If you love musical, and if you also love mythology, chances are you heard of this musical. In December 25th, a new musical phenomenon hit the internet: Epic, The Musical. Created by Jorge Rivera-Herrans, the musical gathered millions of fans accross all platforms in a matter of days.

Divided into 9 sagas (Troy, Cyclops, Ocean, Circe, Underworld, Thunder, Wisdom, Vengeance and Ithaca), each chapter takes us on Odysseus’ 20-year journey home. Along the way, he meets gods and goddess and, of course, monsters!

What is so great about EPIC: The musical is definitely its diversity. Whether it’s in voices or genre, EPIC covers a large palette that will suit all ears, whether it’s with an electric guitar (Odysseus’ instrument), a piano (Athena’s) or a powerful choir (Eurylochus’).

So while we’re wrapping up the first part of the story, here is our Top 5 songs from the first act. 

1- Warrior Of The Mind (The Troy Saga)

Definitely the highlight of the first EP, “Warrior Of The Mind” featuring Taegan Earley see Athena and Odysseus come face to face in an epic duo. Filled with piano (Athena’s instrument), it has a nice build-up throughout the song, just as we witness Athena and Odysseus’ relationship.

Written as a flashback, the track also features a ticking sound, like time is running out of time for our hero – and a way to indicate that Athena is using quick-thought to communicate with Odysseus. More than a duo, it’s a battle between Athena and Odysseus and it’s actually satisfying to witness them come together and hear their voices on the final chorus. It’s one of those songs that would also be very effective on a stage with a big ensemble and clever lightning design as we’re in and out of the battle.

So it’s no secret this track quickly gained traction on social media even before the whole EP was published. Prior to the album release, the musical gathered 60 million views across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube!

2- Remember Them (The Cyclop Saga)

The Rock vibe definitely won us over on this one. On “Remember Them”, the mood shifts as an electric guitar (Odysseus instrument!), fills the melody, backed with the drums. Add to that the deep voices of the cyclops and you’ll get the perfect rock’n’roll revenge song.

A song that we always seem to come back to. There is tension, there are a lot of lives at stake, there is progression and there is an epic battle to close the track. Hats off to the ensemble for also carrying this track with brio. It’s also one of those songs where you can just visualize what’s happening if you simply close your eyes and enjoy it. Jay’s storytelling is one of the strongest point on the Cyclop EP and this song showcases in the most effective way!

3- Just A Man (The Troy Saga)

As a complete shift from the action packed opening song “The Horse and The Infant”, “Just A Man” have us deal with Odysseus’ internal conflict on a much serious and grave tone. On this track, he is left wondering if he is less of a man and more a monster.

The chords progression turns the melody into a melancholic one, enhanced by the acoustic guitar. The emotion is palpable throughout the track and the last bridge – or verse, is a culmination of that feeling and the doubt that inhabits Odysseus’ is also ours in that moment. Especially with the iteration of the line “when does a man become a monster?”

If you’re looking for a heroic and emotionnal yet empowering solo, this one is for you!

4- Monster (The Underworld Saga)

Things got way darker in the Underworld Saga and with “Monster”, things take a turn for the worst. On this song, the very last one of the first act, Odysseus reflects on his journey and realize what he must become to make it home alive: a monster. A duality in both the emotion that is shown in Jay’s voice and the melody that is tensed and powerful.

More than anything, the use of motifs and repetition of the same instruments or lines is very clever. in “Monster”, the first few seconds of the song has the same opening score as The Horse And The Infant and the electric guitar riff is also similar to the one in Remember Them. Two songs that are indirectly talked about in this song. A perfect act 1 closing song that promise us great thing for the next chapter!

5- Wouldn’t You Like (The Circe Saga)

This track is definitely one of the highlight of the last EP, released on february 14th and it’s all thanks to TROY who shines as the all powerful god, Hermes! An upbeat poppy song that is set to get stuck in your brain for the rest of the day with its playful rhythm and the clever use of rhymes.

There is just something about this song that scratches the right part of our brain, especially on the chorus and the way it flows. At times, it reminds us of RnB sounds and others, of big modern Broadway musical with a omnipresent ensemble that, again, enhanced the tension. We definitely need to hear more of Hermes at some point!

Honorable mentions : “My Goodbye” because it’s the last time Athena and Odysseus are coming face to face in an epic duo ful of resentment, “Ruthlessness” for Poseidon’s powerful voice and unforgettable solo, “The Horse and The Infant” because it serves as the introduction to the whole story and the storytelling is once again top notch!

Tell us below what your ranking and Top 5 would be!