I love it how Epica has you just blithering. They tend to do that to people. You ain't heard nothin' yet. And Simone - Simone is terrifyingly beautiful.
First time seeing a 'wall of death' mosh pit? 🤣 Yes , it's normal. Congrats Debbie! You made it through one of EPICA's heaviest songs. You handled this, you should have no problem with any of their other songs. Title track from their 2nd album in 2005, it is often used as the set closer, and still played today. This performance, I believe , was 2017. The mix of Mark Jansen's harsh vocals and Simone's operatic cleans is sometimes referred to as Beauty and the Beast. Did you notice Coen Janssen's keyboard, not only spins, but moves across the stage? Pronounced more like (Si-moan-eh See-mons) in Dutch, but she has heard the English pronunciation so many times , it doesn't bother her.
Believe it or not...my 2 buddies went down to the area right in front, where the wall of death was forming in the Judas Priest & Metallic concert. What I found that was so funny was that 90% or more care no where near me!!! I think, first of all I was wearing my "Eddie" costume, with my black hunting boots that make me even taller than I am....I am 6'6" without shoes, and the boots add an extra 3"... so I am also 340 lbs! I ended up helping the security!! My buddies were laughing, but also saying..."Well..at least we know everyone isn't stupid!!"
Incredible reaction! I saw them live in a tiny venue in Austin and we still managed to get a crazy mosh pit going! Hilarious to see your reaction to the pit rush.
Epica is the heavier side of symphonic metal. Extremely talented musicians, and the harsh growling of Mark Jansen with Simone's high soprano is just as magical as Floor and Marko. The thing that sets Epica apart for me are their lyrics ... they are some of the most thought provoking, deep and relevant. I always have to look up the lyrics of their songs and try to interpret the message they are trying to convey ...
To me Epica isn`t heavier side of symphonic metal. Rather is... symphonic metal. Instead of quasi metal bands like Delain, Within Temptation and Nightwish himself. Of course I like m3entioned bands but they used to play mix of rock and metal. Epica is pure metal.
@@draagnipur8767Hot take but I agree. I will also put recent Dimmu Borgir in the same genre, and honestly that genre really, truly only has Epica and Dimmu in it for me.
Hello Debbie! If you survived Consign to Oblivion you are ready to listen to anything from Epica! You passed one of the heaviest tests (with a lot of guttural), I recommend that you look for the lyrics that are wonderful! other suggestions to react would be: ✦Unleashed, Chasing the Dragon and Design your Universe all live in Retrospect. ✦Unchain Utopia, Kingdom of Heaven part 3, the Skeleton Key all of their Livestreaming concert Omega Alive. Don't forget to breathe! 🤘🏻💖
Epica got songs like this one, very death metal riffs, and in your face, they also got truely beautiful ballads, more moderate metal, and very epic songs.. well they basicly got a lot in the catalouge to satisfy, and Epica is one of my absolute favorite bands, this band is amazing!!
Wow! Congratulations for surviving! Yes...being in the mosh pit feels exactly like being a pinball (at least as far as I remember--I'm way too old to have been in a mosh pit any time recently). I spent way too much time bouncing around and losing/breaking my glasses in the smaller/friendlier pits back in the 80's/90's. You had to pick your show because some of them got a little violent; but most of the pits are actually surprisingly civilized, supportive, self-policing, organized chaos. It is amazing to watch the sea of people part and half a dozen guys are all on their hands and knees looking for my lost glasses lens. At soon as we find it, a pathway out of the pit opens for me and the chaos resumes behind me as I leave. Great memories!
I had the great pleasure of seeing Epica live this week .... it was absolutely ... epic! But I didn't expect anything else from Epica ... their streaming show Omega Alive during Pandemic was something that made my jaw drop several times ... not only because of the music, but also because of the overall artistic concept. Epica is the darker, heavier cousin of Nightwish. Both are in their own way the gold standard for symphonic metal. It's also no wonder that there is a lot of overlap in the fan groups. And yes, Simone is a metal queen in her own right.
Hi Debbie, here is a song from EPICA which has everything that I love about their music, It is heavy at times but also very catchy and beautiful, I love this song EPICA - The European Enigma Aftermovie - Natural Corruption
This song is from their 2nd album and has been for about 95% of their shows the closing song. They are Symphonic metal that mixes death, prog, and a little bit of power and black metal.
you should check out Beyond the matrix, from same concert, completely different vibes they end their concerts with this song, its one of the heaviest. Epica doesnt have "normal" songs, they are all over the place, heavy like this and then completely opposite songs (ballads) like Rivers, Canvas of life, Tides of time. Something in the middle is Skeleton key (from omega alive).
So regrettably the phenomenal power and genius and beauty of Epica has remained too much under the shadow of Nightwish. I really enjoy Nightwish a lot as well as within temptation and Delain and visions of Atlantis, but I’m here to tell you for me Epica blows them all out of the water… love this band man this is Heaven! Great reaction…dig more on this elite group of musicians and you will be blown away.
Hehe, that was fun to watch! 😁 Epica always plays this as their last song at the concert and there is the "Wall of Death" and the circle thingy ("Moshpit"). While it looks quite violent, the metalheads are usually very careful that no one gets hurt. If anyone falls, he is immediately picked up and protected. I just survived this last week at an Epica concert in a much smaller venue. ;-)
I highly recommend Epica's "Kingdom of Heaven Part 1" from their Omega Alive Blu-Ray. The performance is on UA-cam, and it was originally broadcasted online in 2021. It's such a complex and beautiful song with great riffs and switch-ups!
Nice reaction. Yesterday i watched and listened to a band i never heard of...featuring simone simons live in Londen..apocalipta with epica singer...i loved it and its quite new i think.
