The man who shouts "Floor Jansen" at the end with a growling voice is Mark Jansen (no family relation). Both he and Floor were together in a band called After Forever in the 90s/early 2000s until Mark was dismissed from the band due to creative differences. He went on to found Epica (then called Sahara Dust) with his girlfriend at the time - Simone, who is still the lead singer of the band. Simone and Floor are close friends and have been for years - this is why they have such good chemistry on stage. Mark and Simone are no longer a couple, but they still work very well together. Simone is married with Oliver Polotai, the keyboards player of another metal band : Kamelot (in fact she was pregnant during this show which is why she didn't headbang as violently as Floor xD ) . Very early Epica (then named Sahara Dust) was in fact Kamelot's support band during their Epica tour (from their namesake album), and it is from Kamelot's "Epica" album title that the name of band comes from. Kamelot was the support band during Nightwish's 2012 Imaginaerum US tour, during which then-Nightwish-vocalist Anette Olzon fell ill minutes before their Denver show. Kamelot's session vocalists Elize Ryd and Alissa White-Gluz covered for Anette and the show went on while she was hospitalized. Nightwish's decision to go forward with the show upset Anette and she publicly criticized the band on her blog. This was the last straw in Anette's and Nightwish's already troubled relationship and days later, the band fired her, with Floor acting as her replacement for the remainder of the tour. We know the rest of the story. Elize Ryd was also considered by Nightwish as a vocalist - way back in 2005 when they fired their first vocalist, Tarja Turunen. They thought Elize was too young and inexperienced at the time and went with Anette instead. Elize went on to found her own band, Amaranthe. Unrelated to this, on their first album with Anette, Nightwish released a song titled Amaranth. Is your head spinning yet? XD
Oh yes, wery "classical" piece several centuries old... not what you would expect in the middle of metal concert, right? But these people are not limited, if it's good music - give it to us!
Full orchestra and choir. This Retrospect show was EPICA's 10th anniversary concert in 2013. A 24 song , 3 hour concert, Sancta Terra was over 2 hours in. Guitarist Mark Jansen formed the band in 2002, after parting ways with his former band , After Forever(Floor's first band she joined at age 16). Formed as Sahara Dust, they renamed the band after the 2003 Kamelot album. Simone Simons on lead vocals, was 17 in 2002, she switched to this style of singing , from pop, in training after hearing Tarja with Nightwish. Coen Janssen on keyboards is the other remaining original member. Current lineup, seen here, has been constant since 2012. Isaac Delahaye on lead guitar, drummer Arien van Weesenbeek, and bassist Rob van der Loo. Several EP's and 8 full albums to date, album #9 is in the works. This song is not typical of EPICA, in that Mark adds some harsh vocals in a lot of songs. Some songs are heavier, some similar heaviness, and some beautiful ballads. As you see, they are awesome live. More from EPICA: "Consign to Oblivion" live at the Zenith in Paris. "Design Your universe" was the very next song in the set here. "The Skelton Key" and "Kingdom of Heaven Part 3" ,both at the 2021 Omega Alive virtual concert. And live in Amsterdam 2023, at AFAS live, "Code of Life" and the ballad "Rivers" feat Apocalyptica.
There are *_4 Dutch Queens of Metal"_* Floor Simone Sharon den Adel None of which would be very likely to even be where they are without *_Anneke van Giersbergen_* Show some respect.
You've seen 2 dutch metal queens now. There are 3 more to check out. Sharon from Within Temptation. Charlotte Wessels former singer of Delain. And the 'mother' of all the mentioned singers Anneke van Giersbergen who started it.
I can't imagine what it would be like discovering Nightwish, Epica and The Warning, all within a few weeks - they all have such great repertoires to delve into. Enjoy!
Hey There Lanae's THANK YOU, So ok, Floor is 6ft, and 1 inch, or 185 cm, tall in her stocking feet, Simone and Floor are both from the Netherlands, and they best friends, Floor is a fully trained Vocal coach, and she helped Simon out and taught her the correct way to Breath etc, and just in case you did not know, Floor attended the Dutch Rock Academy of Music and stage performance for almost 4 years, and left with a distinction Qualification in Singing, Teaching, and Coaching, Plus Floor also attend the Dutch Royal Opera school of music, which is of course where she learned to sing in the operatic vocal styles, Plus Floor achieved all this, while she was the lead sing in her first metal band for 12 years, and touring most of Europe, they were a Dutch Band called (After Forever) and you really need to see this band, and very Young Floor Jansen. Thank You
Simone had her first singing lessons in 1996. Floor hadn't had any for herself at the time and wasn't yet in After Forever. Floor never taught Simone. The two met through Mark Jansen, the co-founder of After Forever. Simone was his girlfriend and Mark chose her as the second choice singer in his new band Epica.
@Mischnikvideos Hello, and yes, all of what you said is correct to a point. however, Mark Jansen was kicked out of A/F for a number of reasons, mainly around his feelings for Floor. Who as you know was with Sanders for 8 years, and for me it was the best thing that ever happened to A/F as it gave them the freedom to wright other types off songs without Growling and high opera voices in it, and he is still doing the same shit, In Epica today. And we know that Simone has had singing lessons, but dure in the time Floor and Simone got together as friends they used to share new techniques on doing things in different way. So again, you are wrong, Floor and Simone have been together and friends for a long time. That is much near the Mark than what you have said
@@terrytheukdude9402 If someone argues with other people's feelings, I ignore it. Usually it's rumors, not facts. When I look at the musical development of Epica and After Forever, there are clearly artistic differences. Mark and Sander could no longer work together because they no longer agreed on the band's development. That's not a drama, things like that happen. Since Mark later had guest appearances, it wasn't a drama for either of them. They parted on good terms. In 1996, Simone took jazz/pop lessons, and in 2000 she started opera. Floor began her rock/opera studies in 1999 and didn't make much progress at first. Simone was the much more experienced pop/rock singer, Floor a little better at opera. Of course, the two exchanged ideas, but when it came to opera, they were both still students. When it came to pop/rock, Simone was able to teach Floor something because she was three years ahead. Simone had much more experience than Floor and was the better singer overall. Floor will have benefited more from Simone than vice versa. If they didn't meet through Mark, then when did they? Floor had only become musically active shortly before joining After Forever and her family hadn't lived in the area for long. The two didn't grow up together. Where and why did they meet before?
@@Mischnikvideos Mark was kicked out from After Forever right before the tour for Decipher. Sander said in a recent FB video that it was because of lack of communication and they weren't able to agree where to go next (Mark wanted more classical music and Sander more guitar oriented metal). As you said, such things happen. However there was some tension between both bands until AF broke up. Now there is no problem. Simone was 17 when Epica started, so I do not see any possibility for meeting Floor outside of AF with Mark
@@janmaule606 In 2007, Mark and Simone made a guest appearance at After Forever. A few months later, Sander fell ill. I don't see any tension there. A fan cam: After Forever - Beyond Me pt. 2 (with Simone and Mark)
Floor and Simone have been friends since their teens and must have practiced a lot together. There is even a cheesy video about that in Simone her apartment, I think. Can we appreciate that Simone was 12 weeks pregnant during this 10 year anniversary concert and had to sing 23 (!) songs. Two of them with Floor, but that was a purely classical song, not metal, not pop, not modern. Song is called Sabat Mater Dolorosa.
