Epica | Artist
Epica is a Dutch symphonic metal band formed 2003 in Beesel, The Netherlands by guitarist and vocalist Mark Jansen. Jansen was formerly with Dutch symphonic metal band After Forever. Epica's first lineup comprised Simone Simons (vocals), Mark Jansen (guitar, vocals), Coen Janssen (keyboards), Ad Sluijter (guitar), Jeroen Simons (drums), and Yves Huts (bass). The current day lineup sees the replacemenmt of Sluiter, Simon, and Huts, with Isaac Delahaye (guitar), Ariën van Weesenbeek (drums), and Rob van der Loo (bass). Originally formed as a symphonic metal band with gothic influences, Epica later incorporated strong death metal elements into their sound. From their third album onwards, progressive metal influences became increasingly evident. Songs also incorporated electronic elements, djent transitions, and folk metal melodies inspired by Middle Eastern, Chinese, and Celtic traditions. In 2003, Epica released its debut album, The Phantom Agony, through Transmission Records. Consign to Oblivion followed in 2005, debuting at #12 on the Dutch charts. The band then signed with Nuclear Blast and released its third studio album, The Divine Conspiracy, which charted at #9 in the Netherlands. Design Your Universe (2009) brought the band even greater success, debuting at #8 on the Dutch Albums Chart and charting across Europe, while also receiving widespread critical acclaim. They have since gone on to release 11 studio albums to-date plus several excellent live albums. Standout albums include Consign to Oblivion (2005), The Divine Conspiracy (2007), Design Your Universe (2009), The Quantum Enigma (2014), and the live album The Classical Conspiracy (2009). Epica is recognized for its extensive use of orchestral arrangements and operatic choirs. The album The Classical Conspiracy displays the band's reverence for classical music, with interpretations of pieces by Antonio Vivaldi, AntonÃn Dvořák, Giuseppe Verdi, Edvard Grieg. Charismatic front-woman for the band Simone Simons joined when she was seventeen and was in a relationship with band leader Mark Jansen. She is now married to Oliver Palotai, keyboardist from power metal band Kamelot. As a live act the band is renowned for spectacular performances featuring masses of visual effects, backup dancers, and pyrotechnics.
Artist Website: epica.nl
Featured Albums: Epica
Related Artists: Simone Simons, Mark Jansen, Coen Jannsen