Your reactions were such fun! Epica is by far my favorite band right now. Their ability to combine the stunning vocals of Simone with the heaviness of Mark's harsh vocals and the incredible wall of sound of the band. They also have songs like Sirens and Rivers which are much tamer. My favorite work they do is a song called Kingdom of Heaven Part 3. Watch the Omega Alive version for the most unique performance. PS Valley of the Queens is a song from Ayreon, and Simone was not in that song. However, she has been in many Ayreon songs
Yeah! The moshpit at the beginning of the song is called a wall of death. When Simone asks the crowd to separate she calls it "the wall of Epica" (of course). So yes, they are generally heavier than Nightwish but this one is particularely heavy. Their catalogue is huge; ballads, heavy songs, epic songs, fast songs, long songs. I think you should listen to a few more to really understand what their sound is like. About the pronunciation of her name i can only show you this but not sure if it's gonna help you or confuse you more lol ua-cam.com/video/qgAaH8c8PQY/v-deo.html
I think you will need to exhale and move away from this spectacle and listen to something incredibly beautiful, because Epica's ballads are a separate planet 😁 for the second time I recommend “Once upon a nightmare” from Omega Alive, the highest beauty
YESSSSSSS ! EPIC-AAAAAAAAAAAAAA ! I was in ! It was by birthday gift from my friends. An incredible night for sure. Try "design your universe" from retrospect live. It's a master piece with a full orchestra on stage.
I always enjoy your reactions, it's cool to watch you discover new musical styles and what I think is cool about these reaction programs is that many people start listening to music that they normally wouldn't listen to and that's good for everyone and it's a way to publicize the bands, helping to gain more and more fans enjoy the moments
I recently went to an Epica concert. They held a concert in a disused cinema that has become a cultural center on an island just outside Copenhagen. A very small intimate place. For the same reason, there was no room for a large symphony orchestra or choir, but it was a fantastic concert where you got very close 🙂
Epica is a phenomenal symphonic metal band- like Nightwish but a bit heavier at times. There are many songs with less growling. Something that is a bit more serene is Sancta Terra live with Floor as a guest vocalist during their Retrospect tour. Enjoy!
hahaha that's a metal thing called a "mosh pit", the running toward each other Is called "The wall of death" and when the artist puts his arm up and rotates it he's calling for a "Circle pit" just dancing around and around.
@@thequestionqueens yeah, usually at a metal concert they'll have a designated area up front as a "mosh pit" you don't want to get in one accidentally or find yourself being pushed all over the place LOL
I was there - not at this recording - but at the first time they played this song live. Now almost 20 years ago. I'll never forget that night. Yeah this song is fairly typical for them. Some songs are calmer / more melodic, some songs are heavier than this. This song is fairly representative of their style.
Epica tend to be heavier than nightwish. Those first few songs you heard were their lighter side. The “wall of Epica” at the beginning was their name for the “wall of death”, a fairly common occurrence in metal mosh pits.
Mindblowingly majestic composition:) Sometimes listening to Epica is like being under fire from a machinegun loaded with beauty. Simone is a force of nature! I suggest Epica - Unleashed live at Retrospect next, one of the most beautiful songs in the genre IMO. Oh, and from 14:05 you felt that beat and energy all through your body and mind huh? Beautiful moment in the reaction to see you go completely into the flow for some seconds!
Just check all the titles of their songs. Consign to Oblivion, The abyss of Time, Unleashed, The Phantom Agony, Cry for the Moon, Rivers, Design your own Universe, Sancta Terra and so on. They all have deeper meanings and tend to make you listen very careful. This is a rabbit Hole my dear. Dig in and be blwon away. But foremost: ENJOY!!🎹🎸🎤🎹🤘
Hi Debbie, in answer to your question 'is this a normal song?' you have 'Rivers' at the beautiful end of the spectrum and Consign to Oblivion at the heaviest end of the spectrum of their music, which means that the rest of their music falls somewhere in between these two extremes. So if 'Consign to Oblivion' wasn't too much for you then I think you will probably love the rest of their music as most of it is more melodic
Epica is an awesome band , it's sound , power and amazing atmosphere at the concert . The heavenly voice of Simone😇😍❤ and Mark🤪😵🤘 groowl it is f.....cool
"We're jammin'. (See) I wanna jam it wid you. We're jammin', jammin', and I hope you like jammin', too." ~Bob Marley. Sorry...had to get that out since you were talkin' about jamming. I love the variety Epica brings in their vocals, between Marks growls, Coen's screams and Simone's beautiful soprano singing. It's a very nice meshing of styles. Don't get me wrong...I could listen to the songs with just Simone singing all day long, but this kind of song is like you said, a rollercoaster that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Great stuff! Cheers!
The separation of the fans at the beginning created a so called "Wall of Death" which the named "Wall of Epica" here. It's quite typical for metal concerts. The place where the action takes place in front of the stage is called "mosh pit". Later in that video you see the fans running and "moshing" in a circle: That's called a "circle pit".
As others have pointed out that was a "wall of death" which separates the crowd into mock battle formation and we charge at each other, although Simone cleverly calls it the wall of Epica instead. I am a 40 something female metalhead and have been in many mosh pits, walls of death, and row pits. And acted as part of the shield wall keeping the pit circling, helping people when they fall, and protecting the crowd behind us. I know it sounds crazy but its a blast for those who love this music. There is "mosh pit etiquette" we do try not to hurt each other too much and we help people out when they do.
@@thequestionqueens if not for the shield wall she C S mentioned, or retaining wall as I always called it due to my construction background, it could get a little dangerous for people around the pit. I'm 45 now and haven't been in a wall of death in many years, only circle pits. It seems like every show where a wall starts I happen to have an injury or I've previously consumed a little more than too much alcohol. Either way I've had to refrain from entering for either my safety or to keep from accidentally vomiting on others, mainly the second one. The pit may look chaotic but it's a polite, happy, organized, and respectful chaos. Everyone is there for a good time and if somebody gets a little too aggressive, they are usually pushed to the edge and asked to calm down. If there's an injury a corridor usually opens for them to exit then closes as they go by. It's really an interesting dynamic.