First experienced Epica as a warm-up band for sonata arctica an age ago. Had never heard them, and was totally blown away! Their power, and Simones voice and stage presence was pardon the pun Epic! They sound Great here, but I have never heard a band sound THAT much better live. If you get a chance do see them live. Great reaction, you are really infectious with you’re enthusiasm.
We Dutchies are so proud for having such amazing female singers. This song is about a suïcide bomber, who thinks he is in Heaven, but in fact he is in Hell, but he likes it so much there, that he refuse to go to Heaven
Something else you should check out is Ayreon. The Day that the World Breaks Down is a good starting point. Ayreon is the brainchild of Arjen Lucassen. He writes pretty much all the music and lyrics. He also plays most of the guitars, bass and keyboards. Then... he enlists some of the best singers in (mostly) European metal bands to tell a story. Each album is a concept piece that might be standalone, or might expand on one "world" that he's been building for 20+ years. The song I mentioned above includes all 11 singers from the album The Source. He also has several other projects, the most notable being Star One - where pretty much all the songs are about sci-fi movies or TV. And again, he brings in other singers and musicians.
Epica also is a great symphonic metal band but in general harder than Nightwish. This song is an exception, also Stabat Mater Dolorosa from the same concert. Normally they have no orchestra and choir on stage but recorded and played both background like Nightwish does; this was especially for their anniversary concert. In most other songs the male singers growl, Simone does the clear singing. She normally also headbangs like Floor but during this concert she was pregnant; therefore she had to be more cautious. And I am sure you have seen that both metal queens are longtime good friends.
Sweet LANAE, Epica is also a Dutch band, Simone (singer) and Floor studies vocals together at conservatorium and are BFF's. The huitar player who screams Floor's name is a former bandmember of After Forever, Floor's first band when she was 16) Most female Metal front singers are from Holland and we have Maggie from Belgium (Nightmare, she's awesome too) Sharon (within Temptation Dutch band) Anneke (The gathering Dutch band) Marcella )Stream of Passion Dutch band) AND our PRIDE Arjan Lucassen with his awesome projects, with the best singers all over the world (Ayreon) Thank you lovely!
I love "Rivers", feat. Apocolyptica in AFAS live and "Tides of Time" from Epica. Two amazing ballads sung beautifully by Simone Simons (Lead singer from Epica). Another great song from Epica is "Unleashed". Simone Simons is going to release a solo album and the first two released songs are great as well. They are "Aeterna" and "In love we Rust". Check them out :)
9Just welcome to EPICA university. 1. Unleashed (Retrospect) 2. Design your universe (Retrospect) 3. Rivers (feat. APOCALYPTICA) 4. Skeleton Key (Omega Alive) 5. Kingdom of heaven pt3 (Omega Alive) 6. Once upon a nightmare (OmegaAlive) 7. Abyss of time (official video) 8. Chasing the dragon (Retrospect) 9. Tides of time (audio with lyrics) 10. The Phantom Agony (remastered studio live) 11. Cry for the moon (remastered studio live) 12. Feint (Official video) 13. Solitary ground (Official video) 14. Canvas of live (unofficial wirh lyrics) and of course... 15. Consign to Oblivion (Live at Zenith, Paris) Those for a beginning... Cheers from Greece! Ps. Always check their lyrics as well as NIGHTWISH'!🤟
And also probably the most underrated "In All Conscience" from Omega Live, it showcases Simone's classical vocals in the best way. Unchained Utopia from Omega is also a good choice to react to
Epica was Mark Jansen's second attempt to form a new band in 2002. The first time he had another singer, but she ran off with the drummer. He then founded Epica with his girlfriend Simone Simons (Simone Johanna Maria Simons) as the singer. Tarja's role model is unmistakable. Mark swaps the folk of Nightwish for death growls, which he does himself. He composes most of the songs, Simone writes the lyrics. This apparently didn't do their personal relationship any good, as it broke up in 2005. She is now married to the keyboard player of Kamelot and the two live in Germany with their son. That's why she speaks fluent German. When she has time, she has been working on her beauty blog SmoonStyle since 2010 or taking photos as a freelancer. Floor and Simone know each other through Mark, who previously founded After Forever, where Floor was the singer. EPICA feat. APOCALYPTICA - Rivers (Live At The AFAS LIVE)
Tides of Time was recommended below, lovely ballad, beautifully written. Also check out Simone in Ayreon - This Human Equation (Official Lyric Video). That's a fun one.
Staba Matar Dolorosa ( a very old Hymn about Maria's suffering when Christ died) they sing beautiful. Floor's range is bigger, so she took the alto part in that beautiful hymn
You can tell how good of friends they are just by watching them perform. Their playfulness and how they interact with each other is what is missing in music these days especially in the U.S. Music is supposed to bring people together not the opposite and they are the epitome of that. And the song is badass as well!🎼🌹🌹
There's something about living below sea level in the Netherlands that produces great singers. So far you've encountered Floor Jansen and now Simone Simons (Epica) but along with them you have Sharon den Adel (Within Temptation), Charlotte Wessels (Delain), Anneke van Giersbergen (solo but often seen in Ayreon), Dianne van Giersbergen (Xandria) and others...
My best suggestion: Rivers ft Apocalyptica. The most beautiful song I have ever heard in my 58 years. I like that shot of the choir head banging during the breakdown.
I love how Floor looks like some kind of Valkyrie warrior goddess and Simone looks like a Final Fantasy mage. Definitely a power duo. I wonder who they would party up with for a rogue and a tank....or another mage 😆
Mark Jansen (no relation to Floor) is the founder and lead guitar for Epica......however, he and Floor were bandmates in After Forever.......Simon Simons was 3 months pregnant during this show.....she and Floor are long-term besties......some other metal bands to check out.....Arch Enemy, Amaranthe, Imperial Age, Sabaton (Floor married to Hannes Van Dahl, their drummer), Within Temptation, Battle Beast, Kamelot, Jinjer, Orien's Reign, Lacuna Coil, Dragonforce, Unleash the Archers, Liliac, Lords of the Trident, Wintersun......
All Epica songs are great. From very heavy to soaring balllads and everything in between. Lead Singer Simone Simons joined Epica when she was just 17 and still attending high school. She studied almost 5 years of classical singing in a local music school from a private teacher. Polular reactions are: Unleashed official live from Retrospect show, Consign to Oblivion live ( heavy song though) Once upon a nightmare- from Omega live, Kingdom of heaven part 3 from Omega alive, , The Essence of Silence, official live video, the Epica list of songs is endless. P.s people tend to say Simone and Floor were roommates, studied together etc, it's all nonsense to be honest. Simone is 4 years younger than Floor so when Floor went to the rockacademy at 18 , Simone was just 14 and attending high school. They did tour together though, In 2010 Epica embarked on a European tour and they took Floor with her then new band Revamp with them as support act for Epica. Simone sang a song with Revamp at that tour and Floor a song with Epica.
Fun Fact: Guitarist Mark Jansen formed the band Epica after he left his band After Forever. After Forever was Floors first band she started performing with them Aged 16. The Keyboard player for After Forever Joost left with Floor and formed Floors second band Revamp. But after Floor got the call to help Nightwish during there U S. Tour 2012 she later was offered to join Nightwish along with British member Troy 2013 introduced during the Wacken concert. Floor couldn't commit to two bands disbanded Revamp. Keyboard player Joost joined Ayreon along with backing vocalist Irene Jansen ( Floors sister ). Simone from Epica is good friends with Floor.
