Epica: Sancta Terra (featuring Floor Jansen) (Double barrel Singers-Amazing): Reaction

An epic dual female vocalist power song. Just amazing how good they are together. Then dd in kick arse band, orchestra and choir. Crazy powerful
#epica #sanctaterra #floorjansen #simonesimons #Reaction #ReactionVideos #Thamesmen
Thamesmen Too is here: / @thethamesmentoo
No copyright infringement intended, copyright belongs to this Artist and their associates. Used within the fair use clause for criticism and comment.

[@chilly2go]

Caution: Experiencing a full orchestra with choir, Floor, and Simone is not recommended if you have a heart condition because it is likely to explode with love and appreciation for the sheer brilliance you are about to experience.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks for the tips!

[@hostjhall]

There are points in life sometimes where you have to weigh the risks involved with an action, and the rewards involved with the same action. Sometimes you will find that the rewards are so great that you have to accept the risks.

[@whirledpeaz5758]

Sounds like a wonderful to go, the sounds of angels on Earth to carry you to the inevitable meeting with St Peter.

[@ralflukas9695]

Now you have to watch the first performance these two gorgeous women did in this concert: "Stabat Mater Dolorosa". It is a christian hymn from the 13th century but the music was composed way later in the 18th century by Italian composer Giovanni Battista Pergolesi. There is no metal at all in this piece, just the orchestra, Simone Simons and Floor. The whole venue filled with metalheads fell silent. Another fantastic song from this concert is "Design your Universe" with Simones fantastic clean singing and the growls of Mark Jansen (not related to Floor, Jansen is just a common name in the Netherlands). Mark was in After Forever with Floor but left and founded Epica. Floor and Simone are best friends and Floor was even Simones vocal coach for a time. At the time Mark founded Epica, Simone was his girlfriend. Today she is married to Oliver Palotai, the keyboardist of Kamelot with whom she has a son since 2013.

[@TheThamesmen]

That's a lo of likes there RaLu so noted. Thanks

[@damienmaynard8892]

@@TheThamesmen Metal is family!

[@j_muller]

The Dutch must be putting something in their water or milk to produce these ladies. Floor Jansen, Simone Simons (friends from the days Simone was dating the guitarist from After Forever), Anneke van Giersbergen (inspired Floor to turn to Metal when Floor saw her perform), Sharon den Andel (Within Temptation). Next try Within Temptation feat. Anneke van Giersbergen - Somewhere and some of Anneke with Devin Townsend. (Kingdom, Grace, Awake).

[@prinsmetbroek]

Oh yes 🙌🏼

[@paulriddle7818]

Charlotte Wessels formally of Delain.

[@alexdoorn234]

Don't forget Zora from Blackbriar.

[@janjanssen9629]

Alex Doorn - true, Zora isn’t getting enough love… she’s just amazing as well….

[@alexdoorn234]

@@janjanssen9629 yes exactly. I'm so excited to see them live because Zora is one of my favorite vocalists. Her voice is so beautiful

[@majbrat]

As others have said, for some more glorious singing from these two sirens; Stabat Mater Dolorosa - Amazing

[@TheThamesmen]

NOTED!!!

[@ronaldakkermans8166]

Epica was founded by guitarist Mark Jansen (no relative) after leaving After Forever, which was Floor's first band.

[@TheThamesmen]

Ahhhhhh.... the circle tightens

[@sagebooker]

@@TheThamesmen well... so tight... Simone was Mark's girlfriend at the start, yet she is with the keyboard player of Kamelot band. EPica is the name of a Kamelot's LP. In the same way, Amaranthe, is the name of the band where Elise Ryd sings in, but also a song by Nightwish, band in which Elise could have sung if not too young. Elise Ryd sings sometimes for Kamelot too, like Alyssa White-Gluz, frontwoman from Arch Enemy. When Nightwish xas in trouble on tour, without frontwoman (Anette was in hospital), Alyssa and Simone come to sing on a gig, then Floor come to finish the tour... And stayed. Very little world

[@zbygniewprlwytzkofsky6614]

"Going to Disney with a AK47" this is one of the highlights of your reactions!

[@pdutchie4924]

Guess you enjoyed that? 😄 Simