Welcome to the rabbit hole of symphonic metal. This channel made some real good reviews, so next check out Nightwish, and I promise you just scratched the surface.
Thanks for reacting to this, I hope Epica bring you as much joy as they have me over the past few years. The band are Mark Jansen (band leader, guitar & harsh vocals), Simone Simons, lead vocals, Isaac Delahaye, Lead guitar, Coen Jansen, keyboards, Rob Van Der Loo, bass and Arien Van Weesenbeek (a.k.a. The beast) on drums. The vocal contrast between Mark & Simone is their signature and it really works well. The curved keyboard is real, it is a Revo-1 curveboard from Canadian company NuMotion.
Keyboardist Coen Janssen does like to wander around as much as possible, making use of wheeled keyboards and others. That curved wireless keyboard is one I've never seen anyone else use, but you can spot it in some of their videos, and when I saw Epica live in 2014, he pulled that keyboard out for one song that night. The drummer is Ariën van Weesenbeek, and I've loved his work for a long time. (though I'm not good at remembering his name)
I think that you are beginning to get how good they are. I was never a fan of growls and screams but with Epica, Mark’s vocals are integrated perfectly into the music and as you say it is a great counterpoint to Simone’s sublime vocals. Can never have too much of a good thing!!!
Loved your reaction! Coen is playing a Revo-1 Curveboard made by the Canadian company Nu-Motion. It was created by a keyboardist who hated being tied to his keyboard and wanted a keyboard he could move around stage and rock out with. It is a completely self contained unit with 12 hour battery life, a wireless MIDI transmitter that allows the keyboard to transmit directly into the sound system, and all the functionality of a full keyboard. I have seen Coen crowdsurf while playing. Song is about the potential danger of genetic manipulation and designer babies. From an interview with Simone. "The lyrics I wrote were inspired by the Unnatural Selection documentary, talking about the CRISPR technique where you can cut and paste human DNA to create designer babies and eradicate species. You can do a lot of things with it. (The song) has this Egyptian touch to it. The Egyptians were very wise and it’s a little bit about, you know, you shouldn’t play God and that only bad things will come of it. “Code of Life” is the human code, human DNA." That juxtaposition of Simone's beautiful soprano and Mark's harsh vocals (screamo usually refers to higher pitched scream as opposed to Mark's low death metal gutterals) is called Beauty and Beast vocals. Epica is definitely all about the contrast, whether between their voices or between Simone and the heavy music.
Those Dutch girls can certainly sing. I wondered what you'd make of this band if you ever reacted to them at any point. I struggle with the guy's growling, especially when there's a lot of it but there wasn't in that one. Everything else I really like about them, the music, her voice, all really great. Simone Simons is an amazing singer. I think there's a video with her and Floor on stage together.
Let me give you another song of Epica's without Mark's harsh vocals that I know will impress you. Please listen to Once Upon a Nightmare from the Omega Alive virtual concert. This is a ballad featuring Simone's incredible voice and the rest of the band's virtuosic abilities. I know you'll love it.
You can sing We Have Heard You on here before remember Cheap Trick ❤❤This rocked ❤❤One of my favorites you just lost yourself in that song it was so much fun 💯💯💯 You are beautiful as well Red💕💕💕#redheadedneighbor #bestreactor #redsarmy #beautifulfuncountrygirl #heartofgoldwithmetalinhersoul #39K
Wow! At last, two redheads for the price of one...... can't get any better than that! Loved your reaction Red. If you like a little bit of aggression in a song Epica is the rabbit hole you need. Looking forward to more......
the arabic vocals in the intro and towards the end are sung by Zaher Zorgati, french-tunisian singer in a tunisian prog/power/folk metal band (they blend all those metal genres into one) called Myrath. if you do decide to react to them, i highly recommend "Endure the Silence", or their big hit, "Dance"
Let me ask you a question. If you were writing a song about the tragedy of institutionalized child abuse by the Catholic Church, would you be okay with growling then? What better way to embody the sheer ANGER needed to properly express that idea? I too used to dislike growls. Then I fell in love with the Epica song Cry for the Moon and read the lyrics. That song does not have anywhere near the bite and anger it deserves without Mark. Also yes, Arien is rough on his set. I've seen them live 3 times, and the 2nd time I'm fairly sure I remember them having to take a break to fix his equipment malfunction.
