THIS is classical technique in metal. Great stuff. :) If you want more content like this, please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE! www.patreon.com/ZachAnsley www.zachansleyvocals.com IG: @zachansleyvocals Twitch: zachansleyvocals Twitter:@zachansleyvocal discord.gg/YFz9bWR
Found you a few days ago and have been binge watching whenever I get a moment! :) if you get bored check out this performance by great white ... one of the best ive ever heard and id love to hear your input on it :D ua-cam.com/video/CEPzuFN7vGQ/v-deo.html
Simone is probably the best disciple of the "Tarja Turunen school" so to speak... She has the charisma, the posture on stage and she has the great technique and beautiful sound. I really like her. Epica has, in my perspective, the best ensemble, of the symphonic metal genre. They are very technical, exquisite musicians and the music is also very melodic and beautiful. Have seen them live a couple of times and everyone was taken aback by their professionalism and by how powerful their sound is. They are as good as in their records. Simone worked very hard on her technique and it paid off . I am always surprised by how good her vocals became, even with such intense touring. She always had a great instrument but now she has the control over it. Their stuff is not easy to sing. Also, I am glad that they kept the classical singing in their way of composing. She can certainly handle it without being college trained. She is the perfect embodiment of perfect combo of the contemporary and classical styles. Thank you for the analysis Zach.
I saw them this year too. They are certainly theatrical, in ways that honour Black Sabbath and the early metal bands on stage nicely! There's always a tiny hint of cheese thrown in too - not sure if this is meant to be tongue in cheek, or if it is simply Dutch humour (which I still don't get sometimes, despite living in NL for over a decade!) 😂
I enjoyed when you were making these kind of videos. I wish you hadn’t stopped and please don’t let all those wackos that were threatening you get to you. There were people like me who really appreciated you. I hope you get to a good place one day and can come back.
Funny enough, a few days ago I was looking up videos of Simone to post a request, and I decided not to because I couldn't find a live video where I could make out the lyrics she was singing. Now it all makes sense lmao.
Great video! Also I think Hansi Kursch would be an interesting singer to analyze, especially his live performances during early 2000s, so I'd be really glad if you gave him a shot. :)
Strongly agreed! Hansi is simply a must for the analysis. But I would not limit it to early 2000s only, given how much his technique changed over time, so it would be even better to make a longitudinal analysis of a sort. But I would be happy with anything Hansi related that Zach decides to make.
Really, really good analysis. I like Epica, but the lack of what my old teacher called exploded consonants does wear on you after awhile. I saw Epica with Eluveitie in Boston a few years ago, though, and some of those high notes were just brilliant even in a room with not the best sound
Man, here I was. Searching youtube for simone simons and as I noticed I had already watch all "relevant" search results for "simone simons" I changed my youtube search settings from relevant to "recent", and boom. There it was. Your video. I watched all 23:49 minutes of it. Thank you. And YES her voice has matured and progressed quite well. 😍🤘🏻
if zach's analysis wast so frowned upon in the youtube singing comunity his videos would reach more people, the fact that his videos dont appear on "relevant" results is just sad, 90% of the vocal coaches in YT are complete hacks, and they get recommended all the time
I only just found this - a bit late to the party... I was looking for ways to work out what my voice type is, and thought I'd browse analyses of my favourite singers. Have always loved the combo of Simone's voice with the metal instrumentals - an exciting mix. It was fascinating to have how she sings broken down like this, and it helped me understand some terminology that confused me before. Thanks Zach! I'd love to see more of these videos, even though I've still got no idea what pitch I sing at. Just starting to learn, you see... 😄
That was great! I really enjoy the analysis of singers I like even though I'm not a singer. For me to understand how they do what they do, or even what they're doing wrong brings me closer to the music. I also like Rick Beato who does the same but on the instrument side. I'd love to hear what you think about Charlotte Wessels from Delain.
Incredible video zach, I liked the more nuanced stuff, super informative and also I think very on point with her. Also, a lot of info for a song were she sings half of it, shows that you have a good ear. Even if it is a long song, they could have made it last like 4 minutes more and put more of her singing. Keep en going zach.
