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Epica is a Dutch goth metal band which puts emphasis on the use of operatic elements, also employing death grunts and song passages in the Latin language. It was assembled 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 she was shortly after replaced by the then unknown mezzo-soprano Simone Simons, girlfriend of Jansen. The band's line-up was completed by guitarist Ad Sluijter, drummer Jeron Simons, bassist Yves Huts and keyboard player Coen Jansen. 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 - counting with 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" makes reference 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 counts with guest singing by Roy Khan (from Kamelot) on the song "Trois Vierges", which was composed to integrate the soundtrack of the film Joyride.
Line-up
- Simone Simons - Soprano vocals
- Mark Jansen - Guitar, death grunts
- Ad Sluijter - Guitar
- Yves Huts - Bass
- Coen Janssen - Synthesizer
- Jeroen Simons - Drums
Discography
Albums
- The Phantom Agony (2003)
- Consign to Oblivion (2005)
- The Score ~ An Epic Journey (2005)
Other releases
- The Phantom Agony (Single, 2003)
- Feint (2004)
- Cry For the Moon (Single, 2004)
- We Will Take You With Us (DVD, 2004)
- Solitary Ground (Single, 2005)