Hi Nikky! Sharing honest opinions it what makes it interesting, we don’t all have to agree ;) I would suggest checking out newer songs from EPICA such us “Code of Life” or “Beyond the Matrix”, both from AFAS Live. I think you will be impressed and enjoy the performance (and singing). Cheers!
8:50 Honest opinion there is much appreciated. But.. 😇 I don't believe it's a matter of pitch i.e. how high a singer goes. I mean it's not that Simone goes higher than, cuz she doesn't. I've seen other comments already describing it as "colouring" or "roundness" and the relative lack thereof in Simone's higher register compared to Floor's. I have the same experience. Your "but.." is the reason why Simone's voice - especially her early to mid career one - was an acquired taste for me. Not just in her upper register but also in her mid-range or "speaking voice". Too much fwd placement for my taste and too "thin" in the head-dominant range. But that's compared to Floor, whose voice is richer to begin with and who is a complete natural which is tied to her physical features. You know what Simone was told when she auditioned for Epica (a.k.a. Sahara Dust)? "You have a nice voice, but your technique is sh!t" that's how Mark remembered it in an interview. The Dutch word here is "kvt" with the u for v (YT can y hear me? No? Good). 😉 The message was conveyed in a slightly more diplomatic way according to Mark. Over the years Simone's vocal performances changed way more than Floor's and I'd say that even within the last couple of years her voice got even better. This particular song was 11+ yrs ago and the Zenith abt 6 if I'm not mistaken? Saw them this summer at the Summer Breeze festival in Germany. They stood out in every respect. Check their Exit 2023 live concert for reference. Top class performance. Cheers from Amsterdam! 🤘
😂LUL!! Yeah, nothing to do with the actual p!tch. Nasal resonance and overtones due to one's anatomical features. It also sounds like Simone was trying to imitate Tarja early in her career. Thank goth she grew out of it!🙏 "Slightly more diplomatic way", how exactly did it sound? L!nk to de interview perhaps? Oh.. yeah.. never mind. Title of the video, I mean.😊 One thing aboot Smoon is that she can totally handle non-diplomatic ways. Girl's got a diiirty sense of humour. Kind of an acquired taste too tbh...
@@noneofyerbeeswax8194 Simone likes dirty jokes, she is great :) Yes she was inspired by Tarja and she tried to sing like her, but it resulted in a very unique sound. No one else sounds like Simone did, and even though it was not good technically, there are many fans who loved that voice and they still say they are "missing her young voice" in many many comments. Vocal coaches may say whatever they want but I loved that voice too. I'm still enjoying those 2004 and 2006 performances a lot. Whenever she switches into that headvoice, it's an eargasm. It was one of the main reasons I got hooked on Epica. I'm glad Simone doesn't just sound like any other opera singer. Speaking of nasal sound, that's why I like Charlotte Wessels. It's simply her typical sound and it would sound odd to me if she somehow changed her sound to less nasal :)
Song is from the 2012 album, Requiem For the Indifferent. Lyrics by Simone, music by Coen and Simone. So you prefer more traditional voice as opposed to the operatic style. Try "The Final Lullaby" featuring Shining ,music video, it was played live, actually debuted live, at the 20th anniversary concert last year, video uses some of that footage.
The 1st thing that struck me about this is the mix. Simone's vocals are great, but they are mixed to high above the instrumentation. This gives great clarity, makes her tambre so much more piercing, but I think it would sound better live where the music would be stronger and give more breadth to her sound.
@@nikkireviews Great live version is from Masters of Rock 2014. Simone was on fire! 😉There are 2 songs in that one video. And then there is an acoustic version of this song! Totally different vibes, I think you should definitely watch it. Just search "Storm the Sorrow Pinkpop 2014"
Hi there great reaction I'd like to see you reacting to Simone Simons doing the Little Mermaid - Part of your world She's the true mermaid Greetings from Sweden
Be honest... Pls. There r fans of Nightwish that did not care for Tarja's high singing voice and felt that Anette and Floor were preferable... Simone Simons of Epica is an operatic singer and uses her considerable range to deliver Epica songs... It doesn't mean everyone will love her for everything she does... Maybe it'll take a while (for you) to be accustomed to the vocal range...
