Epica - Design Your Universe REACTION & REVIEW! FIRST TIME HEARING!

[@MarcelCox1]

According to Epica’s own web site, Simone sings lead vocals and Mark sings grunts. However Just talking about lead vocals and backing vocals doesn’t do the compositions of Epica justice. In fact, the majority of their songs use 3 voices: Simone, Mark and the choir, and each voice has its own role in the song. This is also the case for the choir which is often used to sing essential parts of the song, and not just plays as backing vocals for Simone. This is most apparent in the studio versions of their songs. In live performances, Simone often sings on to of the choir where the studio version is choir alone. As for backing tracks, during normal concerts, Epica uses backing tracks for the orchestra and the choir. This concert is special in that they used a live orchestra and choir on stage. For their latest album, they even used a fourth voice: a children choir.

[@wannabedane4046]

As mentioned in other, earlier comment, Epica sometime has like 3 main lead singer, Simone (the real lead) Mark for Growl/Screams and the choir. Obviously, Epica does not normally tour with a full orchestra and choir, so they use tracks on stage, but Simone is always singing live. Coen the keyboard player is also very important for Epica's sound - you'll find out if you continue your journey.

[@ArvoR]

and pretty much as important are invisible guys, producers, previously Sascha Paeth and latest albums Joost van den Broeck

[@marcbaur677]

As long as a Band give me the feeling that they are passionate and love playing their music, they dont have to so crazy things in the Stage.

[@mikedown3219]

Her best vocal performance is probably chasing the dragon from the same concert she uses all aspects of her voice, soft, mix, belting and operatic, fantastic performance.

[@kirashadow98]

And after hearing your review I would like to do a second commentary, first of all I’m glad that you like the song and I have to say that I am a EPICAN (that’s how they call to their fans, just as the Nightwish army). I’ve heard what you said of their stage presence, and as a fan and metalhead I don’t really complain to what you call “missed opportunities”. I mean Epica for me is one of that bands that is more than their band members, and after seeing them live I can say that sometimes it’s a matter of appreciation more than interaction, I think it becomes with their style. Usually you appreciate the classical music. When I hear an Epica song I do really enjoy their textures, their composition, obviously their melodic instrumentation, all the layers of sound and the meaning of their lyrics. I mean what you say about the interaction of the “lead” with the audience is true for most of the bands and most of the genres of metal, but for me and specially with this kind of bands (Epica, Nigwtwish, etc) it’s a little superfluous, because they are so many things happening on stage, the lights, the sound effects (and in this case the whole orchestra and choir) the pyrotechnics, and the interaction of all the members that is more meaningful that what a single person do. Besides this was a huge concert (over 3 hours) it was Epic itself. I hope you react to the whole concert any time an I really suggest to you to hear their song mor than once and read their, they will grow on you with every listen. I’m glad that you like this one so keep listening 🙂🤘

[@cancelled_user]

Hi Kira! This is probably the first time I read a comment from you. Nice to finally see an Epican girl. I hope you'll write more posts below other reactions too. The more Epicans, the better ;)

[@cancelled_user]

At least I think it's a girl name, lol

[@kirashadow98]

@@cancelled_user hahaha sorry dude, I´m a boy, "Kira" is the name of the character of my avatar, it´s form an anime. But I´m still happy to meet another Epican on KZbin, and be sure that I will post more opinions on videos from other channels. :) lml

[@cancelled_user]

@@kirashadow98 Hah, no problem :) And yeah, the more of us, the better!

[@MrSh0110]

Simone Simons is unarguably Epica’s lead vocalist. She’s singing about 80% of the lyrics. At some songs it’s 100% and at few songs it’s maybe 60%. But she’s definitely the lead, and almost always represents the ‘main character’ in the songs theme.

[@cancelled_user]

Yes, and she also writes lyrics for almost a half of their songs.

[@richardwest6358]

Simone has been always been the lead singer. You obviously are totally unfamiliar with Epica if you think otherwise. At this anniversary concert there is a full orchestra together with a male & female choir on stage. You criticise their stage appearance - the show was three hours long - Simone was pregnant - perhaps you shouldn't base your critical opinion on your short acquaintance with the performance.

