Symphonic metal band formed in 2002 by guitarist, and harsh vocalist, Mark Jansen, after parting ways with his former band After Forever. Mark had co-founded AF, which was the first band Floor Jansen joined at age 16(Mark and Floor aren't related). Lead singer is Simone Simons, she was 17 in 2002. She had switched to this style of singing in training, from pop, after hearing Tarja with Nightwish. Coen Janssen on keyboards, Isaac Delahaye on guitar, bassist ROb van der Loo, and Drummer Arien van Weesenbeek round out the current lineup. Retrospect was their 10th anniversary show in The Netherlands 2013, with a full orchestra and choir. This was song #3 of 24 in a 3 hour show, and Simone was about 3 months pregnant here. Unleashed is from the 4th album, Design Your Universe in 2009. They now have 8 albums and several EP's. As with Nightwish, EPICA is great live. For more ,try Consign to Oblivion and Beyond the Matrix ,both live at the Zenith in Paris. The Skeleton Key and Kingdom of Heaven Part 3 at the Omega Alive Virtual show. Floor joined them for 2 songs at this show, Sancta Terra, and a classical piece called Stabat Mater Dolorosa.
For me THE best Symphonic Metal band ever. Similar to Nightwish but much heavier, they use a lot of prog/death metal influences in their compositions. They have a very interesting dynamic mixing the operatic voice of Simone with harsh vocals by Mark. Highly recommend songs like Essence Of Silence or Victims of Contingency (both the live versions in their official channel) to check this out.
Hi Rachel, EPICA just released a new video, a live performance of their beautiful song 'Rivers' together with the Cello players from the band Apocalyptica, an absolutely stunning performance, Simone Simons at her best 🙃 EPICA feat. APOCALYPTICA - Rivers (Live At The AFAS LIVE)
I concur - and while you're at it, why not react to the opposite also release recently: Apocalyptica feat. Simone Simons - Rise Again (Live in London))ndon) th-cam.com/video/dCplcb8NaJA/w-d-xo.html
Also : Apocalyptica feat. Simone Simons - Rise Again (Live in London) not with Epica, at least not in the name, but also a fantastic song and performance 😍😍
Epica is SO good! The contrast in musical styles is perfect. There is another major contrast in their music which you should be able to hear in most of their other songs that I won't spoil for you.
Sancta Terra from this concert is great, but when it comes to their voices I prefer Stabat Mater Dolorosa. Floor as Alto and Simone doing the Soprano is... In addition, seeing that metal crowds reaction is marvelous...
@@northof4912 Why not? She already did Jinjer, so long she`s following the route other reactors have done. So I expect Ayreon, Sabaton, Babymetal et al on this channel soon 🙂 Just Kidding.. Simone is a fantastic singer on its own and with Stabat Mater Dolorosa one can judge that the best (IMO) because her voice is not outplayed by guitars, drums etc. And lets face it: This concert is almost 10 years old and I personally like their appearance at Wacken 2022, although not the headliner. They showed how much fun they had, being on stage again...
@@LarsKoehler Dude - your first time on an Epica reaction where Floor or Nightwish is mentioned? There is a predatory group of insecure Epica fans who have a coronary if you mention either! I’m absolutely astounded they have yet to pounce on every single mention the band and singer that they see as the epitome of all everything evil in the world!
Hi Rach! Someone said in a comment that you already reacted to "Consign to Oblivion" before? I can't see your reaction but I'm skipping my usual introduction anyway, as you already have lot of info from other commenters here. "Unleashed" is such a masterpiece! Beautiful melody and lyrics, great energy, no too heavy for mainstream listeners. I left you a comment in your community section about a week ago, but not sure if you read it. You reacted to the song I recommended, but you used a different link, so not sure if you went for my suggestion or just picked the song yourself. Either way, good choice. You mentioned the juxtaposition of Simone's vocals with the heavy metal music. Wait till you hear "beauty and the beast" when Mark comes in. 🙂 Simone Simons is a goddess! If you like her operatic vocals so much (like I do), you will love Epica! Simone has beautiful transitions between chest voice and head voice, she often uses mixed vocals. One vocal coach even called her "master of mixing". 😅 If you'd like to hear Simone going full operatic, try this: In All Conscience (Omega Alive 2021) th-cam.com/video/Skd_KizAR08/w-d-xo.html For comparison, her voice 15 years earlier, I think you'll notice it was different: The Last Crusade (Paradiso Live 2006) th-cam.com/video/FGjlCgcXw8Q/w-d-xo.html And here at least one example of heavier Epica: The Obsessive Devotion (Official Live) th-cam.com/video/fRR-eLW1lXw/w-d-xo.html
this concert is more than 10 years old, now Simone has become much stronger in belting, you can check one of her recent performances with Apocalyptica, only her voice and cellos, it's very beautiful, at the same time as a professional you can notice the difference in vocals: Apocalyptica feat Simone Simons - Rise Again (official live in London) th-cam.com/video/dCplcb8NaJA/w-d-xo.html
Simone is a monster on the mic, i love how many reactors, starting to check Epica, even they been around for so many years!!, but now is great, so they will have new fans and i think they'll get the recognition should have way before. Simone during the pandemic, played a Instagram Live with her husband at their home, its freaking amazing, here is the link for the saame unleashed but acousitc with her husband th-cam.com/video/b5p9aERVkfM/w-d-xo.html and here is the full live with more songs in the same version, th-cam.com/video/rSa8cv3MfMQ/w-d-xo.html
Great reaction! You are not far off on the language switch, just not in this song. They often add in text in Latin, especially for the choir. Nightwish nad Epica are my two favorite bands. Similar but unique in their own way. Epica is heavier and darker in musical tone although their lyrics are usually very uplifting and empowering. Concur on all the recommendations you have received and will add in Essense of Silence live from Brussels, Rivers live from Chile and Sirens - Of Blood and Water music video.
