this song was written almost 20 years ago and since then they play it at the end of almost every concert (with very rare exceptions). Quite heavy and difficult to perceive at first listen, but nevertheless absolutely epic. especially at this show. I think, despite all their concerts with an orchestra, this song and this show are the benchmark for the band. Quite different from "Arcana", right?))))) well, now you can definitely see the difference between Epica and the same Nightwish. so, the song was written quite a long time ago and the transitions in it are done well, but it seems like they make similar progressive tracks even better now. For example, their prog symphonic metal masterpiece "Kingdom of heaven part 3" from the 2021 album. And yes, the keyboardist has a synthesizer that moves around the stage 😁 and he also has a wireless keyboard, with which he sometimes surfs in the crowd 😁
Theres more operatic voice from Simone in the older songs. Epica - design your univers (Retrospect live) is another older favorite with full orchestra. Epica - Kingdom of Heaven Pt3 (Omega Alive) is from the pandemic time and was from a stream show. No crowd and more of a live studio recording with an amazing stage.
Simone’s vocal style varies a lot, especially in later years. Her voice has developed so much through the years. Consign to Oblivion is the title track from their second album, released in 2005. The live version from AFAS Live from 2023 is also excellent.
I personally prefer a less operatic style, more belting, but in Arcana it feels like the perfect mixture. :) Would be cool to see a 2023 version of the song at some point, maybe I'll just watch it for myself. Thank you
Hey man. You passed the test. Many epicans already mentioned it, bit this song is (1) a classic closer of their live shows (2) it’s heavy as fuck but a great way to finish their shows (3) an old song in their repertoir, and Epica evolved so much since then and might not be their ‘signature’ sound (even though bast discography) (4) Simone plays a quite different -and a bit more ‘secondary’- role in the song which might be unexpected You have plenty of recomendations to continue this journey, and you can’t go wrong. So much to discover! We will be here with you to enjoy this rabbit hole. Cheers from Uruguay!
Didn't know it was a test haha, but glad I passed it. :D Absolutely true, I was a bit surprised at how Simone didn't feel like the primary singer in this. I'm so happy that I discovered them so late, because I have so much to go through now. :D Cheers from Austria!
This song is the core of Epica. Arcana is more towards pop, but this song is built upon the balance between light and Dark. There are quiet some years between this concert and Arcana. Simone's voice continues to evolve. This is the song I often refer to when I try to explain the difference between EPICA and other Symphonic metal bands. They are darker and heavier. But thanks to her voice, they also amazing balads to discover. They will continue to impress you with every song. So have fun with your journey :)
From classical to melodic death passages in minutes, This is Epica 🔥 I will join the chorus of comments and suggest Kingdom of Heaven part 3 from Omega Alive next haha Despite its recent release, I already consider it a masterpiece of the genre.
It's a very old song but a banger for us fans. Simone used to sing more operatic before. Time to do Kingdom of Heaven part 1 and 3 from Omega Alive(these are 13min songs, works of art) and Unleashed live at AFAS.