Both female singers Simone Simone & Floor Jensen, both ADMITTED to being big fans of TARJA, and even Floor in a live video, said that TARJA was the one she learned from how to sing and was her biggest Influence and inspiration.
Hi debbie, this is normally the closing song of their concert, Unfortunately I was unther a similar rock, however I'm happy to discovered them just after Nightwish and now been to 2 of their concerts and one of nightwish. The wall of "epica" happens as far as I know in good order, if you don't want to participate there is time to be on the side line.... and when you look to the public and the music changes they wil stop ..... so well controlled. Although most of the time you cann't hear exact what they are singing, they have very deep lyrics as well, so it would be interesting also to read the lyrics before looking at the video's. We can make you a long list epica songs, which will blow your mind every thime in a different way...... enjoy this rabit hole it similar to nightwish a lot to discover and to enjoy 🤘🤘🤘
Look at how much fun they have on stage, that’s just fantastic. And you have to close down with a banger. This is one of there harder songs but you should check one of there more mellow songs with more voicetime for Simone!
This is as normal for Epica , as Romantiside is normal for Nightwish. The moshpit at the beginning is normal for metal music. Simone is a siren for sure and very good friends with Floor. ❤❤
If you loved this watch the Retinal Circus version of the song Grace by Devin Townsend. Song doesn't showcase Devin's singing but does showcase Anneke Van Giersbergen who was an influence to Simone, and Floor Jansen.
It's called a wall of death or moshpit :) It's normal at metal concerts. I think you could say it's a bit of a "tribal" thing, something very characteristic of a metal subculture :). I, when I was younger, was doing this as well even though I'm a girl. It was always safe and a hell of a fun :p
For the perfect bookend to this song, you should react to the stunning ballad, Rivers. It perfectly demonstrates the band’s diversity in music. The live version, featuring Apocalypta has just been released and it is a magical performance… ua-cam.com/video/7imPLmvLyQA/v-deo.html
The parting and then run into each other is called "The wall of death". It's quite fun. At an Epica concert it's renamed to "The wall of Epica". Here is a vid of a very big wall of death. ua-cam.com/video/73d8pMnMbKg/v-deo.html 🤘😎
Yes Southern Belle this is the ultimate concert experience and something you only can feel and fully understand if you’re there. The smell, the force of the sound, the magic interaction of people liking and enjoying the same music with the same passion. That’s the reason I hardly listen to studio work but spend most music money to concerts starting on the age of 13. The good news is my kids also love it. My daughter (19) travelled recently to another country to see and experience somebody performing. She had the night of her live and made new (music) friends. Next on we visit together will be Metallica and with my younger son Rammstein. The only thing beating a concertnight is a long weekend music festival. 🤘🎸🤘 Also time you start exploring Rammstein, even more crazy concert experience: Du Hast m.ua-cam.com/video/U5HAEzEk8QM/v-deo.html Ich Will ua-cam.com/video/QkBPoGCPE04/v-deo.html Or some om the most amazing video clips Deutchland m.ua-cam.com/video/NeQM1c-XCDc/v-deo.html Zeit m.ua-cam.com/video/EbHGS_bVkXY/v-deo.html There is so much more for fantastic concert experience, but this 4 will give you an intro to this amazing band from Germany!
You should check out Kingdom of Heaven 3 from Omega Alive. It really showcases all the best parts of what Epica is capable of in music and entertainment.
If you wish to "see" another side of Epica, I would recommend "Stabat Mater Dolorosa" where Simone sings with Floor Jansen... I had the opportunity to see Epica with Sabaton in Montreal, last October. It was "grandiose"!
@Debbie: I am proud of you. You survived C2O, one of the harshest 😂. As you already know Epica's diversity is huge. So if you want a fantastic epic one without Mark's growling - do "Unchain Utopia" from the Omega Alive. Angelic. No ballad. If you need Floor inside to calm down a little bit - "Sancta Terra" live Retrospect. And yes, Epica and NW are the best. I will see them live on Monday together with Apocalyptica. Another great reaction could be "Rise again" feat. Simone. 😍
La Cantata del Diablo (live Mexico 2017) - Mago de Öz----- > just a Master piece Hijo de la Luna - Stravaganzza The Crown And The Ring (Lament Of The Kings)Live 2008 - Manowar Design your Universe (live Retrospect) / Cry for the Moon(live Retrospect) - Epica I remember you - Skid Row (live) Soulbound - Unleash the Archers Burning Time (live) / Dracula - Iced Earth Ategnatos / King - Eluveitie
This is one of the wildest. For a tone closer to Night wish and the like, try Storm the Sorrow or Unchained Utopia. They actually have good hooks to them.
While Essence is arguably my favorite Epica song, I think she should take a moment to switch to a calmer song and try Chasing The Dragon ... .... . . . ... >:D
I have just seen on the screen you'd see this song and had to laugh. Because I knew what was coming! Had to watch your reaction to this and smiled all over my face all the time. Now you're into Epica! Everything before was nice, but I know this one would blow your mind. Love Epica, they are so good! Think you've found another rabbit hole. Epica and Nightwish are like twins, but Epica is the darker and heavier side of those two. They are like twins, yet so different. Right now I am more into Epica. They are so much fun!
@@thequestionqueens Hi Debbie! Honestly, I was a bit afraid when I saw which song you picked. I was like "shit, she'll never come back to Epica" 🙂Well, it's not their normal song, it's really among the heaviest and longest in their catalogue. This is what happens when you don't follow our suggestions. 😅 The good news is, you can now react to anything from Epica, as you are now toughened, hopefully. 😉 And don't worry, this was one of the very few songs with more growling than Simone's singing. In the vast majority of other songs, it's mostly Simone+choir and then some growls here and there (or no growls at all). I can tell you that Epica music is very very varied. They have music for real metalheads, but also for mainstream listeners who normally listen to pop, etc. Epica ballads are wonderful! Better than 90% of what you'll ever hear on radio. An example of a beautiful and radio-friendly song (from 2012) with a very cool video too: EPICA - Storm The Sorrow (OFFICIAL VIDEO) ua-cam.com/video/dNoTvg0t52c/v-deo.html Only 20 seconds of growling and it's really catchy, great melody and even lyrics if you wanna look them up.