There is only one thing in the world more sublime than this, and it's their other duet from this concert: "Stabat Mater Dolorosa". One of the most beautiful pieces of music I know of is Giovanni Pergolesi’s 1735 masterpiece, "Stabat Mater”, based on a 13th Century sacral hymn about Mary mourning the crucifixion. The best-known movement is the first one, “Stabat Mater Dolorosa”. Here is my favorite version, performed by the two leading ladies of metal, Simone Simons and Floor Jansen. The piece is written for soprano and contralto. Jansen, who normally performs in the soprano range, takes the contralto line here, without any loss of power or clarity. They did this in the middle of a thunderous show by Simons' symphonic rock band Epica. Watch them reduce a stadium full of amped up metalheads to stunned silence. th-cam.com/video/nhtOORYTGx8/w-d-xo.html
It's wild that the Netherlands produce some amazing metal bands and singers yet they get very little recognition in their own country. Or at least they did until Floor's appearance on the Dutch TV show "Beste Zangers". She blew everyone away with her incredible performances and she's now a superstar in her homeland. You really need to check these shows out, especially the ones that have been translated into English.
My brain explodes every time someone stops the music in the middle of a chord or rhyme 🤯 The music should be enjoyed without interruption. Then you will get all the pleasure out of it.
So you‘ve discovered Epica. When you‘re down that rabbit hole a little bit, there’s a foxhole connecting these rabbit holes and lots of others altogether: „Ayreon“ (Start with the album version of „The day that the world breaks down“ and go on to the live versions and discover that Floor has a sister…
Hey Lanae! At 48, I'm pretty much set in my music choice ways: I likes what I like, but thanks to TH-cam reactors like yourself I've discovered new musical obsessions! - YT introduced me to Nightwish, Epica & Pentatonix (bit random I know!) 😆 This is the very song that put me onto Epica too! My favorites so far I'd recommend: 'Unleashed' 'Skeleton Key' & 'Storm the Sorrow', and continuing with Nightwish, love to see you watch 'Noise' & 'Yours is an empty hope'! Loving your reactions - pretty on par with my thoughts & feelings seeing these the first time! - can't wait to see more! Love from the UK! ❤😊
Epica - Once Upon A Nightmare from the Omega alive performance I think is a nice sample of Simone's softer side as well as her power. It is a truly beautiful song.
And now another rabbit hole or rather holes open up to you, you know Floor and have now ‘met’ Simone as lead singers, just wait until you find Anneke and Sharon (all 4 are from the Netherlands) ❤❤❤❤
Hey! Great reaction! Welcome to Epcia =) Yous hould go to: • Unleahsed (Retrospect) • Code of Life (live at AFAS) • Once Upon a Nightmare (Omega Alive) • Skeleton Key (Omega Alive) • Rivers (live at AFAS feat. Apocalyptica) Cheers!
Watch Unleashed from this same concert to see how great Simone can be. Another wonderful song is Code of Life from the AFAS show. Epica is truly incredible.
Great songs by Epica: -Martyr of the Free Word (Official live) -Design Your Universe (live at Retrospect) -Unchain Utopia (Official Live) -Victims of Contingency (Omega live) -Consign to Oblivion (Live at Zenith)
Someone will come into these comments and tell you that Simone was pregnant during this show, and while it is amazing that she did that, you will need to look at the official live version of Nightwish's Tribal and take a look at Floor :)
Epica are, well, epic!!! Another great Symphonic metal band to add to your rabbit-hole adventures. I would strongly recommend their song Storm the Sorrow - it is awesome. Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺🤘
Oh my... first time w/Epica? This is a classic 'first timer' for new-to-Epica watchers.... the other being Consign to Oblivion (live at Zenith) I like this as you get to hear them side-by-side with the same production crew/sound-engineers and stage ambience. ... not to start a 'who's better' conversation... just to hear their voices getting the same sound-treatment. They are both astounding talents. Everyone else has already made lists of next-songs, and it's hard o find a mediocre Epica song. prefer the live cuts from this concert (Retrospect), the Omega Live set (amazing live staging, no audience as it was a love-letter to their fans during the shutdown, and the very recent AFAS concert. ... but 'going wrong' is a hard thing to do with this band. Keeping smiling, keep headbanging, and keep the free-flowing feeling -of-awe. It all looks good on you.
If you wanna listen to more Epica I strongly recommend their song Consign to Oblivion (live in Paris veesion) 👏👏👏 I enjoy watching your reactions btw. Keep doing it👍
This is my favourite song about a suicide bomber who is unable to accept the reality that his own bomb has sent him to hell! From this same concert check out "Stabat Mater Dolorosa" ("the sorrowful Mother weeps.") It's about Mary watching her son die on the Cross. It was finished just weeks before the composer, Giovanni Pergolesi died in 1736 at the age of 26. It is a haunting examination of grief and is considered one of the greatest works of sacred music of all time. Hearing it performed at a metal concert - with the crowd so respectful - is an experience. I'm also going to suggest "Consign to Oblivion" live at the Zenith in Paris. It's one of their heaviest songs and really shows off how the band work together.
These two together always give me Xena and Gabrielle vibes ... It is so wonderful how easy they make this look, playing around and just casually smashing the song as if they sing a christmas song together ... heartwarming Metal ... just love it
Yeay!! Thank you for reacting to Sancta Terra This melody by Epica is AMAZING with ALOT of different influences and inspiration's. Arabian music, Metal and especially Nightwish's music. ( I told you, that Nightwish has inspired many bands and singers 😘)
Hi Lanae, congratulations, you just discovered one of the greatest bands in the world, be prepared to be blown away every time you see this band, EPICA are phenomenal it blows my mind that people are still finding this amazing band for the first time, 21 years and 8 albums into their career 🙃
"One of the greatest bands in the world"? You are joking right? They are pretty much a mainstream symphonic band, that happens to go a bit heavier and a bit proggier than their counterparts.
@@nikosv95 Most people have different opinions and preferences when it comes to music and other artistic endeavours, it's all subjective, so no, I'm not joking, I think they are incredible, and I'm not the only one
Mark Jansen (no relation to Floor) was the founder of Epica. The name came from a Kamelot album title. He was also in the same band as Floor earlier (After Forever)! Simone Simons is married to the keyboard player of Kamelot, Olive Palotai. Always bet on the black AND the red (hair) - you can't lose! Something in the Dutch blood?!..... Mark's the guy growling Floor's name at the end........ My fave song by Epica is "Chasing The Dragon". "Rivers" with Apocalyptica is good too... actually, any of their material is great! 2022 was Epica's 20th birthday - I hope their 25th is as Epic(a) as this was!
Cute reaction welcome to the greatness of Epica! A TRUE METAL band and this symphonic metal genre. Many of their songs are much heavier than this so not sure if you like it or not they’re definitely not more main stream sound like NW. I am thankful to many very good symphonic metal bands like Nightwish and within temptation and Delain and Leaves’ Eyes among others that were my gateway up to the greatness of Simone and Epica 🤘🏻
You gell in the rabitholl Epica is a symphonic metalband just like nightwish but they use growls as well. They have it all beautifull ballads heavy songs etc Suggestions Epca Retrospect Design your own Universe Rivers Afas (ballad) Omegs alive Once upon a Nightmare (balad) Omega alive Kingdom of Heaven part 1 and part 3 The essence of silence live at Brussels (heavy song) Cosign to Oblivion live at the Zenith (heavy)
Epica is my favorite band! Whenever I see someone reacting to Nightwish, I feel happy because I know it's only a matter of time before they discover Epica ♥️🤣 please check out Chasing the Dragon from Retrospect (a ballad that grows), Design your Universe, and I particularly love Abyss of Time , by Omega Alive ❤
If you want to jump into the deep end, then “consign to oblivion” live at Zenith, is there heaviest stuff. If you want to work yourself into it then “Unleashed” from this concert is a great start. I also highly recommend “Beyond the Mattix” live at AFAS.
Hi Lanae, welcome to the wonderful world of EPICA, here is a good song to start with, this is a song from a concert last year in Amsterdam 🙃 EPICA - Unleashed (Live At The AFAS Live)
“Kingdom of Heaven Part 3” for something epic. “Once upon a nightmare” for a power ballad. Try both from the “Omega Alive” live performance. It was during Covid lockdown, so it’s a recorded live show with very high production quality.
next check out Floors husband, he is the drummer for Sabaton, a good song to begin with is " a Christmas truce". pleased your enjoying all this good music that's been around and a lot are now discovering.
This was from their 10th anniversary show back in 2013. It was a 3 hour show which had just about everything. Here are a few suggestions from the show… Unleashed (start here, symphonic metal at it’s best)- th-cam.com/video/rxd6sxLxdys/w-d-xo.html Chasing the Dragon (with sub-titles) (power ballad) - th-cam.com/video/xvc_WXbVjAw/w-d-xo.html Presto (classical instrumental duet between solo violinist and Epica’s lead guitarist) - th-cam.com/video/kDsUjbOX3xg/w-d-xo.html Stabat Mater Dolorosa (13th century latin hymn, duet between lead singer Simone and Floor Jansen) - th-cam.com/video/nhtOORYTGx8/w-d-xo.html Delirium (soft ballad) - th-cam.com/video/FAYPDf3Zk14/w-d-xo.html The Divine Conspiracy (great collaboration with the orchestra)- th-cam.com/video/a0TvrtinRWU/w-d-xo.html Design Your Universe (closing number, spectacular) - th-cam.com/video/9nlPx-HEpCU/w-d-xo.html
Great reaction Lanae! It was just a matter of time before you took a peep down the Epica rabbithole too..... so you want more eh?.... that's natural. Ok, there's Consign to Oblivion, Design your Universe, Kingdom of Heaven Pt3, Abyss of Time, Skeleton Key and Unleashed to start you off......
Another musical hole of this genre you would love is Kamelot with the original singer I believe was Roy Khan. They have had both Simone and Floor as guest singers.
If it already hasn't been mentioned, check out their pandemic project "Omega Alive". While not a truly live concert (more of a streamed wish list of things they could do on stage when playing live), it is an amazing collection of performances. Also, go further back in time and check out After Forever, a Floor lead band that also is a starting point for Epica.
Awesome 🎉you've made it to the Epica level!!😂 Check out from the same concert (Retrospect Live) Intro/Monopoly Of Truth Stabat Mater Delarosa (also with Floor) Unleashed Design Your Universe Then a must is Consign To Oblivion live at Zenith Paris And Essence of Silence live in Brussels. I saw them live in Glasgow, Scotland last year with Apocalyptica and they were amazing. So also check out Simone singing Rise Again with them, and Rivers live at AFAS. Enjoy.... you may also want to check out a project band called Aeryon and the video for The Day The World Breaks Down..... trust me... you won't regret it!!! ❤🤘
As others suggested: Stabat Mater Dolorosa, Consign to Oblivion, Unleashed, Abyss of Time, Once Upon a Nightmare and (my personal favorite) Tides of Time (tissue alert!!)
The microphone stand has the shape of the letter S for Simone.... Floor and Simone are long time friends: th-cam.com/video/LjvXo5GRvxI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=lYXYJBPFzYOu1b_W this is the song mentioned, written by Floor: th-cam.com/video/xmYzLIB6OjU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=5hLXwL4PTKcjWy-n
I know it's not a particularly popular opinion but i really think "Never Enough" is a good entry point for new Epica fans. It's familiar sounding but still distinctly Epica.
Thanks for sharing your reaction to a song that Simone wrote about a dead suicide terrorist who thinks he's in Heaven, but is actually in Hell. P.S. Simone was several months pregnant & has already been singing for two hours, which is why they boosted her microphone to compensate for fatique & diminished lung capacity. Antoher great live performance is this beautiful ballad featuring the Finnish band Apocalyptica: EPICA feat. APOCALYPTICA - Rivers (Live At The AFAS LIVE).
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It's Wonder Woman and Poisin Ivy singing a metal duet.
Dolorosa Stabat mater from this concert is pure Orchesteral with the two Ladies sining.
Simone is 5' 6" - medium female lenght? Floor bends her knees (atleast in close up vid)...
The man who shouts "Floor Jansen" at the end with a growling voice is Mark Jansen (no family relation). Both he and Floor were together in a band called After Forever in the 90s/early 2000s until Mark was dismissed from the band due to creative differences. He went on to found Epica (then called Sahara Dust) with his girlfriend at the time - Simone, who is still the lead singer of the band. Simone and Floor are close friends and have been for years - this is why they have such good chemistry on stage.
Mark and Simone are no longer a couple, but they still work very well together. Simone is married with Oliver Polotai, the keyboards player of another metal band : Kamelot (in fact she was pregnant during this show which is why she didn't headbang as violently as Floor xD ) . Very early Epica (then named Sahara Dust) was in fact Kamelot's support band during their Epica tour (from their namesake album), and it is from Kamelot's "Epica" album title that the name of band comes from.
Kamelot was the support band during Nightwish's 2012 Imaginaerum US tour, during which then-Nightwish-vocalist Anette Olzon fell ill minutes before their Denver show. Kamelot's session vocalists Elize Ryd and Alissa White-Gluz covered for Anette and the show went on while she was hospitalized. Nightwish's decision to go forward with the show upset Anette and she publicly criticized the band on her blog. This was the last straw in Anette's and Nightwish's already troubled relationship and days later, the band fired her, with Floor acting as her replacement for the remainder of the tour. We know the rest of the story.
Elize Ryd was also considered by Nightwish as a vocalist - way back in 2005 when they fired their first vocalist, Tarja Turunen. They thought Elize was too young and inexperienced at the time and went with Anette instead. Elize went on to found her own band, Amaranthe. Unrelated to this, on their first album with Anette, Nightwish released a song titled Amaranth.
Is your head spinning yet? XD
Well written short historical info 👍🤘
You must do EPICA “consign to oblivion” live at Zenith in Paris. The song will change your life!!
but remember .. Epica is much harder than night wish
I concur.
I concur 🔥🔥🤘
I concur
I concur 👍
Check out these two queens singing" Stabat Mater Dolorosa". Surprise surprise
Oh yes, wery "classical" piece several centuries old... not what you would expect in the middle of metal concert, right? But these people are not limited, if it's good music - give it to us!
yes yes yes
I concur
Watch a venue full of metal heads stand stock still entranced!
Simone and Floor are not only Dutch, but have also been friends for a long time.
Floor and Simone have been close friends for a long time
Not any more though
....not to mention a FULL CHOIR behind the orchestra making those chorus's so complete behind Floor and Simone!