[@cancelled_user]

But later he said it was great when they engaged with the crowd more :)

[@THEDavidHeretic]

I guess you missed all the compliments I gave them, and decided to focus on the 2 little critiques I had for the performance. Also, you do understand this is a Reaction to seeing this performance for the first time, right?

[@THEDavidHeretic]

@@cancelled_user Don't waste your time, he's fanboying out and is totally ignorant to the fact that this is a Reaction....meaning it's my first time seeing it.

[@cancelled_user]

@@THEDavidHeretic No worries, it was fine :) Earlier I wrote a bit longer post here, but it has disappeared. Seems like KZbin primitive algorithms just delete some posts randomly.

[@Antawnyoo]

«The Universe is under no obligation to make sense to you.», Neil deGrasse Tyson

[@RusselF013]

Great and detailed reaction not just from a listener perspective but also with some technical inputs from a musician yourself, David! Amazing contents! Keep it up!

[@remcovandenheuvel1315]

Epica is Mark Jansen - rhythm guitar, growled vocals, co-lead vocals (2002-present) Coen Janssen - keyboards, synthesizer, piano (2002-present) Simone Simons - lead vocals (2002-present) Ariën van Weesenbeek - drums (2007-present; session member: 2006-2007) Isaac Delahaye - lead guitar, backing vocals (2009-present) Rob van der Loo - bass (2012-present) Simone was Marks girlfriend when she joined the band at age 17 or 18 i think, they split up but remained on very good terms. I believe they are kind of both doin some sorts of co lead vocals, with Simone doin the classical side of things, and Mark doin the growls, sometimes Isaac joins in as well, for a thicker/heavyer growl sound. they got both destinct growls/screams. but on some songs Simone does all the vocals, mainly the ballads. or softer songs As for Isaac and Ariën come from a Deathmetal band called God Dethroned. when they joined Epica, the band became a bit heavyer, Isaac is a very good writer when it comes to lead solos. so when he came along that gave the band more musical options. hes also a terrific accoustic guitar player. Ariën is beast behind the drums. he can play almost anything, from the death metal blast beats. to doin even backing screams in the studio. As for Rob, he has been in alot of bands. was a session bass player for different studios. he uses Dingwall Basses for a extra thick sound. i think he still does session work when epica is off duty. Not sure if you have noticed it yet, Simone was 3 months pregnant during this 3 hour show, with a 70 piece ochestra. and several live guests.

[@cancelled_user]

All good info, except in the second half of your post you swapped Isaac's and Arien's instruments :)

[@remcovandenheuvel1315]

@@cancelled_user really, i saw the errors and fixxed it. thank you

[@rufuspanjaitan5759]

Yaayy after The Warning and Nightwish, now Epica! All three are my favorite bands!

[@diogonavarro3145]

Epica - Sancta Terra Live Retrospect show with Floor Jansen

[@kirashadow98]

Simone is the actual lead singer and Mark does the growls but sometimes Mark has more presence in certain songs but he is the co-signer. And just as other commentary said, they usually use prerecorded choir and orchestra tracks, but this concert was special because is their 10th anniversary concert

[@mikedown3219]

She is the lead vocalist without a doubt. There are plenty of Epica songs where she alone sings, many where they both sing but none where Mark alone sings.

[@PK--ITA]

If I'm not mistaken, Simone was 3 months pregnant, let's not expect her to go crazy on stage... You're also partly right that maybe a little more involvement would be helpful but not everyone on stage is like Taiana from Jinjer or Floor from Nightwish .

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

Simone is lead vocal and Mark is lead grunts / screams. Mark writes 90 % of the music and Simone does most of the lyrics. This really is a band. Very little egos as well. Seen them a LOT hehe.

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

Regarding stage presence, this was a 3.5 hour concert, while she was pregnant and a live recording etc. So it was a real test of stamina.

[@matheussalgado1956]

A nice information about this live is: Simone was pregnant during this show. A massive set with very difficult songs to sing, and pregnant!

[@cornelius8617]

To put it simply, Simone is lead vocal but Mark is the boss.

[@sonjaschweinsberger1637]

i love Epica .....it whas 3 h concert

[@hthuseby]

I am so glad I found your channel recently, Just love your takes and honesty. I really like Epica, but to be honest I can only take it in small doses. I am wondering if you bought your Skillet ticket for their Anaheim Performance on October 16th. Hope you are able to make it!!

