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Epica (band)

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Epica
File:Epica.jpg
Background information
Years active2003-present
MembersSimone Simons
Mark Jansen
Ad Sluijter
Yves Huts
Coen Janssen
Jeroen Simons

Epica is a Dutch symphonic metal band which puts emphasis on the use of operatic elements, and death grunts, also performing some song passages in the Latin language. It was founded by guitarist and vocalist Mark Jansen subsequent to his departure from After Forever.

Biography

In late 2002, Mark Jansen left After Forever due to creative differences and began looking for musicians to integrate a new musical project, initially named Sahara Dust. In early 2003, the band counted with Helena Michaelsen (from Trail of Tears) as its frontwoman, but shortly after she was replaced by the then unknown mezzo-soprano Simone Simons, girlfriend of Jansen. The band's line-up was completed by guitarist Ad Sluijter, drummer Jeroen Simons, bassist Yves Huts and keyboard player Coen Janssen. Their name was changed to Epica, inspired by Kamelot's album Epica.

Epica then assembled a choir — made up of six men and six women — and a strings orchestra — three violins, two violas, two cellos and a double bass — to play along with them. Their debut album — The Phantom Agony — was produced by Sacha Paeth (known for having previously produced bands such as Angra, Rhapsody and Kamelot) and was released in late 2003.

Their second release, entitled Consign to Oblivion, was influenced by the culture of the Maya civilization, a fact which can be noticed, for example, on songs which integrate the "A New Age Dawns" arch. "A New Age Dawns" refers to the time system of the Mayan people, which extends up to the year of 2012, and makes no reference of what may happen past said year. Consign to Oblivion was composed with film scores as a basis, with Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman being cited as major inspirations. The album features guest singing by Roy Khan (from Kamelot) on the song "Trois Vierges". Epica also joined Kamelot as a support band on parts of their tour for promotion of the The Black Halo album, and the band's performance in Rockefeller Music Hall, Oslo will also be featured on Kamelot's live DVD that is set to be released on 2006.

Epica's The Score - An Epic Journey — was released in September 2005 and is the soundtrack for a Dutch movie called Joyride, though it can also be seen as their third album. Characterised by guitarist, Mark Jansen, the album is "Typically Epica. Only without the singing, without the guitars, no bass and no drums"[1].

Line-up

Discography

Albums

Other releases

Notes

  1. ^ CD Booklet from The Score ~ An Epic Journey

Official websites

Epica at online databases

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