The word "angelic" get's thrown around a lot to describe pretty female voices, but Simone's voice is definitely worthy of that descriptor. It has SO MUCH beauty and strength, that it literally sounds heavenly. It is amazing how Epica can be so thunderous one moment, and so soft and delicate the next. Can't wait to see the equally angelic EZ dive into this one!
“Chasing the Dragon” is my absolute favourite Epica song and shows off Simone’s range and her and Mark’s vocal contrast. A nearly eight minute crescendo to the amazing musical climax. Great choice Elizabeth! Simone’s voice never fails to give me chills
I think 'Chasing the Dragon' is probably my favorite Epica song as well. The way it builds over the course of the whole song is just astounding, and Simone's performance in the chorus before the breakdown is just one of the most goosebump-inducing things I've ever heard.
When my grandfather was lying in the hospice I was visiting him with my grandmother and I knew, that this would be the last time, that I should see him. When I was driving my grandmother home, that song was in my car radio and a few days later my grandfather lost his fight. Since then that song is connected with all those memories with my grandfather and sometimes I cannot hold back my tears. Danke, Opa! Thank you, Epica!
Music does that. I discovered Floor Jansen when my husband was terminally ill, she was in a Dutch tv program that we watched together. His journey with Floor and Nightwish ended but I continued down this path and discovered Epica. Now I’m big fan of both.
I started this video in the background and don't think anyone's voice ever grabbed my attention so strongly. Literally stopped me in my tracks. Definently a new Epica fan here.
the bit where she "opens up into it without any disruption" is one of those rare musical moments that chokes me up and mists my eyes every time. it's not even the lyrical content of the song or moment, it's just the pure human expression of that push from the 'spoken' part into the elevated voice of the "symphony resounding in our minds" that wrecks me a bit. she's magic.
Well said! :) That's much the same feeling I get during the famous ending to Ghost Love Score. I often think 'this is what humans are here for if nothing else but to create this art!'
I discovered Epica with this song. Came on Pandora while I was writing one night. By the time the guitar solo hit, I realized that I hadn't touched the keyboard since the song started and that I was straight up weeping. Immediately fell in love with the band.
Epica is the band that’s started my symphonic metal, power metal, gothic metal, and other metal sub genres journey. I’ve been hooked ever since. Simone’s voice really is angelic. She was about 17 was she become the Epica vocalist. Looking back at older videos, it’s amazing how shy she was.
This band? Absolutely genius. I could pick any song from this band and it would be either a banger or an absolutely heartwarming piece of music. I love them.
What's incredible about this song is not only the way it sounds, but the song on the album before it, "Burn to a Cinder" actually bleeds into this song, making them sound like one cohesive piece that is so captivating. Thanks for checking out Epica and diving more into Simone Simon's vocals!
@@louisefontourakohler8673 @dandyprime5338 That whole trio of songs is perfectly unified. Price of Freedom, Burn to a Cinder and Tides of Time. There's the 7/8 time signature and overall tonality that passes from Price to Burn, but then yeah as you said the ending of Burn to a Cinder is very interesting. So far the song has been based in a modal C (myxolidian I think?) in the verses, and F minor in the chorus. Now we get to the end, there's a segment where it's in F major with that added A natural. But the F keeps hanging, and then in Tides of Time we're back to F minor. First time I heard them altogether my mind was blown.
i have spent the last 15 years loving this band while almost everyone know either has no idea who they are or dislike them for not being normal music. its amazing hearing someone else appreciate the music for how beautiful it really is. thank you very much
Once Upon a Nightmare is a piece of high art. "The song itself is based upon an old horrific Nordic fairytale transformed to a Poem by Wolfgang von Goethe (basically the German Shakespeare) called The Erlking (Der Erlkönig). The story is about a father racing through the night to get help for his sick son. That, in his fever-state, is having visions of a gobling king trying to seduce him to enter the land of the dead. The tragic conclusion makes this a piece of art."
Epica seems to not get as much attention from reaction channels. And I cant understand why. I think they do symphonic metal the best. I'm glad to see this song in particular though, because it shows many facets of Simones voice.
I think it's because most of their songs also have mark voice on them, which isn't that Reaction "Whorty"? So, yeah, Simone voice is truly awesome, but when you mix it with mark's on a reaction video it maybe bring down the wievers number. Mark is an amazing composer but, at least for me, he hasn't had an interesting enough voice (on the harsh vocal range) in comparation with IDK, Devin Townsend. So maybe that's one of the reasons.. and another one is that Epica fans aren't as crazy (or imposing) as the Nightwish's Army
@@erikhammer153 that could be true, what I said is my own opinion, and I'm not a fan of gutural voices per se, I can enjoy them sometimes but only as "a little something extra for the song" so my perception of what a good harsh vocal is, is pretty biased towards "harsh" (ie Marko Hietala) rather than gutural as Mark's sounds like.. and yeah, he's a superb compositor
I have looked for reactions to other symphonic metal bands like Xandria and Sirenia, and can't find any. I think the reaction numbers for Epica only appear low next to Nightwish.
There are so many breathtakingly beautiful songs in EPICA's catalogue, I notice that a lot of reactors only seem to review the more high energy songs, i think they are missing out, Epica's softer side is stunning, some of the best songs ever written by any band from any genre IMHO
I'm a newbie to this site and I'm in love with it and Elizabeth. I love to sing opera while I drive the Alaska Hwy --- no one hears me. Can't wait to start driving and try out what I've learned !!!!!