It's beautifiul how your eyes Shine bright while you listen and discovers Epica and Nightwish, Both ones with the best female vocalists I've ever heard! It's pure joy and delight, keep digging into this hole, there's plenty more to see! You should try Epica ft Floor: Sancta Terra!
@@rayactions Hi Rach! Someone said in a comment that you already reacted to "Consign to Oblivion" before? I can't see your reaction but I'm skipping my usual introduction anyway, as you already have lot of info from other commenters here. "Unleashed" is such a masterpiece! Beautiful melody and lyrics, great energy, no too heavy for mainstream listeners. I left you a comment in your community section about a week ago, but not sure if you read it. You reacted to the song I recommended, but you used a different link, so not sure if you went for my suggestion or just picked the song yourself. Either way, good choice. You mentioned the juxtaposition of Simone's vocals with the heavy metal music. Wait till you hear "beauty and the beast" when Mark comes in. 🙂 Simone Simons is a goddess! If you like her operatic vocals so much (like I do), you will love Epica! Simone has beautiful transitions between chest voice and head voice, she often uses mixed vocals. One vocal coach even called her "master of mixing". 😅 If you'd like to hear Simone going full operatic, try this: In All Conscience (Omega Alive 2021) th-cam.com/video/Skd_KizAR08/w-d-xo.html For comparison, her voice 15 years earlier, I think you'll notice it was different: The Last Crusade (Paradiso Live 2006) th-cam.com/video/FGjlCgcXw8Q/w-d-xo.html And here at least one example of heavier Epica: The Obsessive Devotion (Official Live) th-cam.com/video/fRR-eLW1lXw/w-d-xo.html
Simone is a soprano so she certainly can go higher than you heard in this song. The Retrospect 10th anniversary concert was a 3 hour spectacular event so there is a lot more to explore just from this one show, never mind the fact they have been going for over 20 years. Try the following numbers from this show… Chasing the Dragon (showcases Simone’s full range) th-cam.com/video/Dx-FsHAQHp8/w-d-xo.html The Divine Conspiracy (best example of their collaboration with orchestra and choir) th-cam.com/video/a0TvrtinRWU/w-d-xo.html Delirium (soft ballad) th-cam.com/video/FAYPDf3Zk14/w-d-xo.html Quietus (with guest appearances by original drummer, bass player and lead guitarist) th-cam.com/video/G6z-1dXEVro/w-d-xo.html The Phantom Agony (one of their first songs and still a classic) th-cam.com/video/gpIEPdRXwYA/w-d-xo.html Design Your Universe (watch out for the false ending!)
@@torkilsd didn’t forget it. Great song, fantastic performance but a bit fed up with reactors acting like fanboys/girls when Floor comes on stage. Epica deserve top billing and all the songs listed are better in my view
Please keep going with Epica! Especially their harder material is great -- which is a bit prog-rocky with all its time signature changes etc. But they also have some really awesome ballads. Here are some of the harder/edgier ones: * Kingdom of Heaven - A New Age Dawns, part 5: th-cam.com/video/8NyJEW_t-0g/w-d-xo.html * Skeleton Key: th-cam.com/video/28Unn-e_6J8/w-d-xo.html * The Divine Conspiracy: th-cam.com/video/mJwnfot5DTs/w-d-xo.html And their main ballad to check out is "Tides of Time", whose chorus is basically a modern-day classical aria which the band wrote (maybe it was Simone with her friend Amanda, who has writing credits for this song). * Here's the studio version of "Tides of Time", just a static image unfortunately, but it has the lyrics: th-cam.com/video/DyD-qMMe7Mo/w-d-xo.html * Here's a fan-filmed live version: th-cam.com/video/njJx0wGZcRk/w-d-xo.html
Also a fun fact, she has done guest vocals for American/Swedish/German power/symphonic metal band, Kamelot a few times over the years. Her husband is the keyboardist for Kamelot.
I saw Epica last Friday and Simone was phenomenal during whole show, then she joined Apocalyptica for a song and I swear, I almost peed my pants 😅😌 great reaction❤
I've been an Epica fan since their 2007 album, and got to see them once, in 2016, at a very small local venue here in St. Louis. The name Epica was borrowed from a Kamelot album. Guitarist Mark Jansen also does harsh vocals on some songs, adding even more to the Ultimate Contrast that you were noticing. Light and Dark, Angelic and Demonic. I think others have covered everything else well enough already.
Quite the sensory overload aren’t they? I love this stuff - so many musical styles all combined to create movie soundtrack quality pieces If you liked this, I’m pretty sure you’ll love ‘Sancta Terra’ from this same gig featuring guest vocals from Floor Jansen - beautiful stuff!
So, you have experienced both Nightwish and Epica, which means that reacting to "Sancta Terra" is a must now (it would be regardless). The song is by Epica and they performed with Floor Jansen in this same Retrospect Show. Cool reactions, keep up the good work!!
Simone is really impressive during 'Unleashed' in this concert! I love your enthusiasm and excitement. Rachel, you've become my most favorite music reactor. I will recommend your channel to all of my online friends. Keep enjoying music!!
Great song to start with! The showmanship of this band is extraordinary. I grew up loving both heavy-metal and movie scores. I longed for music that would combine those two genres. When I discovered Epica, it felt like they were making songs just for me.