Great reaction. I think a better way of describing what you don't like is not so much the pitch but the timbre of the voice. Floor does hit some pretty high pitches but her voice has more overtones and has a fuller sound at those pitches. I would be interested in what you think of Shoemaker. Simone when she goes into that operatic head voice has a more pointed sound with a narrow set of overtones and I am guessing that is what you find unappealing ( I love that part of her voice myself but I understand your preference). Srrom the Sorrow is a great song and one of Epica's most radio friendly songs. I would encourage you to be less apprehensive about Epica and Simone. She doesn't frequently use that operatic voice so there are lots of songs you would like. Recommend Abyss of Time (music video) or one of my other favorites, Sirens- of Blood and Water. ,Epica also has some gorgeous ballads where Simone's beautiful voice really gets to shine. Tides of Time (no good official videos so album is the way to go), Rivers (live from Chile or AFAS with Apocalyptica or Omega Alive), Once Upon a Nightmare (Omega Alive) and Chasing the Dragon (live Retrospect show).
@@Mischnikvideos well it appears you were not an Epica fan because your statement is absolutely incorrect on the high side. And as far as Simone‘s quality of trained vocals overall for anyone who doubts go over to the charismatic voice channel of the full opera trained Rebecca and her reaction and review of Epica’s ballad Tides Of Time. Nuf said
@@jonathanratliff4780 If I researched it correctly, Simone is actually one note lower and half higher. Simone actually has a slightly larger voice. The difference is minimal and my untrained ear doesn't hear it. Simone is the better opera singer, but Floor never wanted to sound like Tarja. Versatility was and is more important to her. She is bigger and heavier. Floor has the larger resonance chamber and lungs. That's why Floor has more power and sounds calmer.
@@Mischnikvideos by the way also the artist size has nothing to do with the power of their vocals. The most power by far are the opera divas like Renée Fleming who is among the top 1 millionth% of the best vocalist in the world and these performers fill out music chambers with no microphone and Renée Fleming is only 5 ft 6, and 130 pounds she’s about Simone size and way smaller than the giant floor
Hi Nikki! Like other said, this is one of their more-radio friendly songs. Another one would be "Never Enough". If you decide to listen to that song, make sure it's the "dark version" which is 4:50 minutes long, NOT the shorter version (under 4 mins) which has the most beautiful part of the song cut out for some reason. Yes, Simone has a gorgeous voice! Whether it's her chest voice or head voice (operatic) and she is really great in mixing the two together. In fact, I don't think I've ever heard anyone doing it better. One vocal coach called Simone "the master of mixing". Operatic vocals can grow on you, unless you really hate it. It's a step up from regular singing (chest voice), which is what the overwhelming majority of singers are using. Screaming and belting is much more demanding on vocal cords and it takes its toll at the later age. Head voice is different and these singers' voice generally last much longer. Anyone can sing with their chest voice (that's also your speaking voice) but most can't sing with their head voice because that requires classical training and then a lot of practice. That being said, Simone doesn't use a full-blown operatic soprano (maybe only in one song I've heard) so she doesn't shrill, it's always pleasant for your ears. She really has an unique beautiful voice. That's why she is my number 1 female singer of all time. Oh, and she's also a gorgeous woman, which is a nice bonus on top. 🙂 She also writes about a half of all Epica lyrics. What a great talent. I'm glad you looked up lyrics and then her page. Some people don't realise it's not just a CGI. She was really all covered in that black paint and slime. Did you read the whole thing? 😂
I can really understand your "problems" with Simone's voice. I really like Simone and Epica, but some songs, when Simone goes into the high registers, I find exhausting. I like it, but I can't listen to it 24/7. I feel the same way with Tarja. I think it's the vocal color (I can't describe it any better) that I find exhausting to listen to. Simone's and Tarja's voices somehow have something "sharp" for me, while Floor as example sounds somehow "rounder" to me in the high registers and is therefore more pleasant to listen to for longer periods of time. Don't get me wrong, I love Simone (and Tarja), I just can't listen to them for as long in one go as other singers
Honestly, I don't know what you mean. Simone's head voice is anything but sharp (unless she wants to make it sound sharp). Compare it to any soprano in real opera and you must notice the different. If you listen to Epica - Unleashed (Live at the AFAS Live), after the final key change when she switches more to her head voice, that's a stunningly beautiful soprano which is not too sharp. And that's her typical operatic voice.