Yes, when I looked it up I was very surprised to find out, that the song is from 2005 I believe. Almost 20 years now. Will do these as well, but I think next on the list is 'Essence of Silence'. :)
Epica’ a stage chemistry is one of the reasons they’re my favorite group to see live-they always look like they’re just having a good time playing with their friends. Consign to Oblivion is a classic for sure! Maybe not the most representative of their sound and current level, but it’s just SO epic that this video will always be one of the most popular reaction requests. It’s also a mainstay on their concert setlist along with Beyond the Matrix-at the first show I went to of theirs, the venue prohibited walls of death, so they did a wall of hugs instead XD I love when people see it who actually recognize that Coen is playing the French anthem on the keyboard! It’s so funny! The time signature weirdness is something of much debate. No one knows exactly what they’re doing, but it works. And yes, the keyboard does move-it’s on a track on the riser and has a little platform on the bottom for his feet. That guy is way too energetic to stay still the whole show. I don’t remember if you’ve seen his other keyboard yet, but that’ll blow your mind too. For Simone, yeah this is definitely a song where she’s kind of playing an ‘angelic” part to contrast the harsh vocals, and you’ll also notice that she’s singing along as part of the choir, so she’s gotta stay in that similar tone. She was also sick during this performance, which is why you noticed she doesn’t have as much power as she usually seems to. That said, I really love this performance for some of the note choices she makes that aren’t in the original. Even sick, the clarity and beauty of her voice are just unmatched. Now, as always, some recommendations for you. I love that you really explain your thoughts about each new video, cuz I hope to be able to suggest songs you’ll like a lot! I’ve probably recommended some of these before, but anyway: *The Obsessive Devotion (Poland Rock)*-this one has a similar format to Consign to Oblivion where it’s a longer composition, on the heavier side and more of the guys’ show with a lot of growls and instrumental sections. But this particular performance from Poland Rock I just LOVE Simone’s vocals on, and I think you’ll enjoy the contrast from her more delicate operatic tone here. *The Essence of Silence (Official Live)*-another iconic older song from their discography that goes heavy but also has just amazing orchestration, more choir, and beautiful interplay between the harsh and clean vocals. *Victims of Contingency (Omega Alive)*-a short but epic, heavy song with an awesome mix of vocals. It was one of the finale songs for their online streamed concert, so they really let loose and have fun and it’s just a joy to watch. *Code of Life (AFAS Live)*-a kind of different one; a bunch of the band members have music degrees, which is what makes their composition so good, and this song takes a lot of influence from middle eastern music, which is a trait I don’t think you’ve gotten to explore much of in Epica’s discography yet. It was also written by the keyboardist, Coen Janssen.
The keyboard player (Coen) is the prankster of the band, he is always up to something. His keyboard is wireless and can move around on a rail system that's built into the stage elements. (so he won't ever roll off the stage) Also, his keyboard stand is made such that it can spin infinitely without getting stuck or dropping off. Also: He didn't scream, he was just miming and Simone was playing along. Only Mark (playing the rhythm guitar and the main growler) and Isaac (lead guitar player) growl, usually. As for the time signature (was the word you were looking for) is usually pretty interesting in a lot of songs. It keeps especially the longer songs interesting. They also play 7 string guitars and a 5 string bass. Yeah, they are that kind of band :P Plenty of intricate lines to be found in their songs. Having seem them live many times over that last 15 years or so, I can confirm they have only become better over the years. Enjoy your Epica journey. ;)
They got me good with that one haha. That Keyboard installment is sooooo crazy. I like that they mix it up a bit and thank you for telling me, "Time Signature" I'll try to remember that, gonna need it in future songs I think. :) Just realized I didn't have a closer look on the instruments at all, didn't realize they play 7-strings, also the guitars and bass didn't feel like they were tuned that low. :O Also there is now shame in using 7-Strings (I got one to...:D). I will and thank you for sharing your knowledge. :)
Coen, on the keyboard, is not actually the one screaming/growling in the beginning. It's just him and Simone goofing around. I love it. The voice you hear is Mark's and possibly Isaac's - he also does some growls.
Actually its not the keyboard player (coen) that makes that scream, its Mark Jansen who also do the growls, Epica just thought it could be fun pretending Coen did it..lol Hes keyboard got tracks on the stage floor, he can move it on, and take a surf.. Epica is fun to warch live, well first of all its great music, also they do have fun, interact with eachother, and the fans.. Next Kingdom of heaven part 3 from (Omega alive) Could also be Kingdom of heaven part 1, same show..
Hahahaha, I read that in a few comments now, quite embarrassed that I didn't catch that..., they made a fool out of me. xD That keyboard installation is so fun, never seen anything like that before. For the Kingdom of heavens, shouldn't I start with the first one?
@@kaNjiXIII They are both great, you do not have to start with first one, its a even call for me almost, where you should start.... Now the Omega alive is without crowd, as its a concert made during pandemic, but its really cool stage setups, it works really good still, and show off Epicas skills..
if not been 1/4th is off for you :) dont go any further. thats the main thing that i like they switch it up so often. harder to listen to, but you get used to it and then allot of other things sound boring !
![NISAMANEE - TADA (ท้าดา) [ OFFICIAL MV ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/hcQHEPMmJpU/mqdefault.jpg)
"Kingdom of Heaven Part 3" is my favorite. ••• PEACES!!!