[@kdmckskdnfjdksnd]

Great band great musicians 🤘🏿🤘🏿🤘🏿

[@TimoArula]

Excellent!!! Nuff Said !!!

[@user-Darunka]

Hello, I see you liked Nightwish, I really want to see🙏 the reaction to Phantom of the Opera with Tarja, their first soloist , and their cover of Pink Floyd HIGH HOPES,it 🤧❤️🎇🎆

[@QuarkStorm]

For me, it's never been about lead vocalists when it comes to Epica. Simone and Mark alternate their moments and I never once had an issue with this. Their high/low combo brings out what makes me fell in love with Epica back in 2009, who has always been kind of a "Beauty and the Beast" shift oriented band with soothing moments and sturdy heavy ones. Of course there are songs in which Simone's going to have more singing parts than Mark. Does it makes her the lead vocalist? Not at all because there is one more singer and that's the choir whose role has been crucial and even an essential part of their songs, not just added affects to make them sound more symphonic. In all honesty, I do not value Simone or Mark above the other. They're equals; They complete one another. Same goes for the choir. if I had to ultimately make a choice though, Simone would be my pick. But again, I simply do not picture that there has to be a lead vocalist in this band. Oh and I believe they have been playing for 3 hours with little pauses. IIRC, Simone was pregnant too at the Retrospect. Epica's been my #1 for so long. I started with Resign to Surrender and I was quickly introduced to the thing I first talked about. Have a nice time!

[@ericbraun4652]

Nightwish is the "engagement" band for sure. Floor has musical theater training and it shows. The guys are pretty good too. I do love Epica anyway.

[@dac2007]

Take into account this is a 3-hour concert and it was near the end. Also Simone was pregnant, I do not even know how she managed to pull the whole show off at all. Anyway glad you liked the song, the concert was really incredible with the full live orchestra and choir and most of their greatest songs up to that point.

[@roykliffen9674]

It's a shame that using a full symphonic orchestra and full concert choir to boot is quite prohibitive cost-wise. I believe this orchestra and choir are Hungarian so they had to flown in with their instruments to this performance in the Netherlands. I don't know what the ticket price was, but it can't have been cheap (unless the band was willing to take a loss on the concert for their 10th anniversary, hoping to make it back on DVD sales) As you said, it sounds better than a backing track, even when recorded by the same orchestra.

[@joppepeelen]

vocal tracks >??? she is not.. there is a whole ochestra behind it , thats the way to do it :) for real

[@redhouse6950]

Since you put a lot of emphasis on stage performance/personality and crowd interaction/control you should DEFINITELY watch the next one: Moloko Sing It Back Live At Pinkpop Landgraaf in Holand 2004 ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6S4Y3akj8mCrq8 ). I asume that musically this is somewhat outside of your core interest, but it's a hell of a live performance. P.S. I don't care whether you react to it or just enjoy it in private although: never deny someone the joy of a great experience.

[@GodAesthetics]

This whole show is amazing! 3 hours and the lead singer was pregnant.

[@fredbarnes2049]

Oh my! 8.8? You really did like it. For what it is it's fantastic. Yeah they could have a bit more showmanship, but it's not bad. Mark used to work with Floor Janson, who is better at most things than most people, but Nightwish didn't start out as they are now, they evolved. A comparison would be unfair. Great reaction!

[@cancelled_user]

What comparison would be unfair? Epica is just as good as Nightwish, if not better today. For me definitely number 1 in symphonic metal, with Nightwish and Delain following closely.

[@fredbarnes2049]

@@cancelled_user I was just saying that different bands are better at different things, and it's not really fair to compare bands anyways. Nightwish has been around longer, but it could be argued Epica is fresher. Much as I love Nightwish, there's a tendency to forget there are other bands, kind of like how the Stones and Beatles overshadowed The Kinks and The Animals in the 60s

[@sandralopez6407]

santa terra!!!!!!!!!

[@cancelled_user]

Definitely no!

[@RusselF013]

Definitely NO! There are way better songs than Sancta Terra. You keep suggesting Sancta Terra just because it has Floor in it 😉