Thank you for this video. I have been having difficulties figuring out why my high notes always had a thin timber even though I thought I tried to raise my soft palette. Will continue work on my breath support. Thank you. 👍
P.s. A question: Epica being a high-energy band, could that little musical glottal stop that Simone does sometimes perhaps be a strategic way to save some air while she darts around the stage? Or is that something classically trained singers are trained to overcome for opera too? I just wondered... Metal isn't exactly sitting still music (on stage or in the pit) 🤔😵😈
OMG… I've been waiting for Simone's analysis. Thank you so much!! I'll comment on specific things you mentioned about her singing later on, but first I want to ask… What is her voice type? There are several debates online as to what her fach is, and no one seems to have a concrete answer on whether she's a mezzo or a soprano. I know it's flawed to voice type contemporary singers, but I'd hope it would be easier to determine what Simone is since she sounds more operatic than most as you said.
@@ZachAnsley Interesting! Thanks for the clarification. :) I was getting so confused lol EDIT: I've been doing some research, and unfortunately I don't agree. Zach, if you have time, could you please explain why Simone might be a mezzo? Even if she developed her classical singing to its fullest potential, I don't see her sounding like Bruna Castagna or Ebe Stignani. She seems to resemble lyric sopranos more, such as Clara Petrella, Claudia Muzio, and Dorothy Kirsten.
I agree on the criticism, I have thought the same so many times. I also really wonder why....(lazyness? out of shape?) Operatic is not the same as classical either.....I think many classical singers today sounds like thay have a potato in their throat, making the voice sound "foggy". The really old bel canto technique has a much clearer sound to it, whitch I prefer. It's what they used way back when, to actually sing without the microphone and still everyone at the concerts / operas would hear it. Nowadays everyone uses a microphone, so it's not really needed to sing that loud, but the purer/clearer sound is so much prettier! That way, the articulation will also be so much better. With a potato in your throat, every word will sound the same.
Finally someone mentions Simones under singing! That's the one thing that bothers me about her singing and I hope that for her own sake she will stop doing this. 😊
Our Liberty is at end just keep our eyes closed till the end but I know the song and I'm a Epica fan but I see what your saying I feel like shes does hold back maybe shes pacing herself
I love this song but this is not her best performance. I think a better song to take a look at her vocal abilities is "Chasing the dragon" from their "Retrospect" concert. Cool review
@@zoehelkin I meant by that in "Chasing the dragon" she shows more variety. She starts out like singing a kind ballad and the tempo slowly builds up to sounding more like metal.
Im pretty sure what you call undersinging was she going out of breath, this concert was very long. Take the video from the retrospect show of this same song to compare. Cheers, great video
I appreciate the you saying you were not going to analyze the male vocals because you do not teach that. It can be done in a healthy way but should only be taught by a professional that specializes in it. Just something I have noticed on your videos not trying to criticize but you did 3 singers I have watched so far from the Netherlands (Floor Jansen, Anneke van Giersbergen, and now Simone). they are not singing in their native language. They all have strong accents. Maybe try listening to the accents from the country the people you are analyzing would be helpful. In their country I think they would say you have an accent as well because all of us do. Learning languages I have had to concentrate on trying to use the right accent for the right language. I am sure that is not the most important thing to them as they mainly sing in Europe. Your videos are very detailed and the disclaimer at the start is important for people to remember.
I would watch the video the same way if you divided it in parts (because this way you could take more parts of the clip without having a copystrike I think)
Maybe because she is out of breath? Because she had a major glow up and doesnt do it anymore. she is the best singer allong with Tarja in this branche. And through the years she has evolve extremely! Its easyer to hold on at the oprah style then what she mixes with many styles with her voice. I’ve been following her/them for the very beginning and saw them many times live.
Hello! This was my first time watching one of your videos and I enjoyed it. I'm a huge Epica fan, and I've learned a bit from you, so thank you! I am not a trained singer, but I've been singing with Simone (in my car, once at a concert!) for over ten years, so she's kind of been my teacher! This 'undersinging' as you call it is intentional! I'm not sure why, but it is ever so pleasing to the Epica fan! I've added it to my singing and my 7year old daughter noticed the change, giggled with pleasure, and tried imitating! As I've mentioned before, I'm not trained, so I don't know the science behind it! Simone only adds it to her live music. All of her studio recordings are crisp and clean. :) Thanks for the video!!
I believe she was actually pregnant in this video. That's the reason she stopped if I'm not mistaken. She did the samething when she was 7 months pregnant the last time that I've seen the band play. My first time seeing them play is when she was a teenager. Yep she was only 18 or 19 when she joined the band.