One of the best things is that Epica isn't constraint by radio or tv. So songs last as long as they want to, in the style that they want to. They spent Years building a huge fanbase. and it paid off
When i saw them live in Montreal in 2020, this song stood out the most to me...a week later my grandmother passed away. It was like this song was preparing me for that.
My favorite Epica song, which is in my top 2 favorite bands (with Opeth). Was hoping you'll get to review it one day :O It's just perfect. The lyrics, the music, Simone's voice, all of it. Their song "Canvas of Life" is also wonderful, and gives me the same sort of emotions.
I saw them at a tiny club touring this album back in 2011 I think, and this song in that small intimate space was just one of those moments I'll never forget.. can remember it like it was yesterday, in the chorus it felt like her voice was literally blowing us all backwards. Amazing.
This is one of my favorite songs ever, and Simone is and has always been such a huge inspiration for me... when I was younger and wanting to become a singer, she was my role model n.1! This is such a wonderful analysis of her voice, I love how you did it, you earned a new subscriber! Also, I cried throughout the video though I know this song by heart. Thanks, you did a wonderful job, it's like I was listening to it for the first time again together with you.
Elizabeth, I am so happy you did an Interview with Simone and analyzed one of my favorite songs from Epica! You literally made my Friday evening 😁😁I also admire that chorus part singing at Tides of Time and I wanted to recommend Epica song called "In All Consciousness" recorded during Omega Live show, where she has a very similar sound! I believe they also uploaded it on Epica TH-cam channel.
Roy and Simone's voices go together so well. I also really love her performance on Poetry for the Poisoned pt 2. And I know other people have recommended The Haunting from One Cold Winter's Night for a reaction. All great.
Hi Elizabeth! Yeah, Epica is really not an ordinary band. I'm glad you noticed the time signatures, they do many interesting things with them. Not to mention how stunning their melodies are. Indeed, their ballads are among the most beautiful music ever written. Literally the most famous singers on Earth could be proud if those songs were theirs. And the fact that they are sung by Simone, makes them even more beautiful. How lucky we are to know this phenomenal band and this wonderful singer. 😊 Oh, and I'm really happy when you're reacting to them!
I am just discovering Epica. I am 68 years old but this song got me weeping like a baby. It is the Pinnacle of sheer beauty. Gorgeous. Simone and Floor, girlfriends....together they conquer the world.....
This song is really important to me, it came out around the time my grandfather died, with my grandmother to follow not long after. They were bedrocks of my life, especially in harder times. It’s great to see people giving this song its dues.
I love this song! I actually love most of Epica's stuff, but this is one of her best vocal performances. When she goes full voice in the chorus, I get the goosebumps.
Her voice has developed so much over the years, she was 18 when she recorded Epica's first album and had a range of about 2 octaves. And with each new album, her classical technique has developed a lot and her range has expanded with each new release, in her 20s she went down to a D3 in the ballad from the album that came after DYU and now in her 30s she was able to go up to a Bb6 in Cosmic Fusion with Ayreon. I hope you hear also stuff from Omega Alive 'cause that's been the best performance of her career, wether it's Kingdom of Heaven I or III, Unchain Utopia, In All Conscience, all those are great examples of what she's capable of nowadays
The belted long high note in the bridge is actually the same that Floor Jansen sings in Ghost Love Score as her ultimate power note in the last refrain... These women are both incredible :)
That song took me to another dimension back in 2017 when I Saw them live. I had never experienced such emotions before nor have I experienced them again...and i saw her sing Rivers and Rise Again last february...but whatever I felt that time...never again 😢
I heared this one live many years ago ( I think 2009 in Karlsruhe) it was so stunning.... in the year 2018 my dad passed away and this song said so much about my feelings loosing him, that I decided playing it at his funeral. Simone wrote this one for her family, too.
I just recently saw them in concert as well as Sabaton and she is outstanding in live as in studio. They are a very heavy band as well, heavier then my wife liked but she enjoyed the show all the same
I am always fascinated by your ability to not just appreciate and analize the vocals, but also spot all those little detailes, such as the changes in time signature that appear at the same time, as the lyrics are about time. I have listened to this song lots of times but never paid attention to this
Live performances of this song are so good. I saw Epica on the original Design Your Universe tour, and this was such a highlight. I think she sounds even better singing it now than she did back then.
Last Nov I looked up "symphonic metal" on TH-cam search. I was led to Michal Urbaniak and his amazing series of videos. That led me to so many songs I'd never heard of, including a song by Nightwish. This, in turn led me here when I saw that song being analyzed on this channel. Now, many months later, I have learned to love what you do, who you are and to anticipate your every new release. I'm glad that you would be doing this whether I was here or not, that you exist, complete and whole unto yourself. I consider myself lucky to be a voice in the chorus of people joining you in your voyage of discovery. There's so many great songs waiting for us to find together. I can't wait to hear what's next...