Very high up on my list. :)
this song was written almost 20 years ago and since then they play it at the end of almost every concert (with very rare exceptions). Quite heavy and difficult to perceive at first listen, but nevertheless absolutely epic. especially at this show. I think, despite all their concerts with an orchestra, this song and this show are the benchmark for the band. Quite different from "Arcana", right?))))) well, now you can definitely see the difference between Epica and the same Nightwish.
so, the song was written quite a long time ago and the transitions in it are done well, but it seems like they make similar progressive tracks even better now. For example, their prog symphonic metal masterpiece "Kingdom of heaven part 3" from the 2021 album.
And yes, the keyboardist has a synthesizer that moves around the stage 😁 and he also has a wireless keyboard, with which he sometimes surfs in the crowd 😁
Theres more operatic voice from Simone in the older songs.
Epica - design your univers (Retrospect live) is another older favorite with full orchestra.
Epica - Kingdom of Heaven Pt3 (Omega Alive) is from the pandemic time and was from a stream show. No crowd and more of a live studio recording with an amazing stage.
Simone’s vocal style varies a lot, especially in later years. Her voice has developed so much through the years.
Consign to Oblivion is the title track from their second album, released in 2005. The live version from AFAS Live from 2023 is also excellent.
I personally prefer a less operatic style, more belting, but in Arcana it feels like the perfect mixture. :)
Would be cool to see a 2023 version of the song at some point, maybe I'll just watch it for myself.
Thank you
Hey man. You passed the test. Many epicans already mentioned it, bit this song is (1) a classic closer of their live shows (2) it’s heavy as fuck but a great way to finish their shows (3) an old song in their repertoir, and Epica evolved so much since then and might not be their ‘signature’ sound (even though bast discography) (4) Simone plays a quite different -and a bit more ‘secondary’- role in the song which might be unexpected
You have plenty of recomendations to continue this journey, and you can’t go wrong. So much to discover!
We will be here with you to enjoy this rabbit hole.
Cheers from Uruguay!
Didn't know it was a test haha, but glad I passed it. :D
Absolutely true, I was a bit surprised at how Simone didn't feel like the primary singer in this.
I'm so happy that I discovered them so late, because I have so much to go through now. :D
Cheers from Austria!
This song is the core of Epica. Arcana is more towards pop, but this song is built upon the balance between light and Dark.
There are quiet some years between this concert and Arcana. Simone's voice continues to evolve.
This is the song I often refer to when I try to explain the difference between EPICA and other Symphonic metal bands. They are darker and heavier. But thanks to her voice, they also amazing balads to discover.
They will continue to impress you with every song. So have fun with your journey :)
From classical to melodic death passages in minutes, This is Epica 🔥
I will join the chorus of comments and suggest Kingdom of Heaven part 3 from Omega Alive next haha
Despite its recent release, I already consider it a masterpiece of the genre.
Proud Dutchie here. Next year finally gonna see them live for the first time ever.
They are really something to be proud of as a country. :) Oh, so happy for you, will it also be with an Orchestra?
It's a very old song but a banger for us fans. Simone used to sing more operatic before. Time to do Kingdom of Heaven part 1 and 3 from Omega Alive(these are 13min songs, works of art) and Unleashed live at AFAS.
Yes, when I looked it up I was very surprised to find out, that the song is from 2005 I believe. Almost 20 years now.
Will do these as well, but I think next on the list is 'Essence of Silence'. :)
@@kaNjiXIII Great choice! Live please :)
Epica’ a stage chemistry is one of the reasons they’re my favorite group to see live-they always look like they’re just having a good time playing with their friends.
Consign to Oblivion is a classic for sure! Maybe not the most representative of their sound and current level, but it’s just SO epic that this video will always be one of the most popular reaction requests. It’s also a mainstay on their concert setlist along with Beyond the Matrix-at the first show I went to of theirs, the venue prohibited walls of death, so they did a wall of hugs instead XD
I love when people see it who actually recognize that Coen is playing the French anthem on the keyboard! It’s so funny! The time signature weirdness is something of much debate. No one knows exactly what they’re doing, but it works. And yes, the keyboard does move-it’s on a track on the riser and has a little platform on the bottom for his feet. That guy is way too energetic to stay still the whole show. I don’t remember if you’ve seen his other keyboard yet, but that’ll blow your mind too.