@@thequestionqueens this song is pretty tough, especially this performance. It is my most favorite heavy song from them. It was fun to see how you couldn't believe it. 😊
This was one of the more heavy songs from them with a lot of harsh vocals. Here is a great Epica song to relax with: Dreamscape live at Pinkpop (acoustic) ua-cam.com/video/7b9q8ybwKNU/v-deo.html
Thank you Debbie. Another great reaction! We love how while you might not be in your comfort zone, you power on through anyway, and appreciate / love the music for what it is, and the talents shown through the performances. My all time favourite Epica track is called Universal Death Squad (it’s not as bad as it sounds! 😂) and there is a great lyric video m.ua-cam.com/video/P_Ys_W7ySkM/v-deo.html As has been mentioned, the Omega Alive show, created during the pandemic, is just jaw dropping. I think you reacted to Rivers from that concert, but there are so many other great tracks from there. The other well featured concert is from 2013 (a great year for concerts!) and is called Retrospect. Again you have reacted to a couple of songs from that. I would recommend Chasing the Dragon m.ua-cam.com/video/Dx-FsHAQHp8/v-deo.html But in fact you could pick anything from there (Design your Universe for instance) and not go far wrong. Looking forward to the next set of Symphonc Metal reactions, and Floor Talking of Floor, two things. In case you missed it, she has a new single and her album being released this coming week. Also, I sent an email to the ask question queens mailbox, recommending a documentary called Soaring Highs and Brutal Lows: The Voices of Women in Metal. Here is the trailer. I found it very interesting indeed m.ua-cam.com/video/zh-dIYn1ShQ/v-deo.html
Awesome reaction my dear! Their traditional show closer and probably their heaviest song. Loved your reaction to your first wall of death/wall or Epica. When the band members circle their hands over their head they are calling for a circle pit which is a circular mosh pit. You have heard a ballad and one of their heaviest songs. Next you need to listen to their masterpiece Kingdom of Heaven Part 3 live from Omega Alive. There are Part 1 and Part 2 from earlier albums but you don't need to hear them to understand and appreciate Part 3. Part 1 is a good song and worth a listen. Part 2 is ok. I will second Unleashed live from the Retrospect concert and Design Your Universe from teh same concert. They also do some really fun acoustic stuff. Checkout Omegacoustic, ua-cam.com/video/tVERKQeQSRY/v-deo.html, which is an acoustic version of their title song Omega from their most recent full album.
this is not their heaviest song, they have heavier ones, for example, Ascension dream state armageddon and The Great tribulation and there is one from the last EP, where there is no Simone's vocals at all, only growling, I forgot the name
I love it how Epica has you just blithering. They tend to do that to people. You ain't heard nothin' yet. And Simone - Simone is terrifyingly beautiful.
She really is..i stood next to het once and she is amazing ❤
@@Selynia26she changed a lot over the years, still stunning :)
Simone's tone is one of the most beautiful things on this planet. That tone with this band is just too freaking perfect.
First time seeing a 'wall of death' mosh pit? 🤣 Yes , it's normal.
Congrats Debbie! You made it through one of EPICA's heaviest songs. You handled this, you should have no problem with any of their other songs. Title track from their 2nd album in 2005, it is often used as the set closer, and still played today. This performance, I believe , was 2017.
The mix of Mark Jansen's harsh vocals and Simone's operatic cleans is sometimes referred to as Beauty and the Beast. Did you notice Coen Janssen's keyboard, not only spins, but moves across the stage?
Pronounced more like (Si-moan-eh See-mons) in Dutch, but she has heard the English pronunciation so many times , it doesn't bother her.
Believe it or not...my 2 buddies went down to the area right in front, where the wall of death was forming in the Judas Priest & Metallic concert. What I found that was so funny was that 90% or more care no where near me!!! I think, first of all I was wearing my "Eddie" costume, with my black hunting boots that make me even taller than I am....I am 6'6" without shoes, and the boots add an extra 3"... so I am also 340 lbs! I ended up helping the security!! My buddies were laughing, but also saying..."Well..at least we know everyone isn't stupid!!"
Human Devastation is now the heaviest song they have every made.
Incredible reaction! I saw them live in a tiny venue in Austin and we still managed to get a crazy mosh pit going! Hilarious to see your reaction to the pit rush.
Epica - kingdom of heaven pt3 (omega alive). Another roller-coaster you might enjoy. One of my favorite preformenc 😁.
Epica is the heavier side of symphonic metal. Extremely talented musicians, and the harsh growling of Mark Jansen with Simone's high soprano is just as magical as Floor and Marko. The thing that sets Epica apart for me are their lyrics ... they are some of the most thought provoking, deep and relevant. I always have to look up the lyrics of their songs and try to interpret the message they are trying to convey ...
Great tip. I’ll do that next time. 💙
To me Epica isn`t heavier side of symphonic metal. Rather is... symphonic metal. Instead of quasi metal bands like Delain, Within Temptation and Nightwish himself. Of course I like m3entioned bands but they used to play mix of rock and metal. Epica is pure metal.
@@draagnipur8767Hot take but I agree. I will also put recent Dimmu Borgir in the same genre, and honestly that genre really, truly only has Epica and Dimmu in it for me.
EPICA are the masters of light & dark. The contrast is remarkable and SO appealing.
Epica feat Apocalyptica 'Rivers' live in AFAS Totaly different and beautifull...to calm your heart..😂😂
😂😂😂❤️❤️❤️🎸🎸🎸
Also the acappella version
Let me say this. You took it as a champion :) that’s a pretty heavy song. Please keep reacting to Epica.