I respect Epica so much. MANY bands (looking at you Nightwish and Sirenia) with similar style constantly rotate vocals and key members. But they are together for 20+ years and they sound the most classical in symphonic scene. I especially love when they have live orchestra.
Basically they’re very much like Nightwish but that bit heavier, in the same show Floor does duets with Simone, Sancta terra and Stabat mater dolorosa; they’re both absolutely stunning! Great reaction, obvious excitement and awe, justifiably so 💖
Hey Rachel, since you started your nightwish journey, and now found Epica, i would indeed suggest watch sancta terra ft floor , that is an awesome duet
Epica is my obsession right now. I would love you to react to "In all conscience" live Omega, it's such an underrated song and it shows Simone's incredible vocals. Other songs worth watching: The essence of silence, Cry for the Moon, The Last Crusade, from the newer ones - Abyss of Time and Rivers, of course all must be seen live because this is how symphonic metal is served best.
Hi Rachel, I loved your reaction to EPICA and Simone! You know what inevitably has to be on your list next, don't you? It's simply got to be "Sancta Terra" live, with their fellow dutchy and lead singer of a little band from Finland you already know...😎🤘🤘💛💛💛 Don't put any socks on for that unless you like the feeling of them rolling on and off from your feet/legs during the whole song. Keep on going - I really like your very expressive reactions.
@@rayactions Please, treat yourself and do a beautiful ballad next. Performed in 2006, Simone was only 20. It's a duet with a guest Roy Khan from another band. Beautiful! Here: th-cam.com/video/--fCfYv5-s4/w-d-xo.html
tnx for reaction! p.s. "EPICA - UNCHAIN UTOPIA - (ΩMEGA ALIVE)" and "Epica - Sancta Terra (feat Floor Jansen) Live Retrospect show" next pleeeeeaaaaaaseeeeeeeee!!! ))))
This is one of my favorite song of Epica the double kick of drums is so intense great symponic metal band today love Simone " kingdom of heaven part 1" also is too cool
Wow...Nightwish and then Epica! I see another Symphonic Metal fan on the horizon. Listen to Sancta Terra live by Epica with Floor Jansen (Nightwish lead singer) as a guest.
You noticed that a lot went into this show. It took an entire year to organize it. Huge, expensive undertaking. There's a reason almost nobody ever goes this big, live.
This is from the Retrospect concert. It was not part of their normal concert tour. It's their 10th anniversary celebration concert. They normally don't have a full orchestra and choir on stage with them. They usually use backing tracks for the orchestra and choir parts. This entire concert from start to finish is approximately 2 hrs and 45 min.
Enjoying the reactions, next you def need to check out Design your universe by Epica, the song I always use to introduce someone to them cause it’s so them lol
You want full-on opera? ... wait for the key change!! LOL... ok, just full-on Classical. Still. Absolutely amazing. "Decay and Despair".... wouldn't be Metal without them... and glockenspiels.
Hi there great reaction It's all about preferences, I love Epica too and listen to them alot but it's a bit harder than my preference Also, for me personally, I can appreciate people's ability to growl but it's not for me in general, sometimes Epica has at least for me to much But they are top 5 definitely imho Greetings from Sweden
rachel already subbed and love your videos so far! if you liked this one as others have said you need to do sancta terra from this same concert where she sings with floor jansen from nightwish. you’ll LOVE it! also keep in mind that simone is three months pregnant during this concert lol. Also you should look up the channel of julie nolke who is also from canada. she is an actress and makes humorous clips on youtube. you two are absolutely DOPPELGANGERS. you both look and sound alike. you’ll love her!
Only I caught the lil' snort laugh at 9:02? Hahah Hello! I've been enjoying your reactions, keep it up! If you don't mind a few suggestions, Unleash the Archers is a power metal band with a great vocalist in Brittney 'Slayes'. Any song is fine, with Awakening or Tonight We Ride as my favourtes. Also, Lorna Shore is a Deathcore band, and I guarantee vocalist Will Ramos will shock you with his performance on Into The Hellfire (there are 2 good options for this, the video itself, and he also has a one-take vocal playthrough that is worth it).
If you like both Nightwish with Floor and Epica with Simone, you should definitely check out their live performance of "Sancta Terra" from the same concert. Floor and Simone sing the song together, and for me it's one of the best opera metal performances ever :-)
Can't really add to the comments already made but since you are being drawn into the Symphonic Dutch metal rabbit hole of singers, (that's a recognized sub-genre) allow me to suggest a listen to Arjen Luccassen's Aryeon Universe project, a collection of the finest voices and musicians in Europe (and the odd Aussie and American) playing Arjen's creations. As a singer you'll enjoy "The Day the World Breaks Down with 11 singers, several of which you know or my personal favorite "Everybody Dies" from a rare live Aryeon Universe show.Truly the greatest collection of singers in one performance. BTW Arjen is a Dutch giant hermit who lives in the forest and kidnaps the greatests singers in the world to record in his magical studio....also one of the nicest Rock Gods walking the planet
Great reaction, Rachel! If you would like to here another awesome female metal vocalist then Noa Gruman of the Israelis band Scardust is a must see. Scardust is a progressive metal band and Noa has an unbelievable range. Here is a link to one of their older videos but I believe this one really shows off her and the band's talent. th-cam.com/video/i3vayC_Bi00/w-d-xo.html
Hey Ray, fellow 🇨🇦 ian…. How about a jump down south to see The Warning. Three Mexican sisters who are quickly becoming one of the Best rock bands, anywhere. Money, Choke, Evolve, Disciple, Narcacista, Survive, Dust to Dust, a choice of 2 Enter Sandman covers…….. 3 albums of their own material and their average age is still not quite 20! Awesome band and a huge future!