For Simone, yeah this is definitely a song where she’s kind of playing an ‘angelic” part to contrast the harsh vocals, and you’ll also notice that she’s singing along as part of the choir, so she’s gotta stay in that similar tone. She was also sick during this performance, which is why you noticed she doesn’t have as much power as she usually seems to. That said, I really love this performance for some of the note choices she makes that aren’t in the original. Even sick, the clarity and beauty of her voice are just unmatched.
Now, as always, some recommendations for you. I love that you really explain your thoughts about each new video, cuz I hope to be able to suggest songs you’ll like a lot! I’ve probably recommended some of these before, but anyway:
*The Obsessive Devotion (Poland Rock)*-this one has a similar format to Consign to Oblivion where it’s a longer composition, on the heavier side and more of the guys’ show with a lot of growls and instrumental sections. But this particular performance from Poland Rock I just LOVE Simone’s vocals on, and I think you’ll enjoy the contrast from her more delicate operatic tone here.
*The Essence of Silence (Official Live)*-another iconic older song from their discography that goes heavy but also has just amazing orchestration, more choir, and beautiful interplay between the harsh and clean vocals.
*Victims of Contingency (Omega Alive)*-a short but epic, heavy song with an awesome mix of vocals. It was one of the finale songs for their online streamed concert, so they really let loose and have fun and it’s just a joy to watch.
*Code of Life (AFAS Live)*-a kind of different one; a bunch of the band members have music degrees, which is what makes their composition so good, and this song takes a lot of influence from middle eastern music, which is a trait I don’t think you’ve gotten to explore much of in Epica’s discography yet. It was also written by the keyboardist, Coen Janssen.
The keyboard player (Coen) is the prankster of the band, he is always up to something. His keyboard is wireless and can move around on a rail system that's built into the stage elements. (so he won't ever roll off the stage) Also, his keyboard stand is made such that it can spin infinitely without getting stuck or dropping off.
Also: He didn't scream, he was just miming and Simone was playing along. Only Mark (playing the rhythm guitar and the main growler) and Isaac (lead guitar player) growl, usually.
As for the time signature (was the word you were looking for) is usually pretty interesting in a lot of songs. It keeps especially the longer songs interesting. They also play 7 string guitars and a 5 string bass. Yeah, they are that kind of band :P Plenty of intricate lines to be found in their songs.
Having seem them live many times over that last 15 years or so, I can confirm they have only become better over the years.
Enjoy your Epica journey. ;)
They got me good with that one haha.
That Keyboard installment is sooooo crazy.
I like that they mix it up a bit and thank you for telling me, "Time Signature" I'll try to remember that, gonna need it in future songs I think. :)
Just realized I didn't have a closer look on the instruments at all, didn't realize they play 7-strings, also the guitars and bass didn't feel like they were tuned that low. :O
Also there is now shame in using 7-Strings (I got one to...:D).
I will and thank you for sharing your knowledge. :)
Coen, on the keyboard, is not actually the one screaming/growling in the beginning. It's just him and Simone goofing around. I love it. The voice you hear is Mark's and possibly Isaac's - he also does some growls.
That's so mean of them, fooling people like that. xD
Kingdom of heaven part 1 next song at (omega alive show 🔥)
Yes!!
Gonna be one of the next songs. :)
Actually its not the keyboard player (coen) that makes that scream, its Mark Jansen who also do the growls, Epica just thought it could be fun pretending Coen did it..lol
Hes keyboard got tracks on the stage floor, he can move it on, and take a surf..
Epica is fun to warch live, well first of all its great music, also they do have fun, interact with eachother, and the fans..
Next Kingdom of heaven part 3 from (Omega alive)
Could also be Kingdom of heaven part 1, same show..
Hahahaha, I read that in a few comments now, quite embarrassed that I didn't catch that..., they made a fool out of me. xD
That keyboard installation is so fun, never seen anything like that before.
For the Kingdom of heavens, shouldn't I start with the first one?
@@kaNjiXIII They are both great, you do not have to start with first one, its a even call for me almost, where you should start....
Now the Omega alive is without crowd, as its a concert made during pandemic, but its really cool stage setups, it works really good still, and show off Epicas skills..
🤘🤘
if not been 1/4th is off for you :) dont go any further. thats the main thing that i like they switch it up so often. harder to listen to, but you get used to it and then allot of other things sound boring !