Man, you’ve just discovered one of the most amazing hidden gems of the world’s art, not less. Epica is not a regular band, as you will see if you continue to explore their work. What you saw here is quite their average, not outstanding in their standards. Enjoy the ride 🔥🔥🔥
Hello! Welcome to the amazing world of Epica, the best band in symphonic metal today! Seriously, you won't find anything better in this subgenre, but even outside of it, their music is just incredible and very diverse, from breathtaking ballads to more radio-friendly metal to pretty heavy headbangers and even long progressive epic masterpieces. I used to listen to lot and lot of music, and it turned out Epica is the best musical discovery of my life. Yes, this performance is super epic! The gorgeous female lead singer is Simone Simons, a classically trained soprano. Stunningly beautiful voice! "Unleashed" is one of their best known songs. It's from 2009, here performed in 2023. As you've probably noticed, this song has one of the most epic key changes I've ever heard. In fact, I can't think of any better than this one. If you would like to try something a bit heavier, try these, both written by Epica drummer Arien: EPICA - The Essence of Silence (Official Live) EPICA - A Phantasmic Parade (Official European Principle Tour Aftermovie)
In 1995 Mark Jansen and Sander Gommans founded After Forever. In 1997 they found out about a guitar-playing singer at an event and hired her as a background singer: Floor Jansen. When they released their first record in 2000, Death became a symphonic, Floor the main singer and Mark the growler. In 2002 Mark left the band due to artistic differences and founded a new one. After the singer and drummer left the band as a couple, they had to re-establish themselves as Epica. He makes his girlfriend Simone Simons the main singer, he stays with the growls. Both are the main songwriters. Simone's vocal role model is Tarja from Nightwish. The name comes from the album of the same name by Kamelot that has just been released. In the meantime, Simone and Mark have gone their separate ways privately, but still work together in the band. Simone is married to the German keyboardist from Kamelot and lives in Germany. Accordingly, she can speak German well. The comparison to Kamelot is as true as it is false. Kamelot is more of a Power / Heavy Metal band. The Symphonic is an evolution of power metal, hence the similarities. Simone was also a frequent guest singer with Kamelot. But Epica is more radical than Kamelot. There are European power metal bands that are better suited as role models.
Oh yes, you're right, Epica and Kamelot are very closely related. Firstly, Epica got its name thanks to the Kamelot album of the same name - “Epica”. Secondly, Epica vocalist Simone Simons has been married to Kamelot keyboardist for many years. And thirdly, of course, these two bands have joint songs 😁 the most famous of them is this one: Kamelot feat Simone Simons “Haunting”, there is a video clip for this song, as well as an official live in 2006 from a concert in Norway. And now about the Epica group. This is the second symphonic metal band in terms of importance and popularity after Nightwish. But they are different from Nightwish in many ways. Epica is much heavier in sound, they have a lot of death metal influences in their music, in addition to female vocals they have a second vocalist on extreme vocals and often this works as a “beauty and the beast” style, a contrast of growls and angelic voices. Epica has a powerful, epic and cinematic sound. The song "unleashed" is one of Epica's most popular songs, but it doesn't really show much of a difference from Nightwish. I would recommend other Epica songs where you can appreciate all the vocal contrast, like this one: Epica - Essence of silence (official live) Epica - Victims of contingency (omega alive) Epica - Consign to oblivion (live in zenith) - be careful, there will be a lot of growl 😁
@@Kelly-pp1et For me personally, Epica is number one in the symphonic metal genre, but I wrote for the majority of the genre's fans who put Nightwish at number one. I didn't even mention the very popular within temptation, because now they are actually not in that genre anymore. So Epica is second in popularity after Nightwish. This is a great result, because unlike pop Nightwish, Epica's music is for a much more sophisticated connoisseur of the genre and is more difficult to perceive and not everyone likes heaviness and extreme vocals🤷🏻♀️
I saw they just released a recent "Consign to Oblivion" from AFAS. I'm still in dubio as to which one I like better. The pair of them could be a study in evolution, maybe.