Cheers
Dear Debbie, you and your reactions, the best ❤. Just can't get enough of you ❤
Hello Debbie! If you survived Consign to Oblivion you are ready to listen to anything from Epica! You passed one of the heaviest tests (with a lot of guttural), I recommend that you look for the lyrics that are wonderful!
other suggestions to react would be:
✦Unleashed, Chasing the Dragon and Design your Universe all live in Retrospect.
✦Unchain Utopia, Kingdom of Heaven part 3, the Skeleton Key all of their Livestreaming concert Omega Alive.
Don't forget to breathe! 🤘🏻💖
If Tuomas is the Metal Mozart, Epica is what Beethoven would be up to, today.
Saw them yesterday evening live in Zürich. What an amazing band!!
So happy when people discover this one ! Especially from this gig. Love this band, their musical constructions are so intelligent !
Epica got songs like this one, very death metal riffs, and in your face, they also got truely beautiful ballads, more moderate metal, and very epic songs.. well they basicly got a lot in the catalouge to satisfy, and Epica is one of my absolute favorite bands, this band is amazing!!
Wow! Congratulations for surviving! Yes...being in the mosh pit feels exactly like being a pinball (at least as far as I remember--I'm way too old to have been in a mosh pit any time recently). I spent way too much time bouncing around and losing/breaking my glasses in the smaller/friendlier pits back in the 80's/90's. You had to pick your show because some of them got a little violent; but most of the pits are actually surprisingly civilized, supportive, self-policing, organized chaos. It is amazing to watch the sea of people part and half a dozen guys are all on their hands and knees looking for my lost glasses lens. At soon as we find it, a pathway out of the pit opens for me and the chaos resumes behind me as I leave. Great memories!
That’s really awesome 😂🥰❤️🎸😎
I had the great pleasure of seeing Epica live this week .... it was absolutely ... epic!
But I didn't expect anything else from Epica ... their streaming show Omega Alive during Pandemic was something that made my jaw drop several times ... not only because of the music, but also because of the overall artistic concept.
Epica is the darker, heavier cousin of Nightwish. Both are in their own way the gold standard for symphonic metal. It's also no wonder that there is a lot of overlap in the fan groups. And yes, Simone is a metal queen in her own right.
She certainly is 👑🎸❤️
Omega Alive is one of the most artistic performences from a band ever, my jaw was on the floor more often then not.
Hi Debbie, here is a song from EPICA which has everything that I love about their music, It is heavy at times but also very catchy and beautiful, I love this song
EPICA - The European Enigma Aftermovie - Natural Corruption
This song is from their 2nd album and has been for about 95% of their shows the closing song.
They are Symphonic metal that mixes death, prog, and a little bit of power and black metal.
They are live amazing❤
you should check out Beyond the matrix, from same concert, completely different vibes
they end their concerts with this song, its one of the heaviest. Epica doesnt have "normal" songs, they are all over the place, heavy like this and then completely opposite songs (ballads) like Rivers, Canvas of life, Tides of time. Something in the middle is Skeleton key (from omega alive).
So regrettably the phenomenal power and genius and beauty of Epica has remained too much under the shadow of Nightwish. I really enjoy Nightwish a lot as well as within temptation and Delain and visions of Atlantis, but I’m here to tell you for me Epica blows them all out of the water… love this band man this is Heaven! Great reaction…dig more on this elite group of musicians and you will be blown away.
I could not agree with you more. The compositions and arrangements are just on another level.
Hehe, that was fun to watch! 😁
Epica always plays this as their last song at the concert and there is the "Wall of Death" and the circle thingy ("Moshpit"). While it looks quite violent, the metalheads are usually very careful that no one gets hurt. If anyone falls, he is immediately picked up and protected.
I just survived this last week at an Epica concert in a much smaller venue. ;-)
That was so nuts and so fun and so cool. Your “hehehe” in your comment really got me giggling 🤭
I highly recommend Epica's "Kingdom of Heaven Part 1" from their Omega Alive Blu-Ray. The performance is on UA-cam, and it was originally broadcasted online in 2021. It's such a complex and beautiful song with great riffs and switch-ups!
Nice reaction. Yesterday i watched and listened to a band i never heard of...featuring simone simons live in Londen..apocalipta with epica singer...i loved it and its quite new i think.
Your reactions were such fun! Epica is by far my favorite band right now. Their ability to combine the stunning vocals of Simone with the heaviness of Mark's harsh vocals and the incredible wall of sound of the band. They also have songs like Sirens and Rivers which are much tamer. My favorite work they do is a song called Kingdom of Heaven Part 3. Watch the Omega Alive version for the most unique performance.
PS Valley of the Queens is a song from Ayreon, and Simone was not in that song. However, she has been in many Ayreon songs
That's a wall of death 🎉😮😂❤
Nobody gets hurt... it is about Respekt and music 🤟
Yeah! The moshpit at the beginning of the song is called a wall of death. When Simone asks the crowd to separate she calls it "the wall of Epica" (of course). So yes, they are generally heavier than Nightwish but this one is particularely heavy. Their catalogue is huge; ballads, heavy songs, epic songs, fast songs, long songs. I think you should listen to a few more to really understand what their sound is like.
About the pronunciation of her name i can only show you this but not sure if it's gonna help you or confuse you more lol ua-cam.com/video/qgAaH8c8PQY/v-deo.html
That was perfect!!! Thank you so much 🥰
I think you will need to exhale and move away from this spectacle and listen to something incredibly beautiful, because Epica's ballads are a separate planet 😁 for the second time I recommend “Once upon a nightmare” from Omega Alive, the highest beauty
Their name is no joke. True beautiful power.
The finest metal from The Netherlands
Epica forever and ever!! One of my two absolute favourite bands!! For me by far the best symphonic metal band out there and reign supreme! 🔥🤘🏻
🤘🤘🤘
YESSSSSSS ! EPIC-AAAAAAAAAAAAAA !