With Nightwish and Epic and also Jinjer you are at the top of a rabbit hole. All in all those are all metal bands, where the first two are symphonic metal, but the latter is metal core which I find extremely interesting because core means that there is a metal foundation that is mixed with other stiles (like Pisces with Jazz and Judgment&Punishment with Reggae), but you may also take a "look" at melodic death metal with Arch Enemy or Amaranthe (both with female front women) or into alternative metal with Lacuna Coil .... just saying.
Welcome to a marvellous rabbit hole! EPICA, with the astonishing SIMONE SIMONS! You should definitely react the following which is at stake! Greetings from Greece! th-cam.com/video/7imPLmvLyQA/w-d-xo.html
from the same live, you should take a look at "design your universe", it's master piece ;). You love Floor from Nightwish ? so try "sancta terra" (again in retrosoect live): an incredible duet with Simone Simone !
Most Epica reactions have like 2.xK reactions. I’ll bet these are all the same core group of people scouring youtube daily for more Epica (I do anyway, my searchbar always starts with ‘Epica reactions’ :) I say ‘Hello my fellow Epicans!’
Nightwish also leads to Delain. And The Gathering was also a source of inspiration of Within Temptation. To make it more complete the singer of The Gathering (Anneke) is also 'the muse' (so as he called it) of Devin Townsend. And Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon) worked with quite a lot of musicians, including Floor and Simone.. So it quite a big and classy family :)
Raya, if you want to hear Floor (Nightwish lead singer) do a duet with Simone (Epica lead singer) checkout both "Stabat Mater Delorosa" and "Sancta Terra" from this concert. Retrospect concert.
Hi Rachel. Im new here. But im really glad u're uploading all of these reaction videos. Already watched the Nightwish ones, now this. U will probably wanna listen to Epica + Floor playing "Sancta Terra". It is a really epic song. Plus, i saw u listened to Jinjer and Spiritbox. So... U will probably love ANKOR. They're my favourite band. The first song has to be "Prisoner". And btw... I noticed ur videos from moments get really pixelated while in the video u're watching it gets very "dynamic" and "lighty". It can be a problem with ur configuration. I bet u're using OBS. Let me know and i can try to help with that. New sub :)
Weaving effortlessly in and out of head voice is kind of Simone Simons' thing. I mean, it would probably be the thing that she's known for, if the thing that she's known for wasn't already being the most beautiful woman in metal. Interesting factoid: Simone decided to study opera because of Nightwish. She really liked how Tarja Turanen's opera vocals sounded with the power metal music, and decided that was what she wanted to do. She learned to sing opera in order to do metal. Cool, no?
Symphonic metal band formed in 2002 by guitarist, and harsh vocalist, Mark Jansen, after parting ways with his former band After Forever. Mark had co-founded AF, which was the first band Floor Jansen joined at age 16(Mark and Floor aren't related).
Lead singer is Simone Simons, she was 17 in 2002. She had switched to this style of singing in training, from pop, after hearing Tarja with Nightwish.
Coen Janssen on keyboards, Isaac Delahaye on guitar, bassist ROb van der Loo, and Drummer Arien van Weesenbeek round out the current lineup.
Retrospect was their 10th anniversary show in The Netherlands 2013, with a full orchestra and choir. This was song #3 of 24 in a 3 hour show, and Simone was about 3 months pregnant here. Unleashed is from the 4th album, Design Your Universe in 2009. They now have 8 albums and several EP's.
As with Nightwish, EPICA is great live. For more ,try Consign to Oblivion and Beyond the Matrix ,both live at the Zenith in Paris. The Skeleton Key and Kingdom of Heaven Part 3 at the Omega Alive Virtual show. Floor joined them for 2 songs at this show, Sancta Terra, and a classical piece called Stabat Mater Dolorosa.
For me THE best Symphonic Metal band ever. Similar to Nightwish but much heavier, they use a lot of prog/death metal influences in their compositions. They have a very interesting dynamic mixing the operatic voice of Simone with harsh vocals by Mark. Highly recommend songs like Essence Of Silence or Victims of Contingency (both the live versions in their official channel) to check this out.
Hi Rachel, EPICA just released a new video, a live performance of their beautiful song 'Rivers' together with the Cello players from the band Apocalyptica, an absolutely stunning performance, Simone Simons at her best 🙃
EPICA feat. APOCALYPTICA - Rivers (Live At The AFAS LIVE)
Totally concur!! Beautiful
I concur - and while you're at it, why not react to the opposite also release recently: Apocalyptica feat. Simone Simons - Rise Again (Live in London))ndon)
th-cam.com/video/dCplcb8NaJA/w-d-xo.html
Also : Apocalyptica feat. Simone Simons - Rise Again (Live in London)
not with Epica, at least not in the name, but also a fantastic song and performance 😍😍
As someone that was their live, it was absolutely amazing.
Raya, why not doing the whole Retrospect show. It takes only almost 3 hours. Carry on, nice comments. Greetings from The Netherlands.
I’m seconding this 🌀🌀🌀👍👍👍
Yessss Epica! For me by far the best symphonic metal band and they reign supreme!! Forever and ever!! 🤘🏻
Epica is SO good! The contrast in musical styles is perfect. There is another major contrast in their music which you should be able to hear in most of their other songs that I won't spoil for you.
Floor Jansen sings with Epica in this concert doing Sanctus Tera along with Simone. Beautiful! Vocally and visually.
Would definitely recommend Rachel listens to that!