EPICA is a Symphonic Metal band from The Netherlands (Dutch) they have been around for 20 years, 8 incredible studio albums, lots of EPs and other projects, their music is very eclectic, no two songs sound alike, ranging from breathtakingly beautiful to extremely heavy and every style in between, one of the most original and unique bands I have ever heard, they are simply amazing 🙃
Good reaction. You just stumbled on one of the greatest bands around. Was live at the show. Amazing like always. Last year they celebrated their 20th anniversary with an amazing show which i also witnessed live. One of my favorite bands. And what is even greater a band from my own country, the Netherlands. “Consign to Oblivian” at Paris is a great one to react to next. Thanks for this reaction.
Another fun fact, after the formation of the band in 2002 they changed their name from 'Sahara Dust' to EPICA after Kamelot released their 2003 album called 'EPICA'
Brilliant reaction. And if you have the time go for pfffff so much material. Let's say 'Unleashed' live (orchestra and choir and all :) Cheers from tha Low Countries !!
I've seen this band live five times so far. Four times as headliners and the most recent time opening for Sabaton. You need to check out songs like "The Essence of Silence", "Consign to Oblivion", and "Universal Death Squad".
Great reaction! This performance is from their recent tour and is very good but the best version of this song IMO is the one from heir 10th anniversary concert, Retrospect. They have a full orchestra and choir on stage with them and having those elements live takes the performance to 11. If only for yourself you should check that one out. Consign to Oblivion live in Paris is a good next choice if you want to go heavy. They also have some beautiful ballads. Rivers either live from Chile (video work by jen the panda is stunning) or the acapella version from their Omega Alive pandemic livestream ae my favorites.
Simone did feature a song with Kamelot named The Haunting. She's also a close friend of Floor Jansen from Nightwish, and Mark Jansen, guitar and growls, is a former member of After Forever (1995-2002) the first band of Floor Jansen called After Forever. You should watch Consign To Oblivion at The Zenith (huge circle pit and epic wall of death) and The Essence of Silence at L'ancienne Belgique. Then : Sancta Terra (Retrospect live) with Floor Jansen, and Stabat Mater Dolorosa (same gig).
Rather more significantly - Simone is married to Oliver Palotai - the Kamelot keyboard player. Mark Jansen founded both After Forever and Sahara Dust which changed its name to that of a Kamelot album - Epica
The guitarist that formed this band, Mark Jansen, was in the band "After Forever" which was fronted by Floor Jansen who is now the lead singer of Nightwish. Mark left After Forever to start his own band. After some trial and error, Epica is the final product. I've seen them several times live. So awesome! You need to see them live to truly appreciate them. 😁
I highly recommend Consign to oblivion (live @ zenith Paris), even if you’re not into growls I’m sure you’d appreciate that one. Also, from the same gig “Beyond the matrix” Anything from Omega Alive is awesome, kindom of heaven (I like pt 1 and pt 3 most) The skeleton key, with a nice choir 😉 But yeah, basically anything. You can not go wrong. They rock.
People always compare nightwish with epica, bc they are symphonic metal, where nightwish is more close to opera, and epica is more close to metal. Both are amazing bands, but I think epica is underrated. A great recommendation is Consing The Oblivion live.
It definitely is. MaYaN is like a more brutal Epica. But only Epica has Goddess Simone and multiple band members with music degree who contribute to the band's top-notch songwriting.
They are. But even though I know one of the MaYaN members personally (from school and playing together in our own band) I prefer Epica. MaYaN is a bit too much for me, sorry Frank 🤗
Can't to see you react to their performance 'Sancta Terra'. Featuring Simone's good friend Floor Jensen. Yes Floor Jensen. The two of them together is something special. Also, the band with an orchestra and a choir, is even more special. You will enjoy it I'm sure.