I was in ! It was by birthday gift from my friends. An incredible night for sure.
Try "design your universe" from retrospect live. It's a master piece with a full orchestra on stage.
I always enjoy your reactions, it's cool to watch you discover new musical styles
and what I think is cool about these reaction programs is that many people start listening to music that they normally wouldn't listen to and that's good for everyone and it's a way to publicize the bands, helping to gain more and more fans
enjoy the moments
💙
I recently went to an Epica concert. They held a concert in a disused cinema that has become a cultural center on an island just outside Copenhagen. A very small intimate place. For the same reason, there was no room for a large symphony orchestra or choir, but it was a fantastic concert where you got very close 🙂
So sweet lullaby by Epica.
Epica is a phenomenal symphonic metal band- like Nightwish but a bit heavier at times. There are many songs with less growling. Something that is a bit more serene is Sancta Terra live with Floor as a guest vocalist during their Retrospect tour. Enjoy!
hahaha that's a metal thing called a "mosh pit", the running toward each other Is called "The wall of death" and when the artist puts his arm up and rotates it he's calling for a "Circle pit" just dancing around and around.
That’s so flippin cool!! I want so badly to see that in person!
@@thequestionqueens yeah, usually at a metal concert they'll have a designated area up front as a "mosh pit" you don't want to get in one accidentally or find yourself being pushed all over the place LOL
Yes! Epica are amazing.
Lol @ the wall of death. Yes I've been in one 😅
Your reaction to this performance was similar to mine. I loved it. It opened the Epica rabbit hole for me and one I'm sure you will love.
💙
The band are awesome and Simone is perfection.
In Argentina we say: "Te voló la peluca"! Hahahahahahahaha
Suggestion for your next Epica song, live, Dancing in a Hurricane.
I highly recommend the Epica song Cry for the Moon, the one with them in the studio
I love that you said you wanted to jam; then jump to 6:00, and you say, “there’s too much going on!” Lol. Ask and you shall receive! 😉😊
😂😂😂😂😎😎😎🎸🎸🎸🎸
HELL YEAH...FINALLY!!!!!
listen to Unleashed live retrospect next! they play with a full orchestra
yes plz ....the link to this song
ua-cam.com/video/rxd6sxLxdys/v-deo.html
I was there - not at this recording - but at the first time they played this song live. Now almost 20 years ago. I'll never forget that night. Yeah this song is fairly typical for them. Some songs are calmer / more melodic, some songs are heavier than this. This song is fairly representative of their style.
Epica tend to be heavier than nightwish. Those first few songs you heard were their lighter side. The “wall of Epica” at the beginning was their name for the “wall of death”, a fairly common occurrence in metal mosh pits.
That was so crazy and so cool!
Mindblowingly majestic composition:) Sometimes listening to Epica is like being under fire from a machinegun loaded with beauty. Simone is a force of nature! I suggest Epica - Unleashed live at Retrospect next, one of the most beautiful songs in the genre IMO. Oh, and from 14:05 you felt that beat and energy all through your body and mind huh? Beautiful moment in the reaction to see you go completely into the flow for some seconds!
Just check all the titles of their songs. Consign to Oblivion, The abyss of Time, Unleashed, The Phantom Agony, Cry for the Moon, Rivers, Design your own Universe, Sancta Terra and so on. They all have deeper meanings and tend to make you listen very careful. This is a rabbit Hole my dear. Dig in and be blwon away. But foremost: ENJOY!!🎹🎸🎤🎹🤘
The first Wall of Death, huh? 😆
Yes, that was delightfully crazy 😂
Hi Debbie, in answer to your question 'is this a normal song?'
you have 'Rivers' at the beautiful end of the spectrum and Consign to Oblivion at the heaviest end of the spectrum of their music, which means that the rest of their music falls somewhere in between these two extremes.
So if 'Consign to Oblivion' wasn't too much for you then I think you will probably love the rest of their music as most of it is more melodic
Epica is an awesome band , it's sound , power and amazing atmosphere at the concert . The heavenly voice of Simone😇😍❤ and Mark🤪😵🤘 groowl it is f.....cool
"We're jammin'. (See) I wanna jam it wid you. We're jammin', jammin', and I hope you like jammin', too." ~Bob Marley. Sorry...had to get that out since you were talkin' about jamming. I love the variety Epica brings in their vocals, between Marks growls, Coen's screams and Simone's beautiful soprano singing. It's a very nice meshing of styles. Don't get me wrong...I could listen to the songs with just Simone singing all day long, but this kind of song is like you said, a rollercoaster that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Great stuff! Cheers!
That’s a Wall of Death! 🤟A Wall of Death is a form of moshing, it was invented by American hardcore punk band Sick of it All 🤟
The separation of the fans at the beginning created a so called "Wall of Death" which the named "Wall of Epica" here. It's quite typical for metal concerts. The place where the action takes place in front of the stage is called "mosh pit". Later in that video you see the fans running and "moshing" in a circle: That's called a "circle pit".
As others have pointed out that was a "wall of death" which separates the crowd into mock battle formation and we charge at each other, although Simone cleverly calls it the wall of Epica instead. I am a 40 something female metalhead and have been in many mosh pits, walls of death, and row pits. And acted as part of the shield wall keeping the pit circling, helping people when they fall, and protecting the crowd behind us. I know it sounds crazy but its a blast for those who love this music. There is "mosh pit etiquette" we do try not to hurt each other too much and we help people out when they do.
That’s the coolest thing ever!!!!!
@@thequestionqueens if not for the shield wall she C S mentioned, or retaining wall as I always called it due to my construction background, it could get a little dangerous for people around the pit. I'm 45 now and haven't been in a wall of death in many years, only circle pits. It seems like every show where a wall starts I happen to have an injury or I've previously consumed a little more than too much alcohol. Either way I've had to refrain from entering for either my safety or to keep from accidentally vomiting on others, mainly the second one. The pit may look chaotic but it's a polite, happy, organized, and respectful chaos. Everyone is there for a good time and if somebody gets a little too aggressive, they are usually pushed to the edge and asked to calm down. If there's an injury a corridor usually opens for them to exit then closes as they go by. It's really an interesting dynamic.