A lot of the live videos I've seen of Epica, she is either pregnant or was quite ill during the performance (according to comments). Maybe it's just happy coincidence, so to speak.
@@photographerleia She was diagnosed with blood disease a few years back and I pretty sure she was pregnant in this video like 2 or 3 months. And yes, she was very ill during her North America tour in my city and she was pretty big and she sung beautifully but her pitch was out of key in rare occasions but I know she isn't like that from my experiences with her.
Why don't you pre-record the advisory in the beginning, so you don't have to say it everysingle time you make a new vid (good analysis by the way, but Holy shit is her voice boring
@@norsegamingtv1686 Thanks! Unleashed was good, think I'm just too fond of standard old school Metal and Thrash sung by men, Simone can sing beautifully but IMO it sounds like Opera fused with metal and I have a hard time getting excited about cranking up this genre of metal, thanks
THIS is classical technique in metal. Great stuff. :)
If you want more content like this, please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE!
www.patreon.com/ZachAnsley
www.zachansleyvocals.com
IG: @zachansleyvocals
Twitch: zachansleyvocals
Twitter:@zachansleyvocal
discord.gg/YFz9bWR
Done! Please analyze David Phelps or Corey Taylor.
Shes the best! Her technique its very good!
Found you a few days ago and have been binge watching whenever I get a moment! :) if you get bored check out this performance by great white ... one of the best ive ever heard and id love to hear your input on it :D ua-cam.com/video/CEPzuFN7vGQ/v-deo.html
Simone is probably the best disciple of the "Tarja Turunen school" so to speak... She has the charisma, the posture on stage and she has the great technique and beautiful sound. I really like her. Epica has, in my perspective, the best ensemble, of the symphonic metal genre. They are very technical, exquisite musicians and the music is also very melodic and beautiful. Have seen them live a couple of times and everyone was taken aback by their professionalism and by how powerful their sound is.
They are as good as in their records. Simone worked very hard on her technique and it paid off . I am always surprised by how good her vocals became, even with such intense touring. She always had a great instrument but now she has the control over it. Their stuff is not easy to sing. Also, I am glad that they kept the classical singing in their way of composing. She can certainly handle it without being college trained. She is the perfect embodiment of perfect combo of the contemporary and classical styles. Thank you for the analysis Zach.
I saw them this year too. They are certainly theatrical, in ways that honour Black Sabbath and the early metal bands on stage nicely! There's always a tiny hint of cheese thrown in too - not sure if this is meant to be tongue in cheek, or if it is simply Dutch humour (which I still don't get sometimes, despite living in NL for over a decade!) 😂
Another great video! I'm still getting into Epica but Simone is a really interesting singer and I really think you did her justice with this analysis.
I enjoyed when you were making these kind of videos. I wish you hadn’t stopped and please don’t let all those wackos that were threatening you get to you. There were people like me who really appreciated you. I hope you get to a good place one day and can come back.
Funny enough, a few days ago I was looking up videos of Simone to post a request, and I decided not to because I couldn't find a live video where I could make out the lyrics she was singing. Now it all makes sense lmao.
Great video! Also I think Hansi Kursch would be an interesting singer to analyze, especially his live performances during early 2000s, so I'd be really glad if you gave him a shot. :)
This, fucking this!
Strongly agreed! Hansi is simply a must for the analysis. But I would not limit it to early 2000s only, given how much his technique changed over time, so it would be even better to make a longitudinal analysis of a sort. But I would be happy with anything Hansi related that Zach decides to make.
Great analysis Zach, I was waiting the time you would analyze her because of her style and training.Awesome points very instructive. \m/
Really, really good analysis. I like Epica, but the lack of what my old teacher called exploded consonants does wear on you after awhile. I saw Epica with Eluveitie in Boston a few years ago, though, and some of those high notes were just brilliant even in a room with not the best sound
Man, here I was. Searching youtube for simone simons and as I noticed I had already watch all "relevant" search results for "simone simons" I changed my youtube search settings from relevant to "recent", and boom. There it was. Your video. I watched all 23:49 minutes of it. Thank you.
