Metal Moment – Epica

Haven’t had one of these in a while, so here’s an introduction to Epica, a operatic metal band from the Netherlands. The main vocalist, Simone Simons has probably the most beautiful voice I have heard and she is definitely my favourite female singer. Here’s Mother of Light from their 2005 album Consign to Oblivion:

Here’s Cry for the Moon from their first CD:

Their general sound hasn’t changed much over the years: a beautiful operatic soprano mixed with rough growls over a excellent metal with heavy symphonic elements, but they’ve always managed to keep it fresh and interesting. Here’s Quantum Enigma from their most recent CD:

Here’s something a bit slower and softer, Feint, also from Phantom Agony:

Finally, from their live album, a metal version of Dies Irae. It’s one of the very few live albums I’ve ever felt worth purchasing:

 

 

 

 

8 comments

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  4. Personally I view Floor Jansen’s work with AFTER FOREVER, REVAMP, and NIGHTWISH to be a lot better than EPICA, but that’s just me. Floor’s versatility is incredible. She does the full range- clear powerful vocals, death-metal growling, operatic singing, the lot. And she’s a great songwriter to boot.

  6. Personally, I have a soft spot for the band Therion, especially for their album “Theli”. Listen to the instrumental track fittingly titled “Postludium/Grand Finale” someday.

    I agree that the lead vocalist of Epica has a beautiful voice, but the style of male growling in “Cry For The Moon” might be different than it was. It reminds me of Garm (Kriss Rygg) from Arcturus/Ulver and it’s not a compliment. I prefer the voices of Fernando Ribeiro from Moonspell and Stefan Hertrich from Shiva in Exile (for example in his one-album experiment named SpiRitual).

    You might also try bands Theatre of Tragedy and Leaves’ Eyes, if you haven’t yet. I find the voice of Liv Kristine to be rather ‘mellow’ and quite relaxing to listen to.

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