Sancta Terra from this concert is great, but when it comes to their voices I prefer Stabat Mater Dolorosa. Floor as Alto and Simone doing the Soprano is... In addition, seeing that metal crowds reaction is marvelous...
Nnnooooooooooo!!! Don’t mention Floor on an Epica reaction……. 😮😧😬
@@northof4912 Why not? She already did Jinjer, so long she`s following the route other reactors have done. So I expect Ayreon, Sabaton, Babymetal et al on this channel soon 🙂 Just Kidding.. Simone is a fantastic singer on its own and with Stabat Mater Dolorosa one can judge that the best (IMO) because her voice is not outplayed by guitars, drums etc. And lets face it: This concert is almost 10 years old and I personally like their appearance at Wacken 2022, although not the headliner. They showed how much fun they had, being on stage again...
@@LarsKoehler Dude - your first time on an Epica reaction where Floor or Nightwish is mentioned? There is a predatory group of insecure Epica fans who have a coronary if you mention either! I’m absolutely astounded they have yet to pounce on every single mention the band and singer that they see as the epitome of all everything evil in the world!
EPICA are the masters of light and dark. And that contrast is just delicious. 😁
🌀🌀🌀🙏🙏🙏 The world needs more Epica! 🌀🌀🌀🧘🧘🧘🔥🔥🔥
I WAS THERE !!! best show of epica ever ! 3 hours long !!! and i see them like 38 times! !
Hi Rach!
Someone said in a comment that you already reacted to "Consign to Oblivion" before? I can't see your reaction but I'm skipping my usual introduction anyway, as you already have lot of info from other commenters here.
"Unleashed" is such a masterpiece! Beautiful melody and lyrics, great energy, no too heavy for mainstream listeners.
I left you a comment in your community section about a week ago, but not sure if you read it. You reacted to the song I recommended, but you used a different link, so not sure if you went for my suggestion or just picked the song yourself. Either way, good choice.
You mentioned the juxtaposition of Simone's vocals with the heavy metal music. Wait till you hear "beauty and the beast" when Mark comes in. 🙂
Simone Simons is a goddess! If you like her operatic vocals so much (like I do), you will love Epica! Simone has beautiful transitions between chest voice and head voice, she often uses mixed vocals. One vocal coach even called her "master of mixing". 😅
If you'd like to hear Simone going full operatic, try this:
In All Conscience (Omega Alive 2021) th-cam.com/video/Skd_KizAR08/w-d-xo.html
For comparison, her voice 15 years earlier, I think you'll notice it was different:
The Last Crusade (Paradiso Live 2006) th-cam.com/video/FGjlCgcXw8Q/w-d-xo.html
And here at least one example of heavier Epica:
The Obsessive Devotion (Official Live) th-cam.com/video/fRR-eLW1lXw/w-d-xo.html
More Epica 😃! Love the band.
this concert is more than 10 years old, now Simone has become much stronger in belting, you can check one of her recent performances with Apocalyptica, only her voice and cellos, it's very beautiful, at the same time as a professional you can notice the difference in vocals:
Apocalyptica feat Simone Simons - Rise Again (official live in London)
th-cam.com/video/dCplcb8NaJA/w-d-xo.html
Simone is a monster on the mic, i love how many reactors, starting to check Epica, even they been around for so many years!!, but now is great, so they will have new fans and i think they'll get the recognition should have way before.
Simone during the pandemic, played a Instagram Live with her husband at their home, its freaking amazing, here is the link for the saame unleashed but acousitc with her husband th-cam.com/video/b5p9aERVkfM/w-d-xo.html
and here is the full live with more songs in the same version, th-cam.com/video/rSa8cv3MfMQ/w-d-xo.html
Yeah that one is EPIC! Simone just keeps getting better!!
Great reaction! You are not far off on the language switch, just not in this song. They often add in text in Latin, especially for the choir. Nightwish nad Epica are my two favorite bands. Similar but unique in their own way. Epica is heavier and darker in musical tone although their lyrics are usually very uplifting and empowering. Concur on all the recommendations you have received and will add in Essense of Silence live from Brussels, Rivers live from Chile and Sirens - Of Blood and Water music video.
You just witnessed the band that brings the very summit of symphonic metal! Great reaction!
It's beautifiul how your eyes Shine bright while you listen and discovers Epica and Nightwish, Both ones with the best female vocalists I've ever heard! It's pure joy and delight, keep digging into this hole, there's plenty more to see! You should try Epica ft Floor: Sancta Terra!
Thanks for watching
@@rayactions Hi Rach!
Someone said in a comment that you already reacted to "Consign to Oblivion" before? I can't see your reaction but I'm skipping my usual introduction anyway, as you already have lot of info from other commenters here.
"Unleashed" is such a masterpiece! Beautiful melody and lyrics, great energy, no too heavy for mainstream listeners.
I left you a comment in your community section about a week ago, but not sure if you read it. You reacted to the song I recommended, but you used a different link, so not sure if you went for my suggestion or just picked the song yourself. Either way, good choice.
You mentioned the juxtaposition of Simone's vocals with the heavy metal music. Wait till you hear "beauty and the beast" when Mark comes in. 🙂
Simone Simons is a goddess! If you like her operatic vocals so much (like I do), you will love Epica! Simone has beautiful transitions between chest voice and head voice, she often uses mixed vocals. One vocal coach even called her "master of mixing". 😅
If you'd like to hear Simone going full operatic, try this:
In All Conscience (Omega Alive 2021) th-cam.com/video/Skd_KizAR08/w-d-xo.html
For comparison, her voice 15 years earlier, I think you'll notice it was different:
The Last Crusade (Paradiso Live 2006) th-cam.com/video/FGjlCgcXw8Q/w-d-xo.html
And here at least one example of heavier Epica:
The Obsessive Devotion (Official Live) th-cam.com/video/fRR-eLW1lXw/w-d-xo.html
Simone is a soprano so she certainly can go higher than you heard in this song. The Retrospect 10th anniversary concert was a 3 hour spectacular event so there is a lot more to explore just from this one show, never mind the fact they have been going for over 20 years.
