been revoked, definitely
To empower AI control

Value your own existence
Persists, your autonomy
Beware advancement by
Technology, total submission

Ensuing is one of albums signature tracks, a seven-minute instrumental rendering to “Danse Macabre”, a haunting symphonic poem written in 1874 by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns.  Also called “Dance Of Death”, song draws upon the cycle of death and rebirth- the old system must perish before the new can be born.  Musically, it takes a neo-classical heading as orchestration, driving metal guitars and imperial keyboards coalesce to articulate of the bombastic if not pompous.  What we have is a near perfect (and outright brilliant) orchestrating of the metal and classical imparting equal aspect to either side of the fence.

“Tower Of Belial” gravitates to melodic metal but within framework of the signature Jeroenymus symphonic propensities.  Sleek rhythm guitar and pristine piano play accenting roles, mirroring the ballad like as lustrous harmonies and varnished melody reach for the commercial.  A piano solo beautifully upholds the final moving minute.  Lyric snippet:

Distract from the truth
They sell bad as if it’s good
Reverse the lie
And ask yourself why

Listen, do you hear
The dark vibe so clear?
Attempt to seduce
Only for your soul to lose

“Campaign Of Har-megedon” returns to a straight on metal veering.  Guitars playing a forthcoming role - at times melodic and reflective and others sternly driven - combine with fluid keyboards hinting of the classical.  Gist is a darkly woven symphonic bearing approaching the Gothic.  Lyric snippet:

His eyes blaze like fire
He is wrapped in a cloak
That is baptized in blood
His name, the Word of God

War… you will hear of war
And rumors of war
Hear the trumpets roar
What insanity is looking for
Destruction of folklore

Seven Minute “An All-Pervading Light” delivers a Shadow Gallery like melodic progressiveness.  It derives of classical nuances akin to “Danse Macabre”, referencing the majestic keyboard instrumental opening, while introducing the second talented collaborator in mezzo-soprano Andrijana Janevska, whom builds upon the symphonic underpinnings.  Yet, a metal indicator applies equally as burly guitars align with continued keyboards but in an untroubled if not tranquil sense to highlight a semi-ballad flair.  The song, however, makes infrequent outbursts to unaffected territory in which Duplišak appears, turning the song into a duet of sorts.  I can see LEAH doing something along these lines.  Lyric snippet:

The origin
And the end
I know thy repent
And your dissent
All darkness
Will wither
Eternal light
Pervading bright

Janevska makes her second and final appearance on melodic rock closer “The Lost Road Found”.  Regardless of the accolades I assign “Danse Macabre” and “An All-Pervading Light”, “The Lost Road Found” is my albums choice cut with its basic but not simplistic hymn like demeanor: worshipful and exalted but prayerful all the same to extend 2nd Chapter Of Acts comes to mind.  Piano and orchestration hearten the distinguished setting, while an emotional guitar solo provides an elegant aspect.  Lyric snippet:

Not knowing how
Or where it will be
The palace of grace
The spirit’s birthplace

Always it was there
All along through your life
The lost road will be found
The spirit and soul are bound

If a fan of metal within a symphonic and neo-classical format, I see Jeroenymus debut Tribulation of interest.  Yes, a bit outside the box and unpredictable at times - in positive sense - but also creative and inspiring with a well thought out and diverse track listing.  I appreciate the musical variety.  Artist does a fine job handling instrumentation, while guest vocalists Duplišak and Janevska shine equally.   Production particularly from a keyboard standpoint is well-executed.  That said, quality is such I wish the album included a couple additional songs to fill the track listing out to 9 or even 10 compositions.  Regardless, a follow up releases is highly anticipated.

Review by Andrew Rockwell

Track Listing: “The Dark Illuminated” (2:01), “Metaverse Of Madness” (5:01), “Danse Macabre” (7:15), “Tower Of Belial” (4:22), “Campaign Of Har-megedon” (3:59), “An All-Pervading Light” (7:07), “The Lost Road Found” (4:23)

Musicians
Jeroenymus - Guitars, Bass, Keyboards & Programming
Marko Duplišak - Lead Vocals
Andrijana Janevska - Lead Vocals