And YES her voice has matured and progressed quite well. 😍🤘🏻
if zach's analysis wast so frowned upon in the youtube singing comunity his videos would reach more people, the fact that his videos dont appear on "relevant" results is just sad, 90% of the vocal coaches in YT are complete hacks, and they get recommended all the time
I only just found this - a bit late to the party... I was looking for ways to work out what my voice type is, and thought I'd browse analyses of my favourite singers. Have always loved the combo of Simone's voice with the metal instrumentals - an exciting mix. It was fascinating to have how she sings broken down like this, and it helped me understand some terminology that confused me before. Thanks Zach! I'd love to see more of these videos, even though I've still got no idea what pitch I sing at. Just starting to learn, you see... 😄
Thanks for evaluating her voice. Simone is one of my favorite female singers ;)
That was great! I really enjoy the analysis of singers I like even though I'm not a singer. For me to understand how they do what they do, or even what they're doing wrong brings me closer to the music. I also like Rick Beato who does the same but on the instrument side.
I'd love to hear what you think about Charlotte Wessels from Delain.
Yeah Charlotte Wessels!!!!!
Fantastic analysis. Just found your channel, glad to learn with your videos. Cheers from Brazil
Incredible video zach, I liked the more nuanced stuff, super informative and also I think very on point with her.
Also, a lot of info for a song were she sings half of it, shows that you have a good ear. Even if it is a long song, they could have made it last like 4 minutes more and put more of her singing.
Keep en going zach.
Thanks for another great analysis. That's all I got -- I think you covered it all.
That's great, thank you Zach :)
Thank you for this video. I have been having difficulties figuring out why my high notes always had a thin timber even though I thought I tried to raise my soft palette. Will continue work on my breath support. Thank you. 👍
Feel free to sign up for an assessment, and I can probably help you out a bit. :)
Could you analyze Yannis Papadapoulos? He has a very Dimash-esque range, but he sings mostly metal.
yes
P.s. A question: Epica being a high-energy band, could that little musical glottal stop that Simone does sometimes perhaps be a strategic way to save some air while she darts around the stage? Or is that something classically trained singers are trained to overcome for opera too? I just wondered... Metal isn't exactly sitting still music (on stage or in the pit) 🤔😵😈
Great job! :)
Thank you! I love you :)
(I get to be sappy with my girlfriend :P)
Aww shucks. Ditto.
Get a chat room, you two. ;) lol
OMG… I've been waiting for Simone's analysis. Thank you so much!! I'll comment on specific things you mentioned about her singing later on, but first I want to ask… What is her voice type?
There are several debates online as to what her fach is, and no one seems to have a concrete answer on whether she's a mezzo or a soprano. I know it's flawed to voice type contemporary singers, but I'd hope it would be easier to determine what Simone is since she sounds more operatic than most as you said.
Mezzo soprano, definitely.
@@ZachAnsley Interesting! Thanks for the clarification. :) I was getting so confused lol
EDIT: I've been doing some research, and unfortunately I don't agree. Zach, if you have time, could you please explain why Simone might be a mezzo? Even if she developed her classical singing to its fullest potential, I don't see her sounding like Bruna Castagna or Ebe Stignani. She seems to resemble lyric sopranos more, such as Clara Petrella, Claudia Muzio, and Dorothy Kirsten.
REACT TO JINJER - PISCES (tatiana shmaylyuk)
I agree on the criticism, I have thought the same so many times. I also really wonder why....(lazyness? out of shape?) Operatic is not the same as classical either.....I think many classical singers today sounds like thay have a potato in their throat, making the voice sound "foggy". The really old bel canto technique has a much clearer sound to it, whitch I prefer. It's what they used way back when, to actually sing without the microphone and still everyone at the concerts / operas would hear it. Nowadays everyone uses a microphone, so it's not really needed to sing that loud, but the purer/clearer sound is so much prettier! That way, the articulation will also be so much better. With a potato in your throat, every word will sound the same.
Finally someone mentions Simones under singing! That's the one thing that bothers me about her singing and I hope that for her own sake she will stop doing this. 😊
Please analyze Laura Macri of Mayan!
About breath support: This was the last song of the show. This might be an explanation wouldn't it?
Very possibly, yes :)
Our Liberty is at end just keep our eyes closed till the end but I know the song and I'm a Epica fan but I see what your saying I feel like shes does hold back maybe shes pacing herself
I love this song but this is not her best performance. I think a better song to take a look at her vocal abilities is "Chasing the dragon" from their "Retrospect" concert.
Cool review
I think this is more representative of her usual performance. You don't pick the best one to judge her vocal consistency.