Just saw Epica for my 2nd time in Salt Lake City. Both times I saw Mark Jensen, and he is the most laid back, friendliest person ever. I got a picture the first time, and this time he autographed a tapestry. Epica is one of my favorite bands, and Mark is a right up there with Tuomas Holopainen in creating beautiful music. I also left a comment about a song I have fallen in love with. It's Turm Der Angst by Null Positiv. I hope someday you can react to it. I think you will really enjoy it. Keep up the amazing work. Rock on!! 🤘🤘🤘
*does the dance of joy* Tides of Time, finally! Thank you! If you want to try more of the softer side of Epica, I recommend Once Upon a Nightmare and Chasing the Dragon
My favorite analyst is analyzing my favorite song, I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. You, the analysis and the song are wonderful! Greetings from Hungary!
I love that you matched in Metal music, I'm glad that a professional like you, realized about the talent that exist in this genre of music. Greetings from Mexico City 🤘
You were spot-on about the voice sometimes resembling a musical instrument - the flute for the verses, but more of an electric guitar in that brilliant belty forward note in the bridge. How fitting, then, to have that note transition directly into the virtuoso guitar solo, picked up seamlessly from Simone! It almost seems like the voice morphed into that extended solo note. Listened to this song a hundred times, but this Charismatic listening session just brought it home to me - still finding those golden nuggets in the exquisite music after all the time... Walking down this path of impactful ballads - I suggest the time is right to listen to the heart-rending acoustic version of "Feint" from the band's first DVD "We Will Take You with Us". That song's studio version and official video are of interest, but for a survey of the beauty of young Simone's transcending vocals (set against a couple of very capable backing vocalists as well!) the acoustic video is the way to go - and to see that girl had it all in her grasp at 20... the emotion, the control, the charisma... such hard and moving message, too. Another, already mentioned, piece (can't call it but a "track") from the later period (post-motherhood, if that point is of professional interest) is the amply mentioned "Once upon a Nightmare", which is thematically Schubert's "Der Erlkönig" given a new treatment. Very haunting, appropriately so - and demonstrative of EPICA's songwriting intelligence. They truly adjust to the story they set out to tell. These three, with "Tides of Time", form, I think, the trinity of EPICA ballads for everyone to know and cherish. They have others of beauty and class, but we have to narrow down the wish-list :)))
This song reminds me of my grandma, it’s been 22 years and I miss her more every day it seems. In a turbulent life she was my safe place. She never judged she just loved and it was enough. Love you nanny.
Just a couple of things that as for as I have seen, noone commented on so far. The topic of the song: it is about having lot a dear one. This song has been specifically written because of the death of Mark´s grandmother who died during the recording of the Design your Universe album. Mark´s grandmother was important to Epica because in their early days, Epica did their rehearsing in the basement of her house. For the same reason, Mark dedicated the song Kingdom of Heaven to her. Also you mentioned the use oh electric guitar with classic instruments. An even more striking example for this is the version of "One upon a nightmare" in the Omega Alive version. The original version relies heavily on piano and strings. With Omega Alive however they made a stripped down version with just electric guitar and grand piano, the guitar replacing the strings.
Great reaction. Your videos are incredibly informative and it is so evident how much you love music. I get a renewed appreciation for performers after watching your analyses. I'm so glad I saw this when I did as I'll be seeing Epica and Sabaton in a couple of weeks. Simone is a jewel and a true nightingale.
HOLY SHIT FINALLY. I've been waiting for some damn reactor to finally react to this masterpiece! Female-fronted metal has become sort of a trope. Ummm, I don't mean that necessarily in a derogatory statement. But 20 years ago there were only Nightwish, After Forever, and Therion doing this kind of stuff, and now the scene is absolutely bursting with both talent and pretenders. And it's very hard to break out or stand out in a field that has the fucking living legend Floor Jansen. But I think Simone has hands down THE best ballad voice. It is just so... sweet. And nobody else comes close. This, Kamelot's Abandoned, and Pain of Salvation's Iter Impius are the three best metal ballads. But this one is just magical.
This song is so incredible!!! It really makes me so emotional and so sensitive when listening to Simone's opera style singing in the chorus. Please, please Elizabeth, if you could react also to the live versions of Sensorium, Dance of Fate and Phantom Agony.
Oh wow, I suggested an analysis of this song at least a year ago. Glad to see it finally getting the recognition it deserves, probably my favorite Epica song.
I think this is the first song I heard from Epica and it's one of the most beautiful songs there is. 🥰🎶 And I think these are Simone's best vocals I've heard. ❤️
She actually went on tour while she was pregnant with an obvious baby bump, and she still sounded amazing. The keyboardist had a special small keyboard which he still uses, that he can walk around with the was shaped very concave. Sometimes while playing he would hover it over the bump and it would fit perfectly under the keyboard haha. Her baby heard some awesome music while in her belly lol
My favorite Epica song by far is Cry for the Moon. It's from one of their first albums and still their best Imho. Such a profound and deep song with a beautiful melody and catchy anthem. Absolutely incredible song.
This song gives me the most amazing body tingles, there is nothing else like it. Thanks for this great video, I really enjoyed watching you enamor over Simone’s beautifully harmonic vocals!
@@rolsen1304 I know my friend, just mentioned this verse as one of my favorites. Another one is from CANVAS OF LIFE: "The stains come alive when the paint has gone dry". I was lucky seeing them in Athens a month ago!