Full orchestra and choir. This Retrospect show was EPICA's 10th anniversary concert in 2013. A 24 song , 3 hour concert, Sancta Terra was over 2 hours in.
Guitarist Mark Jansen formed the band in 2002, after parting ways with his former band , After Forever(Floor's first band she joined at age 16). Formed as Sahara Dust, they renamed the band after the 2003 Kamelot album.
Simone Simons on lead vocals, was 17 in 2002, she switched to this style of singing , from pop, in training after hearing Tarja with Nightwish. Coen Janssen on keyboards is the other remaining original member. Current lineup, seen here, has been constant since 2012. Isaac Delahaye on lead guitar, drummer Arien van Weesenbeek, and bassist Rob van der Loo. Several EP's and 8 full albums to date, album #9 is in the works.
This song is not typical of EPICA, in that Mark adds some harsh vocals in a lot of songs. Some songs are heavier, some similar heaviness, and some beautiful ballads. As you see, they are awesome live.
More from EPICA: "Consign to Oblivion" live at the Zenith in Paris. "Design Your universe" was the very next song in the set here. "The Skelton Key" and "Kingdom of Heaven Part 3" ,both at the 2021 Omega Alive virtual concert. And live in Amsterdam 2023, at AFAS live, "Code of Life" and the ballad "Rivers" feat Apocalyptica.
I am not a bit fan of harsh vocals, so Rivers at AFAS Live with Apocalyptica is more to my liking and absolutely beautiful.
This was the bands 10th anniversary show hence the orchestra , there singer is Simone Simons and her & Floor have been long time close friends .
my favourite band ever, soooo much good music.
Two Dutch queens of Symphonic Metal!
There are *_4 Dutch Queens of Metal"_*
Floor
Simone
Sharon den Adel
None of which would be very likely to even be where they are without *_Anneke van Giersbergen_*
Show some respect.
You've seen 2 dutch metal queens now. There are 3 more to check out. Sharon from Within Temptation. Charlotte Wessels former singer of Delain. And the 'mother' of all the mentioned singers Anneke van Giersbergen who started it.
En ook Blackbriar!!!!!!!
Dianne van Giersbergen, Silje Wergeland, Irene Jansen (yes, Floor's sister), Zora Cock
I can't imagine what it would be like discovering Nightwish, Epica and The Warning, all within a few weeks - they all have such great repertoires to delve into. Enjoy!
Hey There Lanae's THANK YOU, So ok, Floor is 6ft, and 1 inch, or 185 cm, tall in her stocking feet, Simone and Floor are both from the Netherlands, and they best friends, Floor is a fully trained Vocal coach, and she helped Simon out and taught her the correct way to Breath etc, and just in case you did not know, Floor attended the Dutch Rock Academy of Music and stage performance for almost 4 years, and left with a distinction Qualification in Singing, Teaching, and Coaching, Plus Floor also attend the Dutch Royal Opera school of music, which is of course where she learned to sing in the operatic vocal styles, Plus Floor achieved all this, while she was the lead sing in her first metal band for 12 years, and touring most of Europe, they were a Dutch Band called (After Forever) and you really need to see this band, and very Young Floor Jansen. Thank You
Simone had her first singing lessons in 1996. Floor hadn't had any for herself at the time and wasn't yet in After Forever. Floor never taught Simone. The two met through Mark Jansen, the co-founder of After Forever. Simone was his girlfriend and Mark chose her as the second choice singer in his new band Epica.
@Mischnikvideos Hello, and yes, all of what you said is correct to a point. however, Mark Jansen was kicked out of A/F for a number of reasons, mainly around his feelings for Floor. Who as you know was with Sanders for 8 years, and for me it was the best thing that ever happened to A/F as it gave them the freedom to wright other types off songs without Growling and high opera voices in it, and he is still doing the same shit, In Epica today.
And we know that Simone has had singing lessons, but dure in the time Floor and Simone got together as friends they used to share new techniques on doing things in different way. So again, you are wrong, Floor and Simone have been together and friends for a long time. That is much near the Mark than what you have said
@@terrytheukdude9402 If someone argues with other people's feelings, I ignore it. Usually it's rumors, not facts. When I look at the musical development of Epica and After Forever, there are clearly artistic differences. Mark and Sander could no longer work together because they no longer agreed on the band's development. That's not a drama, things like that happen. Since Mark later had guest appearances, it wasn't a drama for either of them. They parted on good terms.
In 1996, Simone took jazz/pop lessons, and in 2000 she started opera. Floor began her rock/opera studies in 1999 and didn't make much progress at first. Simone was the much more experienced pop/rock singer, Floor a little better at opera. Of course, the two exchanged ideas, but when it came to opera, they were both still students. When it came to pop/rock, Simone was able to teach Floor something because she was three years ahead. Simone had much more experience than Floor and was the better singer overall. Floor will have benefited more from Simone than vice versa.
If they didn't meet through Mark, then when did they? Floor had only become musically active shortly before joining After Forever and her family hadn't lived in the area for long. The two didn't grow up together. Where and why did they meet before?
@@Mischnikvideos Mark was kicked out from After Forever right before the tour for Decipher. Sander said in a recent FB video that it was because of lack of communication and they weren't able to agree where to go next (Mark wanted more classical music and Sander more guitar oriented metal). As you said, such things happen. However there was some tension between both bands until AF broke up. Now there is no problem.
Simone was 17 when Epica started, so I do not see any possibility for meeting Floor outside of AF with Mark
@@janmaule606 In 2007, Mark and Simone made a guest appearance at After Forever. A few months later, Sander fell ill. I don't see any tension there. A fan cam:
After Forever - Beyond Me pt. 2 (with Simone and Mark)
2 Dutch symphonic metal female singers that will blow your mind!
Nightwish Army South Germany Division here
The Goddess of Valkyries and the Queen of Epica together on the Stage - THIS is Epic pure...
Moin. Nightwish, Division, Hamburg grüßt den Süden!❤😂
Nightwish and Epica are all to me, can’t live without the Goddess and the Queen 🤘🏼
Floor and Simone have been friends since their teens and must have practiced a lot together. There is even a cheesy video about that in Simone her apartment, I think. Can we appreciate that Simone was 12 weeks pregnant during this 10 year anniversary concert and had to sing 23 (!) songs. Two of them with Floor, but that was a purely classical song, not metal, not pop, not modern. Song is called Sabat Mater Dolorosa.
First experienced Epica as a warm-up band for sonata arctica an age ago. Had never heard them, and was totally blown away! Their power, and Simones voice and stage presence was pardon the pun Epic! They sound Great here, but I have never heard a band sound THAT much better live. If you get a chance do see them live.
Great reaction, you are really infectious with you’re enthusiasm.
There's a "whole freaking choir" as well 😂 Hats off to the sound engineers for getting all that to mix spot on!
For me the star of this performance is drummer Ariën van Weesenbeek. His drumming is amazing here.
We Dutchies are so proud for having such amazing female singers. This song is about a suïcide bomber, who thinks he is in Heaven, but in fact he is in Hell, but he likes it so much there, that he refuse to go to Heaven
That's the first explanation I've ever heard about this song. What a great story line.
Something else you should check out is Ayreon. The Day that the World Breaks Down is a good starting point. Ayreon is the brainchild of Arjen Lucassen. He writes pretty much all the music and lyrics. He also plays most of the guitars, bass and keyboards. Then... he enlists some of the best singers in (mostly) European metal bands to tell a story. Each album is a concept piece that might be standalone, or might expand on one "world" that he's been building for 20+ years. The song I mentioned above includes all 11 singers from the album The Source.