@@zoehelkin I meant by that in "Chasing the dragon" she shows more variety. She starts out like singing a kind ballad and the tempo slowly builds up to sounding more like metal.
Im pretty sure what you call undersinging was she going out of breath, this concert was very long. Take the video from the retrospect show of this same song to compare. Cheers, great video
Please make analysis of Charlotte Wessels (Delain). She has an interesting tembre
I appreciate the you saying you were not going to analyze the male vocals because you do not teach that. It can be done in a healthy way but should only be taught by a professional that specializes in it. Just something I have noticed on your videos not trying to criticize but you did 3 singers I have watched so far from the Netherlands (Floor Jansen, Anneke van Giersbergen, and now Simone). they are not singing in their native language. They all have strong accents. Maybe try listening to the accents from the country the people you are analyzing would be helpful. In their country I think they would say you have an accent as well because all of us do. Learning languages I have had to concentrate on trying to use the right accent for the right language. I am sure that is not the most important thing to them as they mainly sing in Europe. Your videos are very detailed and the disclaimer at the start is important for people to remember.
I would watch the video the same way if you divided it in parts (because this way you could take more parts of the clip without having a copystrike I think)
Zach, you should do an analysis of Britney Slays from Unleash the Archers. Here’s a live video of her! ua-cam.com/video/HyrU414sfzQ/v-deo.html
Can you teach me how to sing like Simone?😎
Sure! I can at least teach the technique.
@@ZachAnsley Thank you. Where do I sign in?
Go go my site and sign up for a free 30 minute assessment and we can talk about it!
www.zachansleyvocals.com
@@ZachAnsley Ok, I will, thanks a lot!
Maybe because she is out of breath? Because she had a major glow up and doesnt do it anymore. she is the best singer allong with Tarja in this branche. And through the years she has evolve extremely! Its easyer to hold on at the oprah style then what she mixes with many styles with her voice. I’ve been following her/them for the very beginning and saw them many times live.
This performance was the last song tho! Maybe she was little out of breath
Hello! This was my first time watching one of your videos and I enjoyed it. I'm a huge Epica fan, and I've learned a bit from you, so thank you! I am not a trained singer, but I've been singing with Simone (in my car, once at a concert!) for over ten years, so she's kind of been my teacher! This 'undersinging' as you call it is intentional! I'm not sure why, but it is ever so pleasing to the Epica fan! I've added it to my singing and my 7year old daughter noticed the change, giggled with pleasure, and tried imitating! As I've mentioned before, I'm not trained, so I don't know the science behind it! Simone only adds it to her live music. All of her studio recordings are crisp and clean. :) Thanks for the video!!
Will watch later but just wanted to say "Hey how is your week going so far?"
"Can you hear the words she's singing?"
No - but in Epica's case that's definitely a good thing.
I believe she was actually pregnant in this video. That's the reason she stopped if I'm not mistaken. She did the samething when she was 7 months pregnant the last time that I've seen the band play. My first time seeing them play is when she was a teenager. Yep she was only 18 or 19 when she joined the band.
A lot of the live videos I've seen of Epica, she is either pregnant or was quite ill during the performance (according to comments). Maybe it's just happy coincidence, so to speak.
@@photographerleia She was diagnosed with blood disease a few years back and I pretty sure she was pregnant in this video like 2 or 3 months. And yes, she was very ill during her North America tour in my city and she was pretty big and she sung beautifully but her pitch was out of key in rare occasions but I know she isn't like that from my experiences with her.
Odin Allfather no, she was pregnant in 2013. Here she was not, just tired voice.
Question yes, that’s the last song of the set!
Why don't you pre-record the advisory in the beginning, so you don't have to say it everysingle time you make a new vid (good analysis by the way, but Holy shit is her voice boring
I just don't get the attraction to this style of metal.
Then go listen to pop.
@@norsegamingtv1686 I'm a metal head,no pop. What's Simone's biggest,most popular song? I'll give it a chance and listen to it,maybe I'll like it.
@@iddddaduncan Try Victims of Contingency...her vocals make a good contrast to the growls.
@@iddddaduncan Try Unleashed or Storm of Sorrow.
@@norsegamingtv1686 Thanks! Unleashed was good, think I'm just too fond of standard old school Metal and Thrash sung by men, Simone can sing beautifully but IMO it sounds like Opera fused with metal and I have a hard time getting excited about cranking up this genre of metal, thanks