Try the following numbers from this show…
Chasing the Dragon (showcases Simone’s full range) th-cam.com/video/Dx-FsHAQHp8/w-d-xo.html
The Divine Conspiracy (best example of their collaboration with orchestra and choir) th-cam.com/video/a0TvrtinRWU/w-d-xo.html
Delirium (soft ballad) th-cam.com/video/FAYPDf3Zk14/w-d-xo.html
Quietus (with guest appearances by original drummer, bass player and lead guitarist) th-cam.com/video/G6z-1dXEVro/w-d-xo.html
The Phantom Agony (one of their first songs and still a classic) th-cam.com/video/gpIEPdRXwYA/w-d-xo.html
Design Your Universe (watch out for the false ending!)
You most certainly forgot Sancta Terra in that list
@@torkilsd didn’t forget it. Great song, fantastic performance but a bit fed up with reactors acting like fanboys/girls when Floor comes on stage. Epica deserve top billing and all the songs listed are better in my view
Not only Sancta Terra, but also Stabat Mater Dolorosa and these songs not only beautiful but the behavior of the audience is extra ordinary.
Love love love that you’re getting started on my favourite band ever!
Please keep going with Epica! Especially their harder material is great -- which is a bit prog-rocky with all its time signature changes etc. But they also have some really awesome ballads.
Here are some of the harder/edgier ones:
* Kingdom of Heaven - A New Age Dawns, part 5: th-cam.com/video/8NyJEW_t-0g/w-d-xo.html
* Skeleton Key: th-cam.com/video/28Unn-e_6J8/w-d-xo.html
* The Divine Conspiracy: th-cam.com/video/mJwnfot5DTs/w-d-xo.html
And their main ballad to check out is "Tides of Time", whose chorus is basically a modern-day classical aria which the band wrote (maybe it was Simone with her friend Amanda, who has writing credits for this song).
* Here's the studio version of "Tides of Time", just a static image unfortunately, but it has the lyrics: th-cam.com/video/DyD-qMMe7Mo/w-d-xo.html
* Here's a fan-filmed live version: th-cam.com/video/njJx0wGZcRk/w-d-xo.html
Amazing fact, Simone was actually pregnant with her first child during this show
🤯🤯🤯
Funny how a lot of people are unaware of this fact despite the number of views the song got
Also a fun fact, she has done guest vocals for American/Swedish/German power/symphonic metal band, Kamelot a few times over the years. Her husband is the keyboardist for Kamelot.
*her only child
@@rayactions Please more Epica! Any plans for new reactions?
I saw Epica last Friday and Simone was phenomenal during whole show, then she joined Apocalyptica for a song and I swear, I almost peed my pants 😅😌 great reaction❤
I've been an Epica fan since their 2007 album, and got to see them once, in 2016, at a very small local venue here in St. Louis. The name Epica was borrowed from a Kamelot album.
Guitarist Mark Jansen also does harsh vocals on some songs, adding even more to the Ultimate Contrast that you were noticing. Light and Dark, Angelic and Demonic.
I think others have covered everything else well enough already.
Quite the sensory overload aren’t they? I love this stuff - so many musical styles all combined to create movie soundtrack quality pieces
If you liked this, I’m pretty sure you’ll love ‘Sancta Terra’ from this same gig featuring guest vocals from Floor Jansen - beautiful stuff!
effing loved this a super lot. s tier level of quality. will be recommending this to more people!!
So, you have experienced both Nightwish and Epica, which means that reacting to "Sancta Terra" is a must now (it would be regardless). The song is by Epica and they performed with Floor Jansen in this same Retrospect Show. Cool reactions, keep up the good work!!
Simone is really impressive during 'Unleashed' in this concert! I love your enthusiasm and excitement. Rachel, you've become my most favorite music reactor. I will recommend your channel to all of my online friends. Keep enjoying music!!
Great song to start with! The showmanship of this band is extraordinary. I grew up loving both heavy-metal and movie scores. I longed for music that would combine those two genres. When I discovered Epica, it felt like they were making songs just for me.
Pyrotechnics!! Yes ❤ and Simone singing with a baby pushing on her diaphragm, rock on girl!
She's a powerhouse!
Epica is amazing! Keep up the great reactions!
I respect Epica so much. MANY bands (looking at you Nightwish and Sirenia) with similar style constantly rotate vocals and key members. But they are together for 20+ years and they sound the most classical in symphonic scene. I especially love when they have live orchestra.
Basically they’re very much like Nightwish but that bit heavier, in the same show Floor does duets with Simone, Sancta terra and Stabat mater dolorosa; they’re both absolutely stunning!
Great reaction, obvious excitement and awe, justifiably so 💖
Sabat mater Dolorosa is only the Orchestra with Simone and Floor singing a classical song in Latin. Gorgeous. Floor sings the Alto part of the duet.
Hey Rachel, since you started your nightwish journey, and now found Epica, i would indeed suggest watch sancta terra ft floor , that is an awesome duet
Epica is my obsession right now. I would love you to react to "In all conscience" live Omega, it's such an underrated song and it shows Simone's incredible vocals.
Other songs worth watching: The essence of silence, Cry for the Moon, The Last Crusade, from the newer ones - Abyss of Time and Rivers, of course all must be seen live because this is how symphonic metal is served best.