Grgeat video!! I dont know if you have ever check "Beast in Black" if not please check song "Blind and frozen". i cant tell more cause it will ruin your suprice!! just waiting to see you face reaction on Vocals!! thanx (you ll thank me later)
Epica is 2nd only to Nightwish, but not by much. However, it can be said Epica is to thank for giving us Floor Jansen. Simone and Floor are 2 of the greatest female vocalists in the world, in my opinion.
Hello Cheezyxyz, welcome to Epica. Epica is an internationally renowned Dutch Symphonic Metal band found by Mark Jansen. In early 2002, Mark Jansen left the band 'After Forever' over creative differences. He then began looking for musicians who would work towards a more classical/symphonic type of music project; this band was initially named "Sahara Dust". In late 2002, the band courted Helena Iren Michaelsen (from Trail of Tears) as its front woman, but shortly after she was replaced by the then unknown Simone, who was Jansen's girlfriend at the time. Simone Johanna Maria Simons (born 17 January 1985) is a Dutch singer. Simone (pronounce the Dutch 'i' as you say: 'feel', not as: I or 'why') is best known for being the lead singer of Dutch symphonic metal band Epica, which she joined at the age of 17, releasing eight studio albums and touring the world. In her singing career, she has also collaborated with bands such as Kamelot, Leaves' Eyes, Primal Fear, Ayreon, and Angra. She also has a side pursuit as a lifestyle blogger, via her website: www.smoonstyle.com/ Simons was born in Hoensbroek, southern Netherlands. Simone cited her musical influences as Lacuna Coil, Nightwish, Tristania, Kamelot, Within Temptation, Dimmu Borgir, Tiamat, and some classical music such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Simons started playing flute for two years after joining music school at the age of 12. At 14yo, she had one year of pop singing lessons, and at 15, she switched to classical singing after listening to Nightwish's Oceanborn, which remains her favorite Nightwish album. At one point she was invited to join in a rehearsal for a black metal band; she joined it, although was a little afraid to sing. Simone sang in a choir for a few months, and later joined Epica at the age of 17. Floor Jansen, the current female front vocalist of the Finnish Symphonic Metal band Nightwish. Simone, Mark, and Floor are lifelong friends and Floor was invited to do 2 duets together with Simone at Epica's 23rd of March 2013 to celebrate their 10th anniversary with a special performance entitled_“Retrospect”. Although Mark and Floor have the same last name, both born in the Netherlands, and she was in After Forever too, they are not related. Jansen, Janssen, Janssens are very common Dutch surnames.
Man, you’ve just discovered one of the most amazing hidden gems of the world’s art, not less. Epica is not a regular band, as you will see if you continue to explore their work. What you saw here is quite their average, not outstanding in their standards.
Enjoy the ride 🔥🔥🔥
Hello!
Welcome to the amazing world of Epica, the best band in symphonic metal today! Seriously, you won't find anything better in this subgenre, but even outside of it, their music is just incredible and very diverse, from breathtaking ballads to more radio-friendly metal to pretty heavy headbangers and even long progressive epic masterpieces. I used to listen to lot and lot of music, and it turned out Epica is the best musical discovery of my life.
Yes, this performance is super epic! The gorgeous female lead singer is Simone Simons, a classically trained soprano. Stunningly beautiful voice!
"Unleashed" is one of their best known songs. It's from 2009, here performed in 2023. As you've probably noticed, this song has one of the most epic key changes I've ever heard. In fact, I can't think of any better than this one.
If you would like to try something a bit heavier, try these, both written by Epica drummer Arien:
EPICA - The Essence of Silence (Official Live)
EPICA - A Phantasmic Parade (Official European Principle Tour Aftermovie)
In 1995 Mark Jansen and Sander Gommans founded After Forever. In 1997 they found out about a guitar-playing singer at an event and hired her as a background singer: Floor Jansen. When they released their first record in 2000, Death became a symphonic, Floor the main singer and Mark the growler.
In 2002 Mark left the band due to artistic differences and founded a new one. After the singer and drummer left the band as a couple, they had to re-establish themselves as Epica. He makes his girlfriend Simone Simons the main singer, he stays with the growls. Both are the main songwriters. Simone's vocal role model is Tarja from Nightwish.