@@Grievance_Studies_Affair_2018 I meant: "I can't describe it any better" and "for me". Which, thank God, doesn't have to apply to other people. Don't get me wrong, I like Simone's singing, but I personally find it exhausting to listen to in the long run (3 albums in a row or more), especially in the high registers. My comment was just my attempt to describe the reason for this, or how I feel about it. But I think ultimately it's perhaps something in her tone frequency or timbre that I find "sharp" and exhausting (in a long run) ... "Sharp" is probably the wrong word, but that's the best I can describe it.
Btw, if you like the contrast between heaviness and her angelic voice, try "Stay the Course" (lyrics) from the same album as Storm the Sorrow. Beautiful melody and no operatic vocals.
Exactly what i expected. Great song pretty voice and there is a but about it. Thanx. Now that thats outa the way. Volturian. They have five awesome songs. Haunting symphony. The killing joke. Broken. Harley. And i cant remember the name im of the song ft frozen crown.
Moore Epica , this is f...g epic band❤. For you 😘😘😘
Hi Nikky! Sharing honest opinions it what makes it interesting, we don’t all have to agree ;)
I would suggest checking out newer songs from EPICA such us “Code of Life” or “Beyond the Matrix”, both from AFAS Live. I think you will be impressed and enjoy the performance (and singing).
Cheers!
8:50 Honest opinion there is much appreciated. But.. 😇 I don't believe it's a matter of pitch i.e. how high a singer goes. I mean it's not that Simone goes higher than, cuz she doesn't. I've seen other comments already describing it as "colouring" or "roundness" and the relative lack thereof in Simone's higher register compared to Floor's. I have the same experience. Your "but.." is the reason why Simone's voice - especially her early to mid career one - was an acquired taste for me. Not just in her upper register but also in her mid-range or "speaking voice". Too much fwd placement for my taste and too "thin" in the head-dominant range.
But that's compared to Floor, whose voice is richer to begin with and who is a complete natural which is tied to her physical features. You know what Simone was told when she auditioned for Epica (a.k.a. Sahara Dust)? "You have a nice voice, but your technique is sh!t" that's how Mark remembered it in an interview. The Dutch word here is "kvt" with the u for v (YT can y hear me? No? Good). 😉 The message was conveyed in a slightly more diplomatic way according to Mark.
Over the years Simone's vocal performances changed way more than Floor's and I'd say that even within the last couple of years her voice got even better. This particular song was 11+ yrs ago and the Zenith abt 6 if I'm not mistaken? Saw them this summer at the Summer Breeze festival in Germany. They stood out in every respect. Check their Exit 2023 live concert for reference. Top class performance. Cheers from Amsterdam! 🤘
😂LUL!!
Yeah, nothing to do with the actual p!tch. Nasal resonance and overtones due to one's anatomical features. It also sounds like Simone was trying to imitate Tarja early in her career. Thank goth she grew out of it!🙏
"Slightly more diplomatic way", how exactly did it sound? L!nk to de interview perhaps? Oh.. yeah.. never mind. Title of the video, I mean.😊
One thing aboot Smoon is that she can totally handle non-diplomatic ways. Girl's got a diiirty sense of humour. Kind of an acquired taste too tbh...
@@noneofyerbeeswax8194 Simone likes dirty jokes, she is great :)
Yes she was inspired by Tarja and she tried to sing like her, but it resulted in a very unique sound. No one else sounds like Simone did, and even though it was not good technically, there are many fans who loved that voice and they still say they are "missing her young voice" in many many comments. Vocal coaches may say whatever they want but I loved that voice too. I'm still enjoying those 2004 and 2006 performances a lot. Whenever she switches into that headvoice, it's an eargasm. It was one of the main reasons I got hooked on Epica. I'm glad Simone doesn't just sound like any other opera singer.