This song represents for me a past a present and future, is for real the song that gives me an ocean of peace, a place to grave my family that already passed away, a place where my tribulations become learn and maturity.... My all time epica song. Thx for react to this ❤️
about damn time... one of the minor gripes I had against your stellar channel was a distinct lack of Simone (especially since Simone > Floor. fight me if you must)... and it's so great that you've started to address that with one of her finest ever moments (which is saying a hell of a lot). also great that you don't shy away from audio-only tracks. plz do Unchain Utopia from Omega Alive - it sounds even better than the studio version (I'd suggest more but then this comment would contain at least half of her entire body of work)
I have searched for the appropriate place in which I could leave you a comment to give you the much deserved props for the success of your channel as a whole. This review, like all that you have done in the past are done so well and with such an insightful and fun approach. No doubt you have breached the Million subscribers and I foresee that number growing exponentially as you continue to do what you do. Before tonight I was not familiar with your channel and honestly I have never watched any of the vocal coaches reactions to songs and I happen to see the one that you did on disturbed sound of silence… .. that was 3 or 4 hours and many of videos ago. I have binge watched your channel and I wanted to thank you for sharing your passion for music and being open to covering songs all the way from Johnny Cash to Eddie Vedder. The songs you have picked to review have been many of my personal favorite tracks of all time and to see someone like yourself hear them for the first time and have you articulate the emotions that these songs provoke is not only educational but so much fun to watch and this is why I believe you are such a natural at this. So if you actually read this I would be surprised since you have hundreds of comments but if so I just wanted to say Thank you and huge props 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼! ! ! Keep up the great work! And if I could make one request, it would really make my day to watch and I can promise you that you will appreciate this song and it would make a great show and it’s a song called Waffle by Sevendust. The studio version video. It’s one of those that I am just floored by his ability to shift his voice across the board and carry such an emotional impact when doing so. You will not be disappointed. Again Great Work 🤘🏼
lovely. sounds like disney tones/structure with a van halen solo. Reminiscent of Floor's voice. no wonder it's great. thanks for introducing me to a wider music palette
This vídeo was like almost getting an 0rgasm a million times but never getting it, because Elizabeth hás this talent to stop exactly in the best parts over and over and never let any part to be concluded. It's a painfully beautiful video
Well you've just introduced me to some new music! Wow! What a stunning voice and so operatic! What a fantastic experience especially with the instrumental backing. Her range is just outstanding. Complete aside - I know it's a totally different genre (and a cover version) but I'd love to see your analysis, Elizabeth, of the "Home Free" cover of Shakira's "Try Everything". To me anyway, it's just jaw dropping.
The word "angelic" get's thrown around a lot to describe pretty female voices, but Simone's voice is definitely worthy of that descriptor. It has SO MUCH beauty and strength, that it literally sounds heavenly. It is amazing how Epica can be so thunderous one moment, and so soft and delicate the next. Can't wait to see the equally angelic EZ dive into this one!
An Epic Deep Dive so to say ❤
And such a needed return of less comercial music the channel, dare I say a relief? 😉🎶🎶
Absolutely, finally back to some of the hidden gems of metal!
@@rolsen1304 What would you say of the return of another hidden gem, Eluveitie? 🤩🤘
@@luisnunes9697 I like them as well so bring it on!
Epica is one band that is highly underrated and I'm so glad I found them Simone is just perfection
“Chasing the Dragon” is my absolute favourite Epica song and shows off Simone’s range and her and Mark’s vocal contrast. A nearly eight minute crescendo to the amazing musical climax.
Great choice Elizabeth! Simone’s voice never fails to give me chills
Yeah Chasing The Dragon, Unleashed and Design Your Universe, all live at Retrospect are essential Epica experiences. Pretty much peak music.
Chasing the dragon is the song I choose to introduce anyone to Epica.
Unchain utopia is my favorite
I think 'Chasing the Dragon' is probably my favorite Epica song as well. The way it builds over the course of the whole song is just astounding, and Simone's performance in the chorus before the breakdown is just one of the most goosebump-inducing things I've ever heard.
Chasing the Dragon is also one of the best Dreamevil songs
When my grandfather was lying in the hospice I was visiting him with my grandmother and I knew, that this would be the last time, that I should see him. When I was driving my grandmother home, that song was in my car radio and a few days later my grandfather lost his fight. Since then that song is connected with all those memories with my grandfather and sometimes I cannot hold back my tears. Danke, Opa! Thank you, Epica!
I believe that the song is about someone's death. A parent or grandparent.
Music does that. I discovered Floor Jansen when my husband was terminally ill, she was in a Dutch tv program that we watched together. His journey with Floor and Nightwish ended but I continued down this path and discovered Epica. Now I’m big fan of both.
I started this video in the background and don't think anyone's voice ever grabbed my attention so strongly. Literally stopped me in my tracks. Definently a new Epica fan here.
the bit where she "opens up into it without any disruption" is one of those rare musical moments that chokes me up and mists my eyes every time. it's not even the lyrical content of the song or moment, it's just the pure human expression of that push from the 'spoken' part into the elevated voice of the "symphony resounding in our minds" that wrecks me a bit. she's magic.
Chills and watery eyes, the mark of a masterpiece.
Well said! :) That's much the same feeling I get during the famous ending to Ghost Love Score. I often think 'this is what humans are here for if nothing else but to create this art!'
I discovered Epica with this song. Came on Pandora while I was writing one night. By the time the guitar solo hit, I realized that I hadn't touched the keyboard since the song started and that I was straight up weeping. Immediately fell in love with the band.
Epica is the band that’s started my symphonic metal, power metal, gothic metal, and other metal sub genres journey. I’ve been hooked ever since.
