Epica in Amsterdam

Epica are a Dutch symphonic metal band formed in 2002 by guitarist and composer Mark Jansen, with Simone Simons as lead vocalist. Their music combines orchestral and choral writing, operatic singing, heavy guitars and growled vocals. The band are known for albums including The Phantom Agony, Consign to Oblivion, Design Your Universe and The Quantum Enigma, as well as the song “Cry for the Moon.” In 2013, Epica marked their tenth anniversary with the Retrospect concert at the Klokgebouw in Eindhoven. An orchestra and choir joined the band, and the performance was released as a live album and film. Their twentieth-anniversary concert followed at 013 in Tilburg in 2022 and included a set by Sahara Dust, the group’s original incarnation. Epica have toured Germany and Mexico repeatedly. Their festival appearances have included Wacken Open Air and Hellfest in France.