Speaking of nasal sound, that's why I like Charlotte Wessels. It's simply her typical sound and it would sound odd to me if she somehow changed her sound to less nasal :)
Song is from the 2012 album, Requiem For the Indifferent. Lyrics by Simone, music by Coen and Simone.
So you prefer more traditional voice as opposed to the operatic style. Try "The Final Lullaby" featuring Shining ,music video, it was played live, actually debuted live, at the 20th anniversary concert last year, video uses some of that footage.
Hey Nikki, that's alright, you like what you like and that's fine.
Hi Nikki, greetings from UK
I love your honesty 😉
That is what a good reaction is, both the things you like and the things you don't
The 1st thing that struck me about this is the mix. Simone's vocals are great, but they are mixed to high above the instrumentation. This gives great clarity, makes her tambre so much more piercing, but I think it would sound better live where the music would be stronger and give more breadth to her sound.
That's an interesting point. 🤔 I'll have to find a live version to check out.
@@nikkireviews Great live version is from Masters of Rock 2014. Simone was on fire! 😉There are 2 songs in that one video.
And then there is an acoustic version of this song! Totally different vibes, I think you should definitely watch it.
Just search "Storm the Sorrow Pinkpop 2014"
first song by Epica i ever stumbled across a few years ago, lead to a bit of an obsession!
loved the reactions and the honest review
Hi there great reaction
I'd like to see you reacting to Simone Simons doing the Little Mermaid - Part of your world
She's the true mermaid
Greetings from Sweden
Checkout stamat mater dolerosa with both simone and floor. Heavenly!
I highly recommend Plagues! They just put out a new song called Resurgence it’s so freaking good
Awesome song and great reaction,Nikki.
On your next poll can you put Frog Leap Studios Scream and Shout on?Thanks
Be honest... Pls. There r fans of Nightwish that did not care for Tarja's high singing voice and felt that Anette and Floor were preferable... Simone Simons of Epica is an operatic singer and uses her considerable range to deliver Epica songs... It doesn't mean everyone will love her for everything she does... Maybe it'll take a while (for you) to be accustomed to the vocal range...
Great reaction. I think a better way of describing what you don't like is not so much the pitch but the timbre of the voice. Floor does hit some pretty high pitches but her voice has more overtones and has a fuller sound at those pitches. I would be interested in what you think of Shoemaker. Simone when she goes into that operatic head voice has a more pointed sound with a narrow set of overtones and I am guessing that is what you find unappealing ( I love that part of her voice myself but I understand your preference). Srrom the Sorrow is a great song and one of Epica's most radio friendly songs. I would encourage you to be less apprehensive about Epica and Simone. She doesn't frequently use that operatic voice so there are lots of songs you would like. Recommend Abyss of Time (music video) or one of my other favorites, Sirens- of Blood and Water. ,Epica also has some gorgeous ballads where Simone's beautiful voice really gets to shine. Tides of Time (no good official videos so album is the way to go), Rivers (live from Chile or AFAS with Apocalyptica or Omega Alive), Once Upon a Nightmare (Omega Alive) and Chasing the Dragon (live Retrospect show).
NIGHTWISH - Shoemaker (Official Lyric Video)
Floor can sing a little higher and much lower than Simone.
@@Mischnikvideos well it appears you were not an Epica fan because your statement is absolutely incorrect on the high side. And as far as Simone‘s quality of trained vocals overall for anyone who doubts go over to the charismatic voice channel of the full opera trained Rebecca and her reaction and review of Epica’s ballad Tides Of Time. Nuf said
@@jonathanratliff4780 If I researched it correctly, Simone is actually one note lower and half higher. Simone actually has a slightly larger voice. The difference is minimal and my untrained ear doesn't hear it. Simone is the better opera singer, but Floor never wanted to sound like Tarja. Versatility was and is more important to her. She is bigger and heavier. Floor has the larger resonance chamber and lungs. That's why Floor has more power and sounds calmer.
@@Mischnikvideos Go watch what I recommended in the charismatic voice review of tides of Time
@@Mischnikvideos by the way also the artist size has nothing to do with the power of their vocals. The most power by far are the opera divas like Renée Fleming who is among the top 1 millionth% of the best vocalist in the world and these performers fill out music chambers with no microphone and Renée Fleming is only 5 ft 6, and 130 pounds she’s about Simone size and way smaller than the giant floor
Hi Nikki!