He also has several other projects, the most notable being Star One - where pretty much all the songs are about sci-fi movies or TV. And again, he brings in other singers and musicians.
Epica also is a great symphonic metal band but in general harder than Nightwish. This song is an exception, also Stabat Mater Dolorosa from the same concert. Normally they have no orchestra and choir on stage but recorded and played both background like Nightwish does; this was especially for their anniversary concert. In most other songs the male singers growl, Simone does the clear singing. She normally also headbangs like Floor but during this concert she was pregnant; therefore she had to be more cautious. And I am sure you have seen that both metal queens are longtime good friends.
I suggest Kingdom of Heaven 3 from Omega Alive. It pretty much is a showcase summary of what makes Epica truly amazing.
Any song, you are gonna fall in love with Epica and the amazing Simone Simons, hence the S mike stand.
One of the greatest duets ever.
Now with Epica, you opened heaven of symphonic metal! Tons of amazing songs. Don't miss Rhapsody of Fire from Italy!
Sweet LANAE, Epica is also a Dutch band, Simone (singer) and Floor studies vocals together at conservatorium and are BFF's. The huitar player who screams Floor's name is a former bandmember of After Forever, Floor's first band when she was 16)
Most female Metal front singers are from Holland and we have Maggie from Belgium (Nightmare, she's awesome too)
Sharon (within Temptation Dutch band) Anneke (The gathering Dutch band) Marcella )Stream of Passion Dutch band) AND our PRIDE Arjan Lucassen with his awesome projects, with the best singers all over the world (Ayreon)
Thank you lovely!
And Charlotte Wessels (fmr. Delain), Zora Cock (Blackbriar), Dianne van Giersbergen (fmr. Xandria) 😁
@@hermenw.huiskamp8555 True that !!!
I love "Rivers", feat. Apocolyptica in AFAS live and "Tides of Time" from Epica. Two amazing ballads sung beautifully by Simone Simons (Lead singer from Epica). Another great song from Epica is "Unleashed".
Simone Simons is going to release a solo album and the first two released songs are great as well. They are "Aeterna" and "In love we Rust". Check them out :)
9Just welcome to EPICA university.
1. Unleashed (Retrospect)
2. Design your universe (Retrospect)
3. Rivers (feat. APOCALYPTICA)
4. Skeleton Key (Omega Alive)
5. Kingdom of heaven pt3 (Omega Alive)
6. Once upon a nightmare (OmegaAlive)
7. Abyss of time (official video)
8. Chasing the dragon (Retrospect)
9. Tides of time (audio with lyrics)
10. The Phantom Agony (remastered studio live)
11. Cry for the moon (remastered studio live)
12. Feint (Official video)
13. Solitary ground (Official video)
14. Canvas of live (unofficial wirh lyrics)
and of course...
15. Consign to Oblivion (Live at Zenith, Paris)
Those for a beginning...
Cheers from Greece!
Ps. Always check their lyrics as well as NIGHTWISH'!🤟
Tides of Time is lovely.
Oh yes, great list!
And also probably the most underrated "In All Conscience" from Omega Live, it showcases Simone's classical vocals in the best way.
Unchained Utopia from Omega is also a good choice to react to
Epica was Mark Jansen's second attempt to form a new band in 2002. The first time he had another singer, but she ran off with the drummer. He then founded Epica with his girlfriend Simone Simons (Simone Johanna Maria Simons) as the singer. Tarja's role model is unmistakable. Mark swaps the folk of Nightwish for death growls, which he does himself. He composes most of the songs, Simone writes the lyrics. This apparently didn't do their personal relationship any good, as it broke up in 2005. She is now married to the keyboard player of Kamelot and the two live in Germany with their son. That's why she speaks fluent German.
When she has time, she has been working on her beauty blog SmoonStyle since 2010 or taking photos as a freelancer.
Floor and Simone know each other through Mark, who previously founded After Forever, where Floor was the singer.
EPICA feat. APOCALYPTICA - Rivers (Live At The AFAS LIVE)
Look at Ayreon - Valley Of The Queens. Ft. Floor Jansen
Tides of Time was recommended below, lovely ballad, beautifully written.
Also check out Simone in Ayreon - This Human Equation (Official Lyric Video). That's a fun one.
Staba Matar Dolorosa ( a very old Hymn about Maria's suffering when Christ died) they sing beautiful. Floor's range is bigger, so she took the alto part in that beautiful hymn
You can tell how good of friends they are just by watching them perform. Their playfulness and how they interact with each other is what is missing in music these days especially in the U.S. Music is supposed to bring people together not the opposite and they are the epitome of that. And the song is badass as well!🎼🌹🌹
There's something about living below sea level in the Netherlands that produces great singers. So far you've encountered Floor Jansen and now Simone Simons (Epica) but along with them you have Sharon den Adel (Within Temptation), Charlotte Wessels (Delain), Anneke van Giersbergen (solo but often seen in Ayreon), Dianne van Giersbergen (Xandria) and others...
My best suggestion: Rivers ft Apocalyptica. The most beautiful song I have ever heard in my 58 years. I like that shot of the choir head banging during the breakdown.
I love how Floor looks like some kind of Valkyrie warrior goddess and Simone looks like a Final Fantasy mage. Definitely a power duo. I wonder who they would party up with for a rogue and a tank....or another mage 😆
Mark Jansen (no relation to Floor) is the founder and lead guitar for Epica......however, he and Floor were bandmates in After Forever.......Simon Simons was 3 months pregnant during this show.....she and Floor are long-term besties......some other metal bands to check out.....Arch Enemy, Amaranthe, Imperial Age, Sabaton (Floor married to Hannes Van Dahl, their drummer), Within Temptation, Battle Beast, Kamelot, Jinjer, Orien's Reign, Lacuna Coil, Dragonforce, Unleash the Archers, Liliac, Lords of the Trident, Wintersun......
All Epica songs are great. From very heavy to soaring balllads and everything in between. Lead Singer Simone Simons joined Epica when she was just 17 and still attending high school. She studied almost 5 years of classical singing in a local music school from a private teacher.
Polular reactions are: Unleashed official live from Retrospect show, Consign to Oblivion live ( heavy song though) Once upon a nightmare- from Omega live, Kingdom of heaven part 3 from Omega alive, , The Essence of Silence, official live video, the Epica list of songs is endless.
P.s people tend to say Simone and Floor were roommates, studied together etc, it's all nonsense to be honest. Simone is 4 years younger than Floor so when Floor went to the rockacademy at 18 , Simone was just 14 and attending high school. They did tour together though, In 2010 Epica embarked on a European tour and they took Floor with her then new band Revamp with them as support act for Epica. Simone sang a song with Revamp at that tour and Floor a song with Epica.
The increasing number of women involved in Metal is fantastic and is bringing so much to the genre 🤘
Fun Fact: Guitarist Mark Jansen formed the band Epica after he left his band After Forever. After Forever was Floors first band she started performing with them Aged 16. The Keyboard player for After Forever Joost left with Floor and formed Floors second band Revamp. But after Floor got the call to help Nightwish during there U S. Tour 2012 she later was offered to join Nightwish along with British member Troy 2013 introduced during the Wacken concert. Floor couldn't commit to two bands disbanded Revamp. Keyboard player Joost joined Ayreon along with backing vocalist Irene Jansen ( Floors sister ). Simone from Epica is good friends with Floor.