Simone’s voice really is angelic. She was about 17 was she become the Epica vocalist.
Looking back at older videos, it’s amazing how shy she was.
Simone is probably my favorite female singer. Her range, control, variety, and power are all top notch.
This band? Absolutely genius. I could pick any song from this band and it would be either a banger or an absolutely heartwarming piece of music. I love them.
What's incredible about this song is not only the way it sounds, but the song on the album before it, "Burn to a Cinder" actually bleeds into this song, making them sound like one cohesive piece that is so captivating. Thanks for checking out Epica and diving more into Simone Simon's vocals!
The ending of burn to a cinder is soooo good ❤
@@louisefontourakohler8673 @dandyprime5338 That whole trio of songs is perfectly unified. Price of Freedom, Burn to a Cinder and Tides of Time. There's the 7/8 time signature and overall tonality that passes from Price to Burn, but then yeah as you said the ending of Burn to a Cinder is very interesting. So far the song has been based in a modal C (myxolidian I think?) in the verses, and F minor in the chorus. Now we get to the end, there's a segment where it's in F major with that added A natural. But the F keeps hanging, and then in Tides of Time we're back to F minor. First time I heard them altogether my mind was blown.
i have spent the last 15 years loving this band while almost everyone know either has no idea who they are or dislike them for not being normal music. its amazing hearing someone else appreciate the music for how beautiful it really is. thank you very much
my favourite band :-)
Epica is one of my favorite bands. And they are all so nice
Definitely such a profound song! Love love love Epica
One of the best Epica ballads, if not the best. "Once Upon a Nightmare" and "Rivers" are close contenders, though. Really worth checking out.
Once upon a nightmare.. I'm a s*cker of this 😍
Once Upon a Nightmare is a piece of high art.
"The song itself is based upon an old horrific Nordic fairytale transformed to a Poem by Wolfgang von Goethe (basically the German Shakespeare) called The Erlking (Der Erlkönig). The story is about a father racing through the night to get help for his sick son. That, in his fever-state, is having visions of a gobling king trying to seduce him to enter the land of the dead. The tragic conclusion makes this a piece of art."
I'd add "Higher High" to this list
Omg yes “Oncr upon a nightmare” is AMAIZNG. Especially live!
Once Upon a Nightmare is a masterpiece in the genre.
Tides of Time is just fantastic
a word....perfection.
Such great female singers out of The Netherlands.
oh my god oh my god oh my god finally someone is reaction to my favourite rock ballad of all time
Simone is incredible and unique. It's baffling to me that she's been in the band for 20 years! She started her career so young.
Her voise getting better and better.
Epica seems to not get as much attention from reaction channels. And I cant understand why. I think they do symphonic metal the best. I'm glad to see this song in particular though, because it shows many facets of Simones voice.
Yeah at the moment Epica is the peak of the genre. They just keep getting better and better.
I think it's because most of their songs also have mark voice on them, which isn't that Reaction "Whorty"? So, yeah, Simone voice is truly awesome, but when you mix it with mark's on a reaction video it maybe bring down the wievers number. Mark is an amazing composer but, at least for me, he hasn't had an interesting enough voice (on the harsh vocal range) in comparation with IDK, Devin Townsend. So maybe that's one of the reasons.. and another one is that Epica fans aren't as crazy (or imposing) as the Nightwish's Army
@@Astaroth236 He growl sings better then anyone else out there, plus he's amazing song writer!
@@erikhammer153 that could be true, what I said is my own opinion, and I'm not a fan of gutural voices per se, I can enjoy them sometimes but only as "a little something extra for the song" so my perception of what a good harsh vocal is, is pretty biased towards "harsh" (ie Marko Hietala) rather than gutural as Mark's sounds like.. and yeah, he's a superb compositor
I have looked for reactions to other symphonic metal bands like Xandria and Sirenia, and can't find any. I think the reaction numbers for Epica only appear low next to Nightwish.
There are so many breathtakingly beautiful songs in EPICA's catalogue, I notice that a lot of reactors only seem to review the more high energy songs, i think they are missing out, Epica's softer side is stunning, some of the best songs ever written by any band from any genre IMHO
My goosebumps have goosebumps
Her voice is like fine crystal 🔮
I'm a newbie to this site and I'm in love with it and Elizabeth. I love to sing opera while I drive the Alaska Hwy --- no one hears me. Can't wait to start driving and try out what I've learned !!!!!
Singing Opera alone in the car is AWSOME
One of the best things is that Epica isn't constraint by radio or tv. So songs last as long as they want to, in the style that they want to. They spent Years building a huge fanbase. and it paid off
This is my favorite song of theirs.
When i saw them live in Montreal in 2020, this song stood out the most to me...a week later my grandmother passed away. It was like this song was preparing me for that.
❤️
there are soooo many great symphonic metal bands. epica will always be in my top 3.
My favorite Epica song, which is in my top 2 favorite bands (with Opeth). Was hoping you'll get to review it one day :O
It's just perfect. The lyrics, the music, Simone's voice, all of it.
Their song "Canvas of Life" is also wonderful, and gives me the same sort of emotions.
The version of Rivers from the Omega Alive virtual concert is wonderful as well. No music, just Simone and a choir. Stunning
This song gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.
I saw them at a tiny club touring this album back in 2011 I think, and this song in that small intimate space was just one of those moments I'll never forget.. can remember it like it was yesterday, in the chorus it felt like her voice was literally blowing us all backwards. Amazing.