Flying to Europe for one of their big shows is definitely on my bucket list. Their US shows are great, but the cost of dragging their big screens and pyro (and they can't even use the pyro in some US venues) across hundreds of miles between shows is just too much... and I totally understand. Simone's vocals are not just in a stratospheric range, but she navigates them with such ease and audio-beauty. And the arrangements... are just stunning. The intro with Simone and the singer for Myrath (Zaher Zorgati) is gorgeous. I could listen to THAT alone and be satisfied. It is sound that paints a picture. BTW, do not sell your voice short. You should audition for spoken book gig (e.g. Audible). Very soothing and engaging at the same time.
" A salted caramel," hahaha great metaphor. Never heard that one. Anyways We Dutchies don't have much (since you guys stole New Amsterdam from us ! :) (no worries we stole it too) but at least we still have our (kind-hearted) metal queens. There's always so much happening (& joy on stage) Keep up the grand work & cheers from the Low Countries, just a tiny Atlantic pond away (ps. Epica did a ' cover/ode/homage' of a 13th-century Christian hymn to the Virgin Mary ' Stabat Mater Dolorosa' with Floor Jansen (both are longtime friends). Their voices really shine. Always worth a watch :)
No, it's not called screamo. Screamo is emo music with screams, which this most definitely is not. In the US it has become normal to use this term for anything with harsh vocals usually in a derogatory way. So now that you're delving into metal, it'd be wise to stop using it now that you know it's not the correct term, if you don't want to offend people. There are many terms you can use instead: harsh vocals, screaming, growling,... As long as you don't say screamo, you'll be fine.
Wow…. Never heard of Epica but…. That was wild. New fan! ❤❤
Welcome to the rabbit hole of symphonic metal. This channel made some real good reviews, so next check out Nightwish, and I promise you just scratched the surface.
Thanks for reacting to this, I hope Epica bring you as much joy as they have me over the past few years.
The band are Mark Jansen (band leader, guitar & harsh vocals), Simone Simons, lead vocals, Isaac Delahaye, Lead guitar, Coen Jansen, keyboards, Rob Van Der Loo, bass and Arien Van Weesenbeek (a.k.a. The beast) on drums.
The vocal contrast between Mark & Simone is their signature and it really works well.
The curved keyboard is real, it is a Revo-1 curveboard from Canadian company NuMotion.
Keyboardist Coen Janssen does like to wander around as much as possible, making use of wheeled keyboards and others. That curved wireless keyboard is one I've never seen anyone else use, but you can spot it in some of their videos, and when I saw Epica live in 2014, he pulled that keyboard out for one song that night.
The drummer is Ariën van Weesenbeek, and I've loved his work for a long time. (though I'm not good at remembering his name)
I think that you are beginning to get how good they are. I was never a fan of growls and screams but with Epica, Mark’s vocals are integrated perfectly into the music and as you say it is a great counterpoint to Simone’s sublime vocals. Can never have too much of a good thing!!!
Loved your reaction! Coen is playing a Revo-1 Curveboard made by the Canadian company Nu-Motion. It was created by a keyboardist who hated being tied to his keyboard and wanted a keyboard he could move around stage and rock out with. It is a completely self contained unit with 12 hour battery life, a wireless MIDI transmitter that allows the keyboard to transmit directly into the sound system, and all the functionality of a full keyboard. I have seen Coen crowdsurf while playing.
Song is about the potential danger of genetic manipulation and designer babies. From an interview with Simone. "The lyrics I wrote were inspired by the Unnatural Selection documentary, talking about the CRISPR technique where you can cut and paste human DNA to create designer babies and eradicate species. You can do a lot of things with it. (The song) has this Egyptian touch to it. The Egyptians were very wise and it’s a little bit about, you know, you shouldn’t play God and that only bad things will come of it. “Code of Life” is the human code, human DNA."
That juxtaposition of Simone's beautiful soprano and Mark's harsh vocals (screamo usually refers to higher pitched scream as opposed to Mark's low death metal gutterals) is called Beauty and Beast vocals. Epica is definitely all about the contrast, whether between their voices or between Simone and the heavy music.
They really live up to their name, don't they? Absolutely top notch!!!!!
Those Dutch girls can certainly sing. I wondered what you'd make of this band if you ever reacted to them at any point. I struggle with the guy's growling, especially when there's a lot of it but there wasn't in that one. Everything else I really like about them, the music, her voice, all really great. Simone Simons is an amazing singer. I think there's a video with her and Floor on stage together.