There is only one thing in the world more sublime than this, and it's their other duet from this concert: "Stabat Mater Dolorosa". One of the most beautiful pieces of music I know of is Giovanni Pergolesi’s 1735 masterpiece, "Stabat Mater”, based on a 13th Century sacral hymn about Mary mourning the crucifixion. The best-known movement is the first one, “Stabat Mater Dolorosa”. Here is my favorite version, performed by the two leading ladies of metal, Simone Simons and Floor Jansen. The piece is written for soprano and contralto. Jansen, who normally performs in the soprano range, takes the contralto line here, without any loss of power or clarity. They did this in the middle of a thunderous show by Simons' symphonic rock band Epica. Watch them reduce a stadium full of amped up metalheads to stunned silence. th-cam.com/video/nhtOORYTGx8/w-d-xo.html
check out Floor in the Valley of the Queens
I concur.
Hell yeah
Simone has her own channel, and one of the songs she has a video for is "Part of Your World" from Disney's "The Little Mermaid." It's brilliant.
It's wild that the Netherlands produce some amazing metal bands and singers yet they get very little recognition in their own country. Or at least they did until Floor's appearance on the Dutch TV show "Beste Zangers". She blew everyone away with her incredible performances and she's now a superstar in her homeland. You really need to check these shows out, especially the ones that have been translated into English.
My brain explodes every time someone stops the music in the middle of a chord or rhyme 🤯 The music should be enjoyed without interruption. Then you will get all the pleasure out of it.
"Stabat Mater Dolorosa" should be the next Epica song.
So you‘ve discovered Epica. When you‘re down that rabbit hole a little bit, there’s a foxhole connecting these rabbit holes and lots of others altogether: „Ayreon“ (Start with the album version of „The day that the world breaks down“ and go on to the live versions and discover that Floor has a sister…
Hey Lanae!
At 48, I'm pretty much set in my music choice ways: I likes what I like, but thanks to TH-cam reactors like yourself I've discovered new musical obsessions! - YT introduced me to Nightwish, Epica & Pentatonix (bit random I know!) 😆
This is the very song that put me onto Epica too!
My favorites so far I'd recommend: 'Unleashed' 'Skeleton Key' & 'Storm the Sorrow', and continuing with Nightwish, love to see you watch 'Noise' & 'Yours is an empty hope'!
Loving your reactions - pretty on par with my thoughts & feelings seeing these the first time! - can't wait to see more!
Love from the UK! ❤😊
Grandgrandpa73 here: I Music College de got a Room together. Simon call Floor " Floordje ". ( Little Floor).😅
Epica - Once Upon A Nightmare from the Omega alive performance I think is a nice sample of Simone's softer side as well as her power. It is a truly beautiful song.
And now another rabbit hole or rather holes open up to you, you know Floor and have now ‘met’ Simone as lead singers, just wait until you find Anneke and Sharon (all 4 are from the Netherlands) ❤❤❤❤
Hey! Great reaction! Welcome to Epcia =) Yous hould go to:
• Unleahsed (Retrospect)
• Code of Life (live at AFAS)
• Once Upon a Nightmare (Omega Alive)
• Skeleton Key (Omega Alive)
• Rivers (live at AFAS feat. Apocalyptica)
Cheers!
Watch Unleashed from this same concert to see how great Simone can be. Another wonderful song is Code of Life from the AFAS show. Epica is truly incredible.
🤗🍒🤟🏻😘 Great job as always Lanae and listen also floor's individual songs, no female gitarist!
Simone (lead singer of Epica) and Floor are actually friends irl. This is so freaking good 🤘🏻💥🔥🙏🏻💯
listen to Epica "beyond the matrix"live at the Zenith, you will love it
Floor is often bored! """+ADAS for sure""". She is such a powerhouse+ family... .❤
Want to See more independent bands?!: Look for Halocene, Daria Zaritskaya( No Apology),Violett Orlandi... 💋 can Tell you many more.
Great songs by Epica:
-Martyr of the Free Word (Official live)
-Design Your Universe (live at Retrospect)
-Unchain Utopia (Official Live)
-Victims of Contingency (Omega live)
-Consign to Oblivion (Live at Zenith)
Many thanks: I've had a past cruddy couple days but this cheered me up immensely
Someone will come into these comments and tell you that Simone was pregnant during this show, and while it is amazing that she did that, you will need to look at the official live version of Nightwish's Tribal and take a look at Floor :)
❤😂
Epica are, well, epic!!! Another great Symphonic metal band to add to your rabbit-hole adventures. I would strongly recommend their song Storm the Sorrow - it is awesome. Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺🤘
2 power woman from Holland!!
Oh my... first time w/Epica?
This is a classic 'first timer' for new-to-Epica watchers.... the other being Consign to Oblivion (live at Zenith)
I like this as you get to hear them side-by-side with the same production crew/sound-engineers and stage ambience.
... not to start a 'who's better' conversation... just to hear their voices getting the same sound-treatment.
They are both astounding talents.
Everyone else has already made lists of next-songs, and it's hard o find a mediocre Epica song.
prefer the live cuts from this concert (Retrospect), the Omega Live set (amazing live staging, no audience as it was a love-letter to their fans during the shutdown, and the very recent AFAS concert.
... but 'going wrong' is a hard thing to do with this band.
Keeping smiling, keep headbanging, and keep the free-flowing feeling -of-awe. It all looks good on you.
If you wanna listen to more Epica I strongly recommend their song Consign to Oblivion (live in Paris veesion) 👏👏👏 I enjoy watching your reactions btw. Keep doing it👍
This is my favourite song about a suicide bomber who is unable to accept the reality that his own bomb has sent him to hell! From this same concert check out "Stabat Mater Dolorosa" ("the sorrowful Mother weeps.") It's about Mary watching her son die on the Cross. It was finished just weeks before the composer, Giovanni Pergolesi died in 1736 at the age of 26. It is a haunting examination of grief and is considered one of the greatest works of sacred music of all time. Hearing it performed at a metal concert - with the crowd so respectful - is an experience. I'm also going to suggest "Consign to Oblivion" live at the Zenith in Paris. It's one of their heaviest songs and really shows off how the band work together.
These two together always give me Xena and Gabrielle vibes ... It is so wonderful how easy they make this look, playing around and just casually smashing the song as if they sing a christmas song together ... heartwarming Metal ... just love it
Yeay!! Thank you for reacting to Sancta Terra
This melody by Epica is AMAZING with ALOT of different influences and inspiration's. Arabian music, Metal and especially Nightwish's music.
( I told you, that Nightwish has inspired many bands and singers 😘)
Hi Lanae, congratulations, you just discovered one of the greatest bands in the world, be prepared to be blown away every time you see this band, EPICA are phenomenal
it blows my mind that people are still finding this amazing band for the first time, 21 years and 8 albums into their career 🙃
"One of the greatest bands in the world"? You are joking right? They are pretty much a mainstream symphonic band, that happens to go a bit heavier and a bit proggier than their counterparts.