This song makes me cry every time
OMG YES! I love this song so much! Finally someone reacts to it!!!
Her voice with the flute playing background just makes sooo much sense! Thank you!
to me this is one of your most genuine reactions .... the smile you give at 16:53 when the song enters the chorus shows it
I saw them play this song live. Hearing her sing it live gives you goosebumps. It's incredible.
This is one of my favorite songs ever, and Simone is and has always been such a huge inspiration for me... when I was younger and wanting to become a singer, she was my role model n.1! This is such a wonderful analysis of her voice, I love how you did it, you earned a new subscriber! Also, I cried throughout the video though I know this song by heart. Thanks, you did a wonderful job, it's like I was listening to it for the first time again together with you.
Elizabeth, I am so happy you did an Interview with Simone and analyzed one of my favorite songs from Epica! You literally made my Friday evening 😁😁I also admire that chorus part singing at Tides of Time and I wanted to recommend Epica song called "In All Consciousness" recorded during Omega Live show, where she has a very similar sound! I believe they also uploaded it on Epica TH-cam channel.
The song "House on a Hill" with Kamelot and Roy Kahn is incredible. Take a listen to that. Simone's voice is incredible.
Roy and Simone's voices go together so well. I also really love her performance on Poetry for the Poisoned pt 2. And I know other people have recommended The Haunting from One Cold Winter's Night for a reaction. All great.
Definitely. That note she hits near the end brings tears to my eyes.
oh yes, love that song!
I’ve listened to this 1,000 times, and this still gives me chills
This song and Canvas of Life are my favourite Epica ballads! Both songs mean a lot to me. Simone’s voice is just out of this world ❤️
Twin Flames will always have a special place in my heart because of its theme ❤
Your Ω chair is very appropriate for an Epica reaction! 😁
Haha yes!
Hi Elizabeth!
Yeah, Epica is really not an ordinary band. I'm glad you noticed the time signatures, they do many interesting things with them. Not to mention how stunning their melodies are. Indeed, their ballads are among the most beautiful music ever written. Literally the most famous singers on Earth could be proud if those songs were theirs. And the fact that they are sung by Simone, makes them even more beautiful. How lucky we are to know this phenomenal band and this wonderful singer. 😊 Oh, and I'm really happy when you're reacting to them!
I am just discovering Epica. I am 68 years old but this song got me weeping like a baby. It is the Pinnacle of sheer beauty. Gorgeous. Simone and Floor, girlfriends....together they conquer the world.....
Thank you!! Definitely Awesome Song!!! Thanks for Tea Time With Simone Simons!!! Definitely was Great!!!! Your the Best!!!
this song makes me cry every single time 😭😭😭
This song gives me shivers every time I hear it. I was really pleasantly surprised to see this one here. Kudos to people who suggested it.
This song is really important to me, it came out around the time my grandfather died, with my grandmother to follow not long after. They were bedrocks of my life, especially in harder times. It’s great to see people giving this song its dues.
Literally my favourite Epica song. Stunning. Oh man its so good.
I love this song! I actually love most of Epica's stuff, but this is one of her best vocal performances. When she goes full voice in the chorus, I get the goosebumps.
this is so perfectly beautiful - the melody, the words, her voice
Love it when someone explains why i love what i am hearing.
One of my top ten fav song ever.
No words. Loved this
She's my main reason for having my hair red for 10 years now 💕
That's a valid reason in my book.
Same here :)
Same here too!
Good reason!
Her voice has developed so much over the years, she was 18 when she recorded Epica's first album and had a range of about 2 octaves. And with each new album, her classical technique has developed a lot and her range has expanded with each new release, in her 20s she went down to a D3 in the ballad from the album that came after DYU and now in her 30s she was able to go up to a Bb6 in Cosmic Fusion with Ayreon. I hope you hear also stuff from Omega Alive 'cause that's been the best performance of her career, wether it's Kingdom of Heaven I or III, Unchain Utopia, In All Conscience, all those are great examples of what she's capable of nowadays
Which song has the D3?
@@ajtatosmano2 Delirium, about 1:20
I really love this song
Simone's voice is so wonderful and magical ❤️❤️❤️
The belted long high note in the bridge is actually the same that Floor Jansen sings in Ghost Love Score as her ultimate power note in the last refrain...
These women are both incredible :)
Floor Jansen fans really are a cult lol
the greatest epica ballad is definitely once upon a nightmare. they are all amazing but it’s on a whole different level.
Yes I agree, a stunning song, absolutely beautiful 🙂
You are 100% correct. I can't think of another ballad by anyone that compares to Once Upon a Nightmare.
Once Upon A Nightmare is good but personally I would pick Tides of Time, Canvas of Life, Rivers, and even Delrium over it every time
I agree, my favorite Epica ballad!
That song took me to another dimension back in 2017 when I Saw them live. I had never experienced such emotions before nor have I experienced them again...and i saw her sing Rivers and Rise Again last february...but whatever I felt that time...never again 😢
I heared this one live many years ago ( I think 2009 in Karlsruhe) it was so stunning.... in the year 2018 my dad passed away and this song said so much about my feelings loosing him, that I decided playing it at his funeral. Simone wrote this one for her family, too.
I just recently saw them in concert as well as Sabaton and she is outstanding in live as in studio.