The name comes from the album of the same name by Kamelot that has just been released. In the meantime, Simone and Mark have gone their separate ways privately, but still work together in the band. Simone is married to the German keyboardist from Kamelot and lives in Germany. Accordingly, she can speak German well.
The comparison to Kamelot is as true as it is false. Kamelot is more of a Power / Heavy Metal band. The Symphonic is an evolution of power metal, hence the similarities. Simone was also a frequent guest singer with Kamelot. But Epica is more radical than Kamelot. There are European power metal bands that are better suited as role models.
Oh yes, you're right, Epica and Kamelot are very closely related. Firstly, Epica got its name thanks to the Kamelot album of the same name - “Epica”. Secondly, Epica vocalist Simone Simons has been married to Kamelot keyboardist for many years. And thirdly, of course, these two bands have joint songs 😁 the most famous of them is this one: Kamelot feat Simone Simons “Haunting”, there is a video clip for this song, as well as an official live in 2006 from a concert in Norway.
And now about the Epica group. This is the second symphonic metal band in terms of importance and popularity after Nightwish. But they are different from Nightwish in many ways. Epica is much heavier in sound, they have a lot of death metal influences in their music, in addition to female vocals they have a second vocalist on extreme vocals and often this works as a “beauty and the beast” style, a contrast of growls and angelic voices. Epica has a powerful, epic and cinematic sound. The song "unleashed" is one of Epica's most popular songs, but it doesn't really show much of a difference from Nightwish. I would recommend other Epica songs where you can appreciate all the vocal contrast, like this one:
Epica - Essence of silence (official live)
Epica - Victims of contingency (omega alive)
Epica - Consign to oblivion (live in zenith) - be careful, there will be a lot of growl 😁
@@Kelly-pp1et For me personally, Epica is number one in the symphonic metal genre, but I wrote for the majority of the genre's fans who put Nightwish at number one. I didn't even mention the very popular within temptation, because now they are actually not in that genre anymore. So Epica is second in popularity after Nightwish. This is a great result, because unlike pop Nightwish, Epica's music is for a much more sophisticated connoisseur of the genre and is more difficult to perceive and not everyone likes heaviness and extreme vocals🤷🏻♀️
Next Epica song: “Consign To Oblivion” Live in Paris! 🎸🔥🤘
Yes, wall of EPIC!
SO YES!!!!!
I concur😀👍🏼
Does he like growls?
I saw they just released a recent "Consign to Oblivion" from AFAS. I'm still in dubio as to which one I like better. The pair of them could be a study in evolution, maybe.
EPICA is a Symphonic Metal band from The Netherlands (Dutch) they have been around for 20 years, 8 incredible studio albums, lots of EPs and other projects, their music is very eclectic, no two songs sound alike, ranging from breathtakingly beautiful to extremely heavy and every style in between, one of the most original and unique bands I have ever heard, they are simply amazing 🙃
European metal artist all know each other and can get along fine.
Absolutely love Epica. Each and every band member.
Good reaction. You just stumbled on one of the greatest bands around. Was live at the show. Amazing like always. Last year they celebrated their 20th anniversary with an amazing show which i also witnessed live. One of my favorite bands. And what is even greater a band from my own country, the Netherlands. “Consign to Oblivian” at Paris is a great one to react to next. Thanks for this reaction.
Fun fact, EPICA's lead singer Simone Simons is married to Kamelot keyboard player Oliver Palotai
Another fun fact, after the formation of the band in 2002 they changed their name from 'Sahara Dust' to EPICA after Kamelot released their 2003 album called 'EPICA'
Who is EPICA? the greatest band in the world for the last 20 years 🙃
More Epica
you have a beautiful tone, it's nice to look at the reviews, thanks)
I appreciate your voice man, it's really pleasant! Good vibes!
Thank you! I appreciate the kind words 🤘
Just an big Epica fan here appreciating your commends.😊 You should hear them live, the are the best❤
Brilliant reaction. And if you have the time go for pfffff so much material. Let's say 'Unleashed' live (orchestra and choir and all :)
Cheers from tha Low Countries !!
Epica = EPIC 🤘
This is a top band may a best in world
I've seen this band live five times so far. Four times as headliners and the most recent time opening for Sabaton. You need to check out songs like "The Essence of Silence", "Consign to Oblivion", and "Universal Death Squad".
I was there that night
Fellow epicans, what’s up! 🌀🌀🌀✊✊✊
🤘🤘🤘
🙃
Great reaction! This performance is from their recent tour and is very good but the best version of this song IMO is the one from heir 10th anniversary concert, Retrospect. They have a full orchestra and choir on stage with them and having those elements live takes the performance to 11. If only for yourself you should check that one out. Consign to Oblivion live in Paris is a good next choice if you want to go heavy. They also have some beautiful ballads. Rivers either live from Chile (video work by jen the panda is stunning) or the acapella version from their Omega Alive pandemic livestream ae my favorites.
Simone did feature a song with Kamelot named The Haunting. She's also a close friend of Floor Jansen from Nightwish, and Mark Jansen, guitar and growls, is a former member of After Forever (1995-2002) the first band of Floor Jansen called After Forever.
You should watch Consign To Oblivion at The Zenith (huge circle pit and epic wall of death) and The Essence of Silence at L'ancienne Belgique.
Then : Sancta Terra (Retrospect live) with Floor Jansen, and Stabat Mater Dolorosa (same gig).
Rather more significantly -
Simone is married to Oliver Palotai - the Kamelot keyboard player.
Mark Jansen founded both After Forever and Sahara Dust which changed its name to that of a Kamelot album - Epica
The guitarist that formed this band, Mark Jansen, was in the band "After Forever" which was fronted by Floor Jansen who is now the lead singer of Nightwish. Mark left After Forever to start his own band. After some trial and error, Epica is the final product. I've seen them several times live. So awesome! You need to see them live to truly appreciate them. 😁
Thanks
i love epica🐕
Simone and floor the singer from Nightwish are best frends also have fun
The Essence of Silence has also a surprising key change, not to mention the impressive intro 😍
And "design your Universe" with acoustic guitars from retrospect show!
Sugestion: "Epica - Sancta Terra (feat Floor Jansen) Live Retrospect show" (Epica+Floor Jansen+FULL symphonic orchestra+choir) :)
Best band in the world. Best voice in the world.
You like Epica than check out when Simone the singer of Epica sing with her best frend floor Jansen from Nightwish this is Pure Metall
I highly recommend Consign to oblivion (live @ zenith Paris), even if you’re not into growls I’m sure you’d appreciate that one.
Also, from the same gig “Beyond the matrix”
Anything from Omega Alive is awesome, kindom of heaven (I like pt 1 and pt 3 most)
The skeleton key, with a nice choir 😉
But yeah, basically anything. You can not go wrong.
They rock.
Floor s thebsinger of Nightwish and the Best frend of simone the singer from Epica they came both from the Netherlands
simone is married with the Kamelot Keyborder and has a son
Simone has been friends with Floor Jansen for a long time
Great reaction- I highly recommend Epica doing Consign to Oblivion live at Zenith.
Warning.simone the singer from Epica is one of the best sopranos in Metall 🤘
Victims of contingency from OmegAlive next 🔥🔥🔥
Next up should be Sancta Terra with Floor Jansen as Guest singer . It's awesome !
Kamelot -the Haunting ft Simone Simons
Epica ❤🔥🔥
If you like that wait till you see Consign to Oblivion live in Paris!!
😎😎
You mentioned Kamelot and Simone is married to Kamelot Keyboardist Oliver Palotai since 2013 and they have a son.
Watch the original video to this one also, creepy Simone , its a fun one !
People always compare nightwish with epica, bc they are symphonic metal, where nightwish is more close to opera, and epica is more close to metal. Both are amazing bands, but I think epica is underrated. A great recommendation is Consing The Oblivion live.
