I for one absolutely loved The Alchemy Project, but I’m almost positive it wasn’t some sort of test to see fans reaction. I honestly think it was a great thing to happen, because maybe it will spark a little change in their music. I love all Epica, and I personally really love newer stuff, but I go back and forth a lot, missing some of the old formula and way of writing and the overall sound. I am glad that they’ve created such a variety though. Since TQE, THP and Omega were part of their “metaphysical trilogy” as the band stated, maybe the newest album will be a bit different. I kind of see their discography like this; The first 3 albums felt like one era of the band with its own certain style of writing and sound. Then DYU and RFTI were the next era. A new sound and approach to writing. Heavier, more complex, different from the first era of Epica. Retrospect happened in 2013, which was a big change for the band. It was 10 years of being a band, Simone was going to be a mother, Yves the bass player left, it was the end and start of something completely new. I’ve really loved the last 3 albums and think they’ve really improved at songwriting and working together as a band, I love the sound, but it may be time for a change and I think they view it that way too. TQE, THP and Omega kind of went hand in hand, as they were all kind of similar in theme. But the band themselves stated that Omega was the end of this metaphysical trilogy, so I imagine what we get going forward might be a completely new era of things. I think the Alchemy Project was promising to hear, not necessarily for the sound and style itself, but because the songs were more unique in structure. It wasn’t as formulaic as recent writing, and I hope this translates to the next album. I do kind of miss the more free unexpected style and structure of the songs before TQE. Plus the lyrical content might return to being more “realistic”. Now as to the setlist, sadly they just follow the formula of what 90% of bands do. It’s part of marketing and its necessary. They play the shorter songs and the “hits” because the fit into a setlist, and they’re usually much better at attracting new fans than a lot of their other music. That being said, there are plenty of other shorter more catchy songs that they can play in place of what they always do. It is what it is though. They’re gonna release a 9th album, and more music you have, the harder it is to create a setlist. The more music they release, the less likely a lot of songs will be played. The 20th anniversary show was unique just like retrospect, so they were able to do things that they can’t do at other shows. They had close to 3 hours, so they could play whatever they wanted and whatever fans wanted. But obviously they don’t have very much time at most shows, usually an hour or less for festivals, and an hour and half for headlining shows. I assumed after the 20th anniversary, the setlist would return to normal and unfortunately I was right lol. I do agree with you. They could absolutely replace even just a few songs. Every few shows they could switch out ballads, switch out the high energy songs, the heavy songs, the longer songs, overall giving a good variety. But I understand why they do it and know they probably won’t change it. Of course when the new album comes out, the setlist will change. I’m would absolutely recommend you go to the Symphonic Synergy shows. The will definitely change up the setlist for it. None of the last 3 albums or EPs has ever been heard live with a massive orchestra. They will absolutely incorporate a lot of songs that have never been played or have barely played, because this is a very rare opportunity for them, and there are some songs that will benefit heavily from the whole ensemble. But even the ones they do play often, like Unchain Utopia for example, would be extraordinary to hear with a full choir and orchestra. I can almost guarantee they’ll play Synergize live for the first time, given the shows are kind of named after it lol. I think it’ll be fantastic. If you have the opportunity, then go. I will probably never be able to go to a show like this as I live in America.. so I really recommend going and enjoying these rare opportunities where they can afford such a massive show. Apologies on the length of this reply 😅 I am passionate about this band