They are a very heavy band as well, heavier then my wife liked but she enjoyed the show all the same
I am always fascinated by your ability to not just appreciate and analize the vocals, but also spot all those little detailes, such as the changes in time signature that appear at the same time, as the lyrics are about time.
I have listened to this song lots of times but never paid attention to this
Superb choice. This song is incredible, and one of my personal favorites.
Live performances of this song are so good. I saw Epica on the original Design Your Universe tour, and this was such a highlight. I think she sounds even better singing it now than she did back then.
Last Nov I looked up "symphonic metal" on TH-cam search. I was led to Michal Urbaniak and his amazing series of videos. That led me to so many songs I'd never heard of, including a song by Nightwish. This, in turn led me here when I saw that song being analyzed on this channel.
Now, many months later, I have learned to love what you do, who you are and to anticipate your every new release.
I'm glad that you would be doing this whether I was here or not, that you exist, complete and whole unto yourself.
I consider myself lucky to be a voice in the chorus of people joining you in your voyage of discovery. There's so many great songs waiting for us to find together.
I can't wait to hear what's next...
One of my favorite songs ever! Nice choice!
Absolutely beautiful.
I think a cover of either an Epica or Nightwish song by Elizabeth should be in order.
Or better yet, a collaboration between them. 🤯
Just saw Epica for my 2nd time in Salt Lake City. Both times I saw Mark Jensen, and he is the most laid back, friendliest person ever. I got a picture the first time, and this time he autographed a tapestry. Epica is one of my favorite bands, and Mark is a right up there with Tuomas Holopainen in creating beautiful music. I also left a comment about a song I have fallen in love with. It's Turm Der Angst by Null Positiv. I hope someday you can react to it. I think you will really enjoy it. Keep up the amazing work. Rock on!! 🤘🤘🤘
*does the dance of joy* Tides of Time, finally! Thank you!
If you want to try more of the softer side of Epica, I recommend Once Upon a Nightmare and Chasing the Dragon
My favorite analyst is analyzing my favorite song, I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. You, the analysis and the song are wonderful!
Greetings from Hungary!
I love that you matched in Metal music, I'm glad that a professional like you, realized about the talent that exist in this genre of music. Greetings from Mexico City 🤘
Simone is my fav female singer for many years. This song shows why :)
You were spot-on about the voice sometimes resembling a musical instrument - the flute for the verses, but more of an electric guitar in that brilliant belty forward note in the bridge. How fitting, then, to have that note transition directly into the virtuoso guitar solo, picked up seamlessly from Simone! It almost seems like the voice morphed into that extended solo note. Listened to this song a hundred times, but this Charismatic listening session just brought it home to me - still finding those golden nuggets in the exquisite music after all the time...
Walking down this path of impactful ballads - I suggest the time is right to listen to the heart-rending acoustic version of "Feint" from the band's first DVD "We Will Take You with Us". That song's studio version and official video are of interest, but for a survey of the beauty of young Simone's transcending vocals (set against a couple of very capable backing vocalists as well!) the acoustic video is the way to go - and to see that girl had it all in her grasp at 20... the emotion, the control, the charisma... such hard and moving message, too.
Another, already mentioned, piece (can't call it but a "track") from the later period (post-motherhood, if that point is of professional interest) is the amply mentioned "Once upon a Nightmare", which is thematically Schubert's "Der Erlkönig" given a new treatment. Very haunting, appropriately so - and demonstrative of EPICA's songwriting intelligence. They truly adjust to the story they set out to tell. These three, with "Tides of Time", form, I think, the trinity of EPICA ballads for everyone to know and cherish. They have others of beauty and class, but we have to narrow down the wish-list :)))
This song reminds me of my grandma, it’s been 22 years and I miss her more every day it seems. In a turbulent life she was my safe place. She never judged she just loved and it was enough. Love you nanny.
Simone wrote this after Mark's grandma passed away.
Virtual hugs to you
Just a couple of things that as for as I have seen, noone commented on so far.
The topic of the song: it is about having lot a dear one. This song has been specifically written because of the death of Mark´s grandmother who died during the recording of the Design your Universe album. Mark´s grandmother was important to Epica because in their early days, Epica did their rehearsing in the basement of her house. For the same reason, Mark dedicated the song Kingdom of Heaven to her.
Also you mentioned the use oh electric guitar with classic instruments. An even more striking example for this is the version of "One upon a nightmare" in the Omega Alive version. The original version relies heavily on piano and strings. With Omega Alive however they made a stripped down version with just electric guitar and grand piano, the guitar replacing the strings.
🌀🌀🌀🙏🙏🙏 thank you, thank you, Elizabeth, for Epica!
Great reaction. Your videos are incredibly informative and it is so evident how much you love music. I get a renewed appreciation for performers after watching your analyses. I'm so glad I saw this when I did as I'll be seeing Epica and Sabaton in a couple of weeks. Simone is a jewel and a true nightingale.
HOLY SHIT FINALLY. I've been waiting for some damn reactor to finally react to this masterpiece!
Female-fronted metal has become sort of a trope. Ummm, I don't mean that necessarily in a derogatory statement. But 20 years ago there were only Nightwish, After Forever, and Therion doing this kind of stuff, and now the scene is absolutely bursting with both talent and pretenders. And it's very hard to break out or stand out in a field that has the fucking living legend Floor Jansen. But I think Simone has hands down THE best ballad voice. It is just so... sweet. And nobody else comes close. This, Kamelot's Abandoned, and Pain of Salvation's Iter Impius are the three best metal ballads. But this one is just magical.