Now you need to listen to design your universe live retrospect as well , it will give you chills ;)
Hi Rachel, I loved your reaction to EPICA and Simone!
You know what inevitably has to be on your list next, don't you? It's simply got to be "Sancta Terra" live, with their fellow dutchy and lead singer of a little band from Finland you already know...😎🤘🤘💛💛💛
Don't put any socks on for that unless you like the feeling of them rolling on and off from your feet/legs during the whole song.
Keep on going - I really like your very expressive reactions.
I'll check it out!
@@rayactions Please, treat yourself and do a beautiful ballad next.
Performed in 2006, Simone was only 20. It's a duet with a guest Roy Khan from another band. Beautiful!
Here: th-cam.com/video/--fCfYv5-s4/w-d-xo.html
tnx for reaction!
p.s. "EPICA - UNCHAIN UTOPIA - (ΩMEGA ALIVE)" and "Epica - Sancta Terra (feat Floor Jansen) Live Retrospect show" next pleeeeeaaaaaaseeeeeeeee!!! ))))
Unleashed was actually the third number in that show.
This is one of my favorite song of Epica the double kick of drums is so intense great symponic metal band today love Simone " kingdom of heaven part 1" also is too cool
That is normal Music for me ! Heavy Metal was never a boring Music - I' m 55 Years old and love this music !
Wow...Nightwish and then Epica! I see another Symphonic Metal fan on the horizon. Listen to Sancta Terra live by Epica with Floor Jansen (Nightwish lead singer) as a guest.
You noticed that a lot went into this show. It took an entire year to organize it. Huge, expensive undertaking. There's a reason almost nobody ever goes this big, live.
Simone most beautiful woman in the world
Couldn't agree more.. Oliver is a lucky man :)
Met her after a show at Hamburg, she is very lovely and so cute.
Simone is amazing and her and Floor together are something beyond special. I wish I could remember the song they do together definitely a must watch
This is from the Retrospect concert. It was not part of their normal concert tour. It's their 10th anniversary celebration concert. They normally don't have a full orchestra and choir on stage with them. They usually use backing tracks for the orchestra and choir parts. This entire concert from start to finish is approximately 2 hrs and 45 min.
Need heaps more Epica reactions please.
Enjoying the reactions, next you def need to check out Design your universe by Epica, the song I always use to introduce someone to them cause it’s so them lol
Simone is 100% one of my crushes in metal! love this song!
Epic 🔥🔥🔥
You want full-on opera? ... wait for the key change!!
LOL... ok, just full-on Classical. Still. Absolutely amazing.
"Decay and Despair".... wouldn't be Metal without them... and glockenspiels.
I am hoping to see mutch more epica reactions by you
My favorite band on this planet ⭐️
next you should listen to Visions of Atlantis - Melancholy angel
sickest show ever ! orchestra... who does not love that !!! its called pyro ;)
You'll love Cosign To Oblivion, Essence of Silence, Design Your Universe,Tides of Time, Storm The Sorrow, Abyss of Time, Skeleton Key
More EPICA please ❤
Hi there great reaction
It's all about preferences, I love Epica too and listen to them alot but it's a bit harder than my preference
Also, for me personally, I can appreciate people's ability to growl but it's not for me in general, sometimes Epica has at least for me to much
But they are top 5 definitely imho
Greetings from Sweden
when they shot this show simone was 3 months pregnet ,impressive performance.
This will be good:D
rachel already subbed and love your videos so far! if you liked this one as others have said you need to do sancta terra from this same concert where she sings with floor jansen from nightwish. you’ll LOVE it! also keep in mind that simone is three months pregnant during this concert lol.
Also you should look up the channel of julie nolke who is also from canada. she is an actress and makes humorous clips on youtube. you two are absolutely DOPPELGANGERS. you both look and sound alike. you’ll love her!
Only I caught the lil' snort laugh at 9:02? Hahah
Hello! I've been enjoying your reactions, keep it up!
If you don't mind a few suggestions, Unleash the Archers is a power metal band with a great vocalist in Brittney 'Slayes'. Any song is fine, with Awakening or Tonight We Ride as my favourtes. Also, Lorna Shore is a Deathcore band, and I guarantee vocalist Will Ramos will shock you with his performance on Into The Hellfire (there are 2 good options for this, the video itself, and he also has a one-take vocal playthrough that is worth it).
🔥also their heavier music is awesome 🔥
Epica.
Does exactly what it says in the name.
Nice piece to start your Epica journey.. To see what they're really capable of, I suggest you react to Consign to Oblivion live at The Zenith..
you should try to listen "Serenade of Self Destruction", it's on the same concert. Worth your time 100%!!!
great reaction, do Epica , beyond the matrix Live at the Zenith
Girl this ain’t no Taylor Swift show !!! ITS EPICA AND SIMONE
EPICA is Beautiful Metal
EPICA ft. Floor Jansen - SANTA TERRA is a most. Those two angelical voices together are mind blowing, check it out
What a voise fantastic song end band!!
If you like both Nightwish with Floor and Epica with Simone, you should definitely check out their live performance of "Sancta Terra" from the same concert.
Floor and Simone sing the song together, and for me it's one of the best opera metal performances ever :-)
Can't really add to the comments already made but since you are being drawn into the Symphonic Dutch metal rabbit hole of singers, (that's a recognized sub-genre) allow me to suggest a listen to Arjen Luccassen's Aryeon Universe project, a collection of the finest voices and musicians in Europe (and the odd Aussie and American) playing Arjen's creations. As a singer you'll enjoy "The Day the World Breaks Down with 11 singers, several of which you know or my personal favorite "Everybody Dies" from a rare live Aryeon Universe show.Truly the greatest collection of singers in one performance. BTW Arjen is a Dutch giant hermit who lives in the forest and kidnaps the greatests singers in the world to record in his magical studio....also one of the nicest Rock Gods walking the planet
I second that! Ayreon is freaking awesome!
Great reaction, Rachel! If you would like to here another awesome female metal vocalist then Noa Gruman of the Israelis band Scardust is a must see. Scardust is a progressive metal band and Noa has an unbelievable range. Here is a link to one of their older videos but I believe this one really shows off her and the band's talent. th-cam.com/video/i3vayC_Bi00/w-d-xo.html
Hey Ray, fellow 🇨🇦 ian…. How about a jump down south to see The Warning. Three Mexican sisters who are quickly becoming one of the Best rock bands, anywhere. Money, Choke, Evolve, Disciple, Narcacista, Survive, Dust to Dust, a choice of 2 Enter Sandman covers…….. 3 albums of their own material and their average age is still not quite 20! Awesome band and a huge future!
Epica - Sancta Terra (feat Floor Jansen from NightWish) Live Retrospect show
I concur
It is on the list ;)
@@rayactions What else is on the list? I mean from Epica. Can you tell me please?
My favorite band. 🇳🇱🤘😊
Epica is great. Simone is great. And they made a duett with Floor: th-cam.com/video/cx22Yuj2nzg/w-d-xo.html
With Nightwish and Epic and also Jinjer you are at the top of a rabbit hole. All in all those are all metal bands, where the first two are symphonic metal, but the latter is metal core which I find extremely interesting because core means that there is a metal foundation that is mixed with other stiles (like Pisces with Jazz and Judgment&Punishment with Reggae), but you may also take a "look" at melodic death metal with Arch Enemy or Amaranthe (both with female front women) or into alternative metal with Lacuna Coil .... just saying.
...Forces of the nothern Night...Live...Orchester and choir...Dimmu Borgir. Seems like random words, but makes sence if you watch it :)
Welcome to a marvellous rabbit hole! EPICA, with the astonishing SIMONE SIMONS! You should definitely react the following which is at stake! Greetings from Greece!
th-cam.com/video/7imPLmvLyQA/w-d-xo.html
Floor and Simone, something in that Dutch water.
from the same live, you should take a look at "design your universe", it's master piece ;). You love Floor from Nightwish ? so try "sancta terra" (again in retrosoect live): an incredible duet with Simone Simone !
It’s in the name. EPICA.
Dont forget to check the regular video for this, its a fun one.
Most Epica reactions have like 2.xK reactions. I’ll bet these are all the same core group of people scouring youtube daily for more Epica (I do anyway, my searchbar always starts with ‘Epica reactions’ :) I say ‘Hello my fellow Epicans!’
Nightwish leads to Epica leads to Kamelot leads to Alissa White-gluz leads to Christina Scabia
Nightwish also leads to Delain. And The Gathering was also a source of inspiration of Within Temptation. To make it more complete the singer of The Gathering (Anneke) is also 'the muse' (so as he called it) of Devin Townsend. And Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon) worked with quite a lot of musicians, including Floor and Simone.. So it quite a big and classy family :)
And within Temptation or how about Arch Enemy?
Watch Simone and floor sing stabat mater dolerosa...in the middle of a metal show!
More reactions on epica songs ☺️
Raya, if you want to hear Floor (Nightwish lead singer) do a duet with Simone (Epica lead singer) checkout both "Stabat Mater Delorosa" and "Sancta Terra" from this concert. Retrospect concert.
Hi Rachel. Im new here. But im really glad u're uploading all of these reaction videos. Already watched the Nightwish ones, now this. U will probably wanna listen to Epica + Floor playing "Sancta Terra". It is a really epic song.
Plus, i saw u listened to Jinjer and Spiritbox. So... U will probably love ANKOR. They're my favourite band. The first song has to be "Prisoner".
And btw... I noticed ur videos from moments get really pixelated while in the video u're watching it gets very "dynamic" and "lighty". It can be a problem with ur configuration. I bet u're using OBS. Let me know and i can try to help with that.
New sub :)
epica my 2nd fav band simone is my fav female singer
Metal and Classical music kin genres of music
epica santa tera live has simone and floor sing together
More Epica !!!
Weaving effortlessly in and out of head voice is kind of Simone Simons' thing. I mean, it would probably be the thing that she's known for, if the thing that she's known for wasn't already being the most beautiful woman in metal.
Interesting factoid: Simone decided to study opera because of Nightwish. She really liked how Tarja Turanen's opera vocals sounded with the power metal music, and decided that was what she wanted to do. She learned to sing opera in order to do metal. Cool, no?
Ray, Simone could sing the phone book I would be content.
I feel the same 🎤🎶
Floor did it once, but I bet Simone could do that too.
@@rayactions Floor did indeed do it……. th-cam.com/video/CLUr1DLwEQg/w-d-xo.html
Slaughter To Prevail - DEMOLISHER or Baba Yaga!!!
You will be shocked, i promiss)))
This isn't even the start of the show. It's just a song during the show. :)
❤😊😮. Wow Epic video. And great video Rachel. Raya you should react to Heavy Metal Heroes they are awesome and funny. Superheroes unite!!!.😊❤
You should react to Unleash the Archers - awakening
If you liked this, you HAVE to react to Sancta Terra from the same concert....😊
If you want to see a different juxtaposition of an orchestra you should try Dimmu Borgir with their song Gateways live