@@nikosv95
Most people have different opinions and preferences when it comes to music and other artistic endeavours, it's all subjective, so no, I'm not joking, I think they are incredible, and I'm not the only one
Mark Jansen (no relation to Floor) was the founder of Epica. The name came from a Kamelot album title. He was also in the same band as Floor earlier (After Forever)! Simone Simons is married to the keyboard player of Kamelot, Olive Palotai. Always bet on the black AND the red (hair) - you can't lose! Something in the Dutch blood?!..... Mark's the guy growling Floor's name at the end........ My fave song by Epica is "Chasing The Dragon". "Rivers" with Apocalyptica is good too... actually, any of their material is great! 2022 was Epica's 20th birthday - I hope their 25th is as Epic(a) as this was!
If I was a deity, this would be my choir of choice. And this sound is what would announce my arrival.
Cute reaction welcome to the greatness of Epica! A TRUE METAL band and this symphonic metal genre. Many of their songs are much heavier than this so not sure if you like it or not they’re definitely not more main stream sound like NW. I am thankful to many very good symphonic metal bands like Nightwish and within temptation and Delain and Leaves’ Eyes among others that were my gateway up to the greatness of Simone and Epica 🤘🏻
You gell in the rabitholl
Epica is a symphonic metalband just like nightwish but they use growls as well.
They have it all beautifull ballads heavy songs etc
Suggestions
Epca Retrospect Design your own Universe
Rivers Afas (ballad)
Omegs alive Once upon a Nightmare (balad)
Omega alive Kingdom of Heaven part 1 and part 3
The essence of silence live at Brussels (heavy song)
Cosign to Oblivion live at the Zenith (heavy)
Epica is my favorite band! Whenever I see someone reacting to Nightwish, I feel happy because I know it's only a matter of time before they discover Epica ♥️🤣 please check out Chasing the Dragon from Retrospect (a ballad that grows), Design your Universe, and I particularly love Abyss of Time , by Omega Alive ❤
If you want to jump into the deep end, then “consign to oblivion” live at Zenith, is there heaviest stuff. If you want to work yourself into it then “Unleashed” from this concert is a great start. I also highly recommend “Beyond the Mattix” live at AFAS.
Hi Lanae, welcome to the wonderful world of EPICA, here is a good song to start with,
this is a song from a concert last year in Amsterdam 🙃
EPICA - Unleashed (Live At The AFAS Live)
Floor is 6' 1/8 " wearing 3 to 4 in heels. Simone is 5' 6". They used to be room mates .
Simone was wearing heels you can see it clearly I didn't manage to see if Foor did too.
the roommates thing is still going on?
@@janmaule606 no Floor is married with the drummer from Sabaton lives in Sweden and has two children.
@@littlemouse7066 yes, I know that. I was talking about that nonsense with Simone and Floor which was quite a long time alive on youtube
“Kingdom of Heaven Part 3” for something epic. “Once upon a nightmare” for a power ballad. Try both from the “Omega Alive” live performance. It was during Covid lockdown, so it’s a recorded live show with very high production quality.
next check out Floors husband, he is the drummer for Sabaton, a good song to begin with is " a Christmas truce". pleased your enjoying all this good music that's been around and a lot are now discovering.
This was from their 10th anniversary show back in 2013. It was a 3 hour show which had just about everything. Here are a few suggestions from the show…
Unleashed (start here, symphonic metal at it’s best)- th-cam.com/video/rxd6sxLxdys/w-d-xo.html
Chasing the Dragon (with sub-titles) (power ballad) - th-cam.com/video/xvc_WXbVjAw/w-d-xo.html
Presto (classical instrumental duet between solo violinist and Epica’s lead guitarist) - th-cam.com/video/kDsUjbOX3xg/w-d-xo.html
Stabat Mater Dolorosa (13th century latin hymn, duet between lead singer Simone and Floor Jansen) - th-cam.com/video/nhtOORYTGx8/w-d-xo.html
Delirium (soft ballad) - th-cam.com/video/FAYPDf3Zk14/w-d-xo.html
The Divine Conspiracy (great collaboration with the orchestra)- th-cam.com/video/a0TvrtinRWU/w-d-xo.html
Design Your Universe (closing number, spectacular) - th-cam.com/video/9nlPx-HEpCU/w-d-xo.html
Great reaction Lanae! It was just a matter of time before you took a peep down the Epica rabbithole too..... so you want more eh?.... that's natural. Ok, there's Consign to Oblivion, Design your Universe, Kingdom of Heaven Pt3, Abyss of Time, Skeleton Key and Unleashed to start you off......
Another musical hole of this genre you would love is Kamelot with the original singer I believe was Roy Khan. They have had both Simone and Floor as guest singers.
Epica - Victims of Contingency (omega alive version). Pretty friggin nice. Heavy. Catchy. Good stuff.
The Dutch are the best! Well,..... concerning groovy metal!
Hey, you should definitely check out Ayreon The Day That The World Breaks Down official video, awesome thanks request 😀
If it already hasn't been mentioned, check out their pandemic project "Omega Alive". While not a truly live concert (more of a streamed wish list of things they could do on stage when playing live), it is an amazing collection of performances. Also, go further back in time and check out After Forever, a Floor lead band that also is a starting point for Epica.
I think you will also love EPICA’s ballads like Rivers, Tides of Time and Rise again😃
Awesome 🎉you've made it to the Epica level!!😂
Check out from the same concert (Retrospect Live)
Intro/Monopoly Of Truth
Stabat Mater Delarosa (also with Floor)
Unleashed
Design Your Universe
Then a must is Consign To Oblivion live at Zenith Paris
And Essence of Silence live in Brussels.
I saw them live in Glasgow, Scotland last year with Apocalyptica and they were amazing. So also check out Simone singing Rise Again with them, and Rivers live at AFAS.
Enjoy.... you may also want to check out a project band called Aeryon and the video for The Day The World Breaks Down..... trust me... you won't regret it!!! ❤🤘
Epica's singer is named Simone Simons - probably the reason for the mic stand shape. Also, not as far along but Simone is pregnant here.
Unchained utopia by Epica is my favorite. Cheers yall
As others suggested: Stabat Mater Dolorosa, Consign to Oblivion, Unleashed, Abyss of Time, Once Upon a Nightmare and (my personal favorite) Tides of Time (tissue alert!!)
The microphone stand has the shape of the letter S for Simone....
Floor and Simone are long time friends:
th-cam.com/video/LjvXo5GRvxI/w-d-xo.htmlsi=lYXYJBPFzYOu1b_W
this is the song mentioned, written by Floor:
th-cam.com/video/xmYzLIB6OjU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=5hLXwL4PTKcjWy-n
Safest way in is storm the sorrow or unleashed (from the same co cert, not Afas). Keep Consign and Kingdom 3, both MUST LISTENS, for later.
Please look for Within Temptation, the number "ice queen" live. Another Dutch band in this genre!
I know it's not a particularly popular opinion but i really think "Never Enough" is a good entry point for new Epica fans. It's familiar sounding but still distinctly Epica.
I love that song. The way it builds at the end is great.
This a 15th anniversary special performance for Epica. They don't usually perform with an orchestra.
Thanks for sharing your reaction to a song that Simone wrote about a dead suicide terrorist who thinks he's in Heaven, but is actually in Hell.
P.S. Simone was several months pregnant & has already been singing for two hours, which is why they boosted her microphone to compensate for fatique & diminished lung capacity. Antoher great live performance is this beautiful ballad featuring the Finnish band Apocalyptica: EPICA feat. APOCALYPTICA - Rivers (Live At The AFAS LIVE).
People say there's no good music today. There is, you just have to know where to look.
Floor and Simone will conquer the world