Like other said, this is one of their more-radio friendly songs. Another one would be "Never Enough". If you decide to listen to that song, make sure it's the "dark version" which is 4:50 minutes long, NOT the shorter version (under 4 mins) which has the most beautiful part of the song cut out for some reason.
Yes, Simone has a gorgeous voice! Whether it's her chest voice or head voice (operatic) and she is really great in mixing the two together. In fact, I don't think I've ever heard anyone doing it better. One vocal coach called Simone "the master of mixing". Operatic vocals can grow on you, unless you really hate it. It's a step up from regular singing (chest voice), which is what the overwhelming majority of singers are using. Screaming and belting is much more demanding on vocal cords and it takes its toll at the later age. Head voice is different and these singers' voice generally last much longer. Anyone can sing with their chest voice (that's also your speaking voice) but most can't sing with their head voice because that requires classical training and then a lot of practice. That being said, Simone doesn't use a full-blown operatic soprano (maybe only in one song I've heard) so she doesn't shrill, it's always pleasant for your ears. She really has an unique beautiful voice. That's why she is my number 1 female singer of all time. Oh, and she's also a gorgeous woman, which is a nice bonus on top. 🙂 She also writes about a half of all Epica lyrics. What a great talent.
I'm glad you looked up lyrics and then her page. Some people don't realise it's not just a CGI. She was really all covered in that black paint and slime. Did you read the whole thing? 😂
🎶🥰
🐕
You look a lot like Chelsea Wolfe 😲😍
Someone else said that before. 🤔 I should react to a video of her's to see 😂
Simone is marrId with the original keyborder from carmelot Oliver Palotay
I agree about the high notes in this song. I generally like simones boice but this song i cant really settle with it just doesnt sound right imo
I can really understand your "problems" with Simone's voice.
I really like Simone and Epica, but some songs, when Simone goes into the high registers, I find exhausting. I like it, but I can't listen to it 24/7. I feel the same way with Tarja.
I think it's the vocal color (I can't describe it any better) that I find exhausting to listen to. Simone's and Tarja's voices somehow have something "sharp" for me, while Floor as example sounds somehow "rounder" to me in the high registers and is therefore more pleasant to listen to for longer periods of time.
Don't get me wrong, I love Simone (and Tarja), I just can't listen to them for as long in one go as other singers
I am the same, think its not that uncommon realy. Earlier Epica and earlier Nightwish its more noticible for me though.
Honestly, I don't know what you mean.
Simone's head voice is anything but sharp (unless she wants to make it sound sharp). Compare it to any soprano in real opera and you must notice the different. If you listen to Epica - Unleashed (Live at the AFAS Live), after the final key change when she switches more to her head voice, that's a stunningly beautiful soprano which is not too sharp. And that's her typical operatic voice.
@@Grievance_Studies_Affair_2018 I meant: "I can't describe it any better" and "for me".
Which, thank God, doesn't have to apply to other people.
Don't get me wrong, I like Simone's singing, but I personally find it exhausting to listen to in the long run (3 albums in a row or more), especially in the high registers. My comment was just my attempt to describe the reason for this, or how I feel about it. But I think ultimately it's perhaps something in her tone frequency or timbre that I find "sharp" and exhausting (in a long run) ... "Sharp" is probably the wrong word, but that's the best I can describe it.
Stay Metal Gorgeous Nikki
Btw, if you like the contrast between heaviness and her angelic voice,
try "Stay the Course" (lyrics) from the same album as Storm the Sorrow. Beautiful melody and no operatic vocals.
👍👍Great performance and reaction. 🖖❤
Brasil
Exactly what i expected. Great song pretty voice and there is a but about it. Thanx. Now that thats outa the way. Volturian. They have five awesome songs.
Haunting symphony.
The killing joke.
Broken.
Harley.
And i cant remember the name im of the song ft frozen crown.
Live performances are better.🙃
The singer Simone came with 17years to Epica and is now 43years old and is one of the best sopranos in Metall 🤘