Please react to Epica -Design your universe to react to this band along with an Orchestra
Both female singers Simone Simone & Floor Jensen, both ADMITTED to being big fans of TARJA, and even Floor in a live video, said that TARJA was the one she learned from how to sing and was her biggest Influence and inspiration.
for a little "calmer" you can try "Epica featuring Apocalipyica-River" LOL
"What in the world?"
M E T A L ! ! !
🥰🥰🥰🎸🎸🎸❤️❤️❤️
OMG !!!! Your faces PRICELESS!!!!!
Hi debbie, this is normally the closing song of their concert, Unfortunately I was unther a similar rock, however I'm happy to discovered them just after Nightwish and now been to 2 of their concerts and one of nightwish. The wall of "epica" happens as far as I know in good order, if you don't want to participate there is time to be on the side line.... and when you look to the public and the music changes they wil stop ..... so well controlled. Although most of the time you cann't hear exact what they are singing, they have very deep lyrics as well, so it would be interesting also to read the lyrics before looking at the video's. We can make you a long list epica songs, which will blow your mind every thime in a different way...... enjoy this rabit hole it similar to nightwish a lot to discover and to enjoy 🤘🤘🤘
I’m so glad you discovered them and went to the concerts! You keep doing that and I’ll live vicariously through you when you tell me about them! 💙
You managed to survive C2O. Congrats! 🌀🌀🌀👋👋👋🤘🤘🤘
Look at how much fun they have on stage, that’s just fantastic. And you have to close down with a banger. This is one of there harder songs but you should check one of there more mellow songs with more voicetime for Simone!
I guess by now you Know what EPICA means !!!!🤣🤣🤣
Thats a moshpit!
Next Epica- Rivers feat Apocalyptica LIVE at AFAS, beautiful song 🔥🔥
This is as normal for Epica , as Romantiside is normal for Nightwish.
The moshpit at the beginning is normal for metal music. Simone is a siren for sure and very good friends with Floor. ❤❤
If you loved this watch the Retinal Circus version of the song Grace by Devin Townsend. Song doesn't showcase Devin's singing but does showcase Anneke Van Giersbergen who was an influence to Simone, and Floor Jansen.
It's called a wall of death or moshpit :) It's normal at metal concerts. I think you could say it's a bit of a "tribal" thing, something very characteristic of a metal subculture :). I, when I was younger, was doing this as well even though I'm a girl. It was always safe and a hell of a fun :p
Seen them live last Tuesday 😊
That is normal, it is their long time show closer. That tour they were like a machine.
For the perfect bookend to this song, you should react to the stunning ballad, Rivers. It perfectly demonstrates the band’s diversity in music.
The live version, featuring Apocalypta has just been released and it is a magical performance… ua-cam.com/video/7imPLmvLyQA/v-deo.html
Epica's Worlds! Greetings from Indonesia 🇮🇩🇮🇩🇮🇩🤘🤘🤘
The parting and then run into each other is called "The wall of death". It's quite fun. At an Epica concert it's renamed to "The wall of Epica". Here is a vid of a very big wall of death. ua-cam.com/video/73d8pMnMbKg/v-deo.html 🤘😎
Yes Southern Belle this is the ultimate concert experience and something you only can feel and fully understand if you’re there. The smell, the force of the sound, the magic interaction of people liking and enjoying the same music with the same passion. That’s the reason I hardly listen to studio work but spend most music money to concerts starting on the age of 13. The good news is my kids also love it. My daughter (19) travelled recently to another country to see and experience somebody performing. She had the night of her live and made new (music) friends. Next on we visit together will be Metallica and with my younger son Rammstein. The only thing beating a concertnight is a long weekend music festival. 🤘🎸🤘
Also time you start exploring Rammstein, even more crazy concert experience:
Du Hast
m.ua-cam.com/video/U5HAEzEk8QM/v-deo.html
Ich Will
ua-cam.com/video/QkBPoGCPE04/v-deo.html
Or some om the most amazing video clips
Deutchland
m.ua-cam.com/video/NeQM1c-XCDc/v-deo.html
Zeit
m.ua-cam.com/video/EbHGS_bVkXY/v-deo.html
There is so much more for fantastic concert experience, but this 4 will give you an intro to this amazing band from Germany!
Your comment really gave my heart happy wings. What a great thing to share with your daughter. Thank you for the links. I saved them all. 💙
I concur on the Ramstein reccomendation.
You should check out Kingdom of Heaven 3 from Omega Alive. It really showcases all the best parts of what Epica is capable of in music and entertainment.
If you wish to "see" another side of Epica, I would recommend "Stabat Mater Dolorosa" where Simone sings with Floor Jansen...
I had the opportunity to see Epica with Sabaton in Montreal, last October. It was "grandiose"!
Recomend this music
Epica - Rivers feat. Apocalyptica (Live)
@Debbie: I am proud of you. You survived C2O, one of the harshest 😂. As you already know Epica's diversity is huge. So if you want a fantastic epic one without Mark's growling - do "Unchain Utopia" from the Omega Alive. Angelic. No ballad. If you need Floor inside to calm down a little bit - "Sancta Terra" live Retrospect. And yes, Epica and NW are the best. I will see them live on Monday together with Apocalyptica. Another great reaction could be "Rise again" feat. Simone. 😍
Congrats on getting to see them!! Please let me know how it goes 🥰🎸❤️
That in beginning is called Wall of death ,or in this case a wall of Epica. Lol
La Cantata del Diablo (live Mexico 2017) - Mago de Öz----- > just a Master piece
Hijo de la Luna - Stravaganzza
The Crown And The Ring (Lament Of The Kings)Live 2008 - Manowar
Design your Universe (live Retrospect) / Cry for the Moon(live Retrospect) - Epica
I remember you - Skid Row (live)
Soulbound - Unleash the Archers
Burning Time (live) / Dracula - Iced Earth
Ategnatos / King - Eluveitie
This is one of the wildest. For a tone closer to Night wish and the like, try Storm the Sorrow or Unchained Utopia. They actually have good hooks to them.