Simone the singer is married to the keyboard player in kamelot.
This song and kingdom of heaven pt. 5 are my favorite, of course I love others, but kingdom of heaven its a masterpiece =^.^=
Would love your reaction to Tarja Turunen solo career 🔥
Simone is married to the keyboardist of Kamelot.
If you like good rabbit holes, this band got a deep one for you..
Who is... Blackbriar 😊 (Cicada 🙏)
The band MaYaN is another offshoot from members of Epica!
I’d say they’re even heavier and crazier 🤘🏻
🤘🤘🤘
It definitely is. MaYaN is like a more brutal Epica.
But only Epica has Goddess Simone and multiple band members with music degree who contribute to the band's top-notch songwriting.
@@Cheezyxyz Yo man, can you do another one asap? :)
Perhaps The Essence of Silence (Official Live)
They are.
But even though I know one of the MaYaN members personally (from school and playing together in our own band) I prefer Epica.
MaYaN is a bit too much for me, sorry Frank 🤗
Name of Epica is frome Kamelot album. More Epica and Kamelot c'n man 🤘
Dont forget MELISSA BONNEY
Can't to see you react to their performance 'Sancta Terra'. Featuring Simone's good friend Floor Jensen. Yes Floor Jensen. The two of them together is something special.
Also, the band with an orchestra and a choir, is even more special. You will enjoy it I'm sure.
simone has sang with Kamelot
check out Crypta the other side of anger
Grgeat video!!
I dont know if you have ever check "Beast in Black" if not please check song "Blind and frozen". i cant tell more cause it will ruin your suprice!! just waiting to see you face reaction on Vocals!! thanx (you ll thank me later)
This is an European sound. ,all those bands.
Epica is 2nd only to Nightwish, but not by much. However, it can be said Epica is to thank for giving us Floor Jansen. Simone and Floor are 2 of the greatest female vocalists in the world, in my opinion.
Hello Cheezyxyz, welcome to Epica. Epica is an internationally renowned Dutch Symphonic Metal band found by Mark Jansen. In early 2002, Mark Jansen left the band 'After Forever' over creative differences. He then began looking for musicians who would work towards a more classical/symphonic type of music project; this band was initially named "Sahara Dust". In late 2002, the band courted Helena Iren Michaelsen (from Trail of Tears) as its front woman, but shortly after she was replaced by the then unknown Simone, who was Jansen's girlfriend at the time.
Simone Johanna Maria Simons (born 17 January 1985) is a Dutch singer. Simone (pronounce the Dutch 'i' as you say: 'feel', not as: I or 'why') is best known for being the lead singer of Dutch symphonic metal band Epica, which she joined at the age of 17, releasing eight studio albums and touring the world. In her singing career, she has also collaborated with bands such as Kamelot, Leaves' Eyes, Primal Fear, Ayreon, and Angra. She also has a side pursuit as a lifestyle blogger, via her website: www.smoonstyle.com/
Simons was born in Hoensbroek, southern Netherlands. Simone cited her musical influences as Lacuna Coil, Nightwish, Tristania, Kamelot, Within Temptation, Dimmu Borgir, Tiamat, and some classical music such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Simons started playing flute for two years after joining music school at the age of 12. At 14yo, she had one year of pop singing lessons, and at 15, she switched to classical singing after listening to Nightwish's Oceanborn, which remains her favorite Nightwish album. At one point she was invited to join in a rehearsal for a black metal band; she joined it, although was a little afraid to sing. Simone sang in a choir for a few months, and later joined Epica at the age of 17.
Floor Jansen, the current female front vocalist of the Finnish Symphonic Metal band Nightwish. Simone, Mark, and Floor are lifelong friends and Floor was invited to do 2 duets together with Simone at Epica's 23rd of March 2013 to celebrate their 10th anniversary with a special performance entitled_“Retrospect”. Although Mark and Floor have the same last name, both born in the Netherlands, and she was in After Forever too, they are not related. Jansen, Janssen, Janssens are very common Dutch surnames.