30 years ago was Theatre of Tragedy that adopted beauty & beast type of vocals as one of the first (if not the first) metal bands.
Don't forget Tristania with Vibeke Stene
This song is so incredible!!! It really makes me so emotional and so sensitive when listening to Simone's opera style singing in the chorus. Please, please Elizabeth, if you could react also to the live versions of Sensorium, Dance of Fate and Phantom Agony.
To my ears, one of the best power ballads ever written. Such a shame that they are not playing it often live.
Oh wow, I suggested an analysis of this song at least a year ago. Glad to see it finally getting the recognition it deserves, probably my favorite Epica song.
Please do Kingdom of Heaven part 3 Omega alive asap especially on the back of the interview! Perfect 😍😍😍
I think this is the first song I heard from Epica and it's one of the most beautiful songs there is. 🥰🎶 And I think these are Simone's best vocals I've heard. ❤️
She actually went on tour while she was pregnant with an obvious baby bump, and she still sounded amazing. The keyboardist had a special small keyboard which he still uses, that he can walk around with the was shaped very concave. Sometimes while playing he would hover it over the bump and it would fit perfectly under the keyboard haha. Her baby heard some awesome music while in her belly lol
I love Simone Simons so much
Please listen to Rivers and Once upon a nightmare
My favorite Epica song by far is Cry for the Moon. It's from one of their first albums and still their best Imho. Such a profound and deep song with a beautiful melody and catchy anthem. Absolutely incredible song.
I really love this song! Thank you very much for this... I'm really excited to watch the interview! :3 Go on with the awesomeness :D
I hope you are sharing this music within the classical and operatic community. Simone and floor deserve to be heard more widely.
This song gives me the most amazing body tingles, there is nothing else like it. Thanks for this great video, I really enjoyed watching you enamor over Simone’s beautifully harmonic vocals!
"Frail is our beauty in the end" what a marvellous verse! Keep on your excellent job! Greetings from Greece!
The entire lyric for this song is gorgeous, Simone is a strong writer as well. She has done about half of all Epica lyrics.
@@rolsen1304 I know my friend, just mentioned this verse as one of my favorites. Another one is from CANVAS OF LIFE: "The stains come alive when the paint has gone dry". I was lucky seeing them in Athens a month ago!
This song represents for me a past a present and future, is for real the song that gives me an ocean of peace, a place to grave my family that already passed away, a place where my tribulations become learn and maturity.... My all time epica song. Thx for react to this ❤️
about damn time... one of the minor gripes I had against your stellar channel was a distinct lack of Simone (especially since Simone > Floor. fight me if you must)... and it's so great that you've started to address that with one of her finest ever moments (which is saying a hell of a lot). also great that you don't shy away from audio-only tracks. plz do Unchain Utopia from Omega Alive - it sounds even better than the studio version (I'd suggest more but then this comment would contain at least half of her entire body of work)
I have searched for the appropriate place in which I could leave you a comment to give you the much deserved props for the success of your channel as a whole. This review, like all that you have done in the past are done so well and with such an insightful and fun approach. No doubt you have breached the Million subscribers and I foresee that number growing exponentially as you continue to do what you do. Before tonight I was not familiar with your channel and honestly I have never watched any of the vocal coaches reactions to songs and I happen to see the one that you did on disturbed sound of silence… .. that was 3 or 4 hours and many of videos ago. I have binge watched your channel and I wanted to thank you for sharing your passion for music and being open to covering songs all the way from Johnny Cash to Eddie Vedder. The songs you have picked to review have been many of my personal favorite tracks of all time and to see someone like yourself hear them for the first time and have you articulate the emotions that these songs provoke is not only educational but so much fun to watch and this is why I believe you are such a natural at this. So if you actually read this I would be surprised since you have hundreds of comments but if so I just wanted to say Thank you and huge props 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼! ! ! Keep up the great work! And if I could make one request, it would really make my day to watch and I can promise you that you will appreciate this song and it would make a great show and it’s a song called Waffle by Sevendust. The studio version video. It’s one of those that I am just floored by his ability to shift his voice across the board and carry such an emotional impact when doing so. You will not be disappointed. Again Great Work 🤘🏼
lovely. sounds like disney tones/structure with a van halen solo.
Reminiscent of Floor's voice. no wonder it's great.
thanks for introducing me to a wider music palette
I had the luck to see her perform this live and it was beautiful
So glad you did this song, love it so much and has always been amongst my favourites of theirs. Great video
This vídeo was like almost getting an 0rgasm a million times but never getting it, because Elizabeth hás this talent to stop exactly in the best parts over and over and never let any part to be concluded. It's a painfully beautiful video
BDSM Reactions lol
Tantric musical appreciation😉🤨😁
I love her, i have 31 years old, and i ear epica for first time when i was 15, i fall in love in these moment, she is almost perfect.
Well you've just introduced me to some new music! Wow! What a stunning voice and so operatic! What a fantastic experience especially with the instrumental backing. Her range is just outstanding. Complete aside - I know it's a totally different genre (and a cover version) but I'd love to see your analysis, Elizabeth, of the "Home Free" cover of Shakira's "Try Everything". To me anyway, it's just jaw dropping.