Hell Yeah!!!!🤘🤘🤘🤘
Is anyone a tailor? We need Debbie to have a sweater made of pens when she listens to Epica. Lol
😂😂😂😂😂😂
This is one of their heavy songs! Epica is Symphonic Metal like Nightwish, but heavier 🤟
Next Epica song: “The Essence of Silence” Live!
While Essence is arguably my favorite Epica song, I think she should take a moment to switch to a calmer song and try Chasing The Dragon ... .... . . . ... >:D
Back in my day, that was called a slam pit, or mosh pit.....started when Punk Rock was born.
I have just seen on the screen you'd see this song and had to laugh. Because I knew what was coming! Had to watch your reaction to this and smiled all over my face all the time. Now you're into Epica! Everything before was nice, but I know this one would blow your mind. Love Epica, they are so good! Think you've found another rabbit hole. Epica and Nightwish are like twins, but Epica is the darker and heavier side of those two. They are like twins, yet so different. Right now I am more into Epica. They are so much fun!
So happy you enjoyed it along with me. They were amazing!
@@thequestionqueens Hi Debbie!
Honestly, I was a bit afraid when I saw which song you picked. I was like "shit, she'll never come back to Epica" 🙂Well, it's not their normal song, it's really among the heaviest and longest in their catalogue. This is what happens when you don't follow our suggestions. 😅 The good news is, you can now react to anything from Epica, as you are now toughened, hopefully. 😉 And don't worry, this was one of the very few songs with more growling than Simone's singing. In the vast majority of other songs, it's mostly Simone+choir and then some growls here and there (or no growls at all).
I can tell you that Epica music is very very varied. They have music for real metalheads, but also for mainstream listeners who normally listen to pop, etc. Epica ballads are wonderful! Better than 90% of what you'll ever hear on radio.
An example of a beautiful and radio-friendly song (from 2012) with a very cool video too:
EPICA - Storm The Sorrow (OFFICIAL VIDEO) ua-cam.com/video/dNoTvg0t52c/v-deo.html
Only 20 seconds of growling and it's really catchy, great melody and even lyrics if you wanna look them up.
@@thequestionqueens this song is pretty tough, especially this performance. It is my most favorite heavy song from them. It was fun to see how you couldn't believe it. 😊
This was one of the more heavy songs from them with a lot of harsh vocals. Here is a great Epica song to relax with: Dreamscape live at Pinkpop (acoustic) ua-cam.com/video/7b9q8ybwKNU/v-deo.html
Saved it. Thank you 💙
Thank you Debbie. Another great reaction! We love how while you might not be in your comfort zone, you power on through anyway, and appreciate / love the music for what it is, and the talents shown through the performances. My all time favourite Epica track is called Universal Death Squad (it’s not as bad as it sounds! 😂) and there is a great lyric video
m.ua-cam.com/video/P_Ys_W7ySkM/v-deo.html
As has been mentioned, the Omega Alive show, created during the pandemic, is just jaw dropping. I think you reacted to Rivers from that concert, but there are so many other great tracks from there. The other well featured concert is from 2013 (a great year for concerts!) and is called Retrospect. Again you have reacted to a couple of songs from that. I would recommend Chasing the Dragon
m.ua-cam.com/video/Dx-FsHAQHp8/v-deo.html
But in fact you could pick anything from there (Design your Universe for instance) and not go far wrong.
Looking forward to the next set of Symphonc Metal reactions, and Floor
Talking of Floor, two things. In case you missed it, she has a new single and her album being released this coming week. Also, I sent an email to the ask question queens mailbox, recommending a documentary called Soaring Highs and Brutal Lows: The Voices of Women in Metal. Here is the trailer. I found it very interesting indeed
m.ua-cam.com/video/zh-dIYn1ShQ/v-deo.html
Goed bezig!! In dutch. Love this performance!!
Well you wanted something that rocked.
Holy cow, did it ever! 💙🤩🎸
Awesome reaction my dear! Their traditional show closer and probably their heaviest song. Loved your reaction to your first wall of death/wall or Epica. When the band members circle their hands over their head they are calling for a circle pit which is a circular mosh pit. You have heard a ballad and one of their heaviest songs. Next you need to listen to their masterpiece Kingdom of Heaven Part 3 live from Omega Alive. There are Part 1 and Part 2 from earlier albums but you don't need to hear them to understand and appreciate Part 3. Part 1 is a good song and worth a listen. Part 2 is ok. I will second Unleashed live from the Retrospect concert and Design Your Universe from teh same concert. They also do some really fun acoustic stuff. Checkout Omegacoustic, ua-cam.com/video/tVERKQeQSRY/v-deo.html, which is an acoustic version of their title song Omega from their most recent full album.
That wall thing is the coolest thing!!! Thank you so much for all the information, and I saved the link that you gave me 💙
this is not their heaviest song, they have heavier ones, for example, Ascension dream state armageddon and The Great tribulation and there is one from the last EP, where there is no Simone's vocals at all, only growling, I forgot the name
Finally... Consign to Oblivion.. I knew you'll be here.. 😂
I don't understand what this song is about at all, but it is great to watch and hear🎉😂
It's a critique of the rat race modern lifestyle.
Congrats, you'r just discover the world of Epica, the absolute best in this genre, and thats not only my opinion, no offence to other great bands:)
TOTALLY Agree!! PHENOMENAL they are!
I see Epica, I click 👍
Brilliant. Cheers from the Netherlands :) !