Let me give you another song of Epica's without Mark's harsh vocals that I know will impress you. Please listen to Once Upon a Nightmare from the Omega Alive virtual concert. This is a ballad featuring Simone's incredible voice and the rest of the band's virtuosic abilities. I know you'll love it.
That was pretty cool, this band is growing on me quickly.
You can sing We Have Heard You on here before remember Cheap Trick ❤❤This rocked ❤❤One of my favorites you just lost yourself in that song it was so much fun 💯💯💯 You are beautiful as well Red💕💕💕#redheadedneighbor #bestreactor #redsarmy #beautifulfuncountrygirl #heartofgoldwithmetalinhersoul #39K
Always find your videos when I need more of a smile, great video
No need to apologize for pausing. Reaction videos are all about hearing you formulate your thoughts on what you see.
EPICA ….STORM THE SORROWS. UNLEASHED… THE SECOND STONE …RESIGN TO SURRENDER….TIDES OF TIME … DESIGN YOUR UNIVERSE… early days songs CK them out !!!
Yes Red ❤❤❤❤ love epica
Yeah they have their own model of keyboard it's pretty cool wish I could afford one pitch shift by tilting it.
Wow! At last, two redheads for the price of one...... can't get any better than that! Loved your reaction Red. If you like a little bit of aggression in a song Epica is the rabbit hole you need. Looking forward to more......
the arabic vocals in the intro and towards the end are sung by Zaher Zorgati, french-tunisian singer in a tunisian prog/power/folk metal band (they blend all those metal genres into one) called Myrath. if you do decide to react to them, i highly recommend "Endure the Silence", or their big hit, "Dance"
Let me ask you a question. If you were writing a song about the tragedy of institutionalized child abuse by the Catholic Church, would you be okay with growling then? What better way to embody the sheer ANGER needed to properly express that idea? I too used to dislike growls. Then I fell in love with the Epica song Cry for the Moon and read the lyrics. That song does not have anywhere near the bite and anger it deserves without Mark.
Also yes, Arien is rough on his set. I've seen them live 3 times, and the 2nd time I'm fairly sure I remember them having to take a break to fix his equipment malfunction.
Thank you for reacting to one of my favourite songs. Next reaction: the songs at Wacken Open Air in 2018 and 2022, Aspiral and The Ghost In Me.
Coen accidentely sat on his keyboard, that's why it's not flat XD
Flying to Europe for one of their big shows is definitely on my bucket list.
Their US shows are great, but the cost of dragging their big screens and pyro (and they can't even use the pyro in some US venues) across hundreds of miles between shows is just too much... and I totally understand.
Simone's vocals are not just in a stratospheric range, but she navigates them with such ease and audio-beauty.
And the arrangements... are just stunning.
The intro with Simone and the singer for Myrath (Zaher Zorgati) is gorgeous. I could listen to THAT alone and be satisfied. It is sound that paints a picture.
BTW, do not sell your voice short. You should audition for spoken book gig (e.g. Audible).
Very soothing and engaging at the same time.
Simone and Floor are vocal goddesses!!
YEAH GIRL EPICA IS BEAUTIFUL METAL 🤘 THEY HAVE ABOUT 25 SONGS LIKE THIS U MUST CK OUT MORE ???
🤘🤘
" A salted caramel," hahaha great metaphor. Never heard that one.
Anyways
We Dutchies don't have much (since you guys stole New Amsterdam from us ! :) (no worries we stole it too) but at least we still have our (kind-hearted) metal queens.
There's always so much happening (& joy on stage)
Keep up the grand work & cheers from the Low Countries, just a tiny Atlantic pond away
(ps. Epica did a ' cover/ode/homage' of a 13th-century Christian hymn to the Virgin Mary ' Stabat Mater Dolorosa' with Floor Jansen (both are longtime friends). Their voices really shine. Always worth a watch :)
That's Nightwish heavier cousin😊. Kingdom of Heaven from the virtual concert , if you haven't reacted to it yet.
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Shes a powerhouse front woman
No, it's not called screamo. Screamo is emo music with screams, which this most definitely is not. In the US it has become normal to use this term for anything with harsh vocals usually in a derogatory way. So now that you're delving into metal, it'd be wise to stop using it now that you know it's not the correct term, if you don't want to offend people. There are many terms you can use instead: harsh vocals, screaming, growling,... As long as you don't say screamo, you'll be fine.
screamo is specifically a kind of college-emo style of harsh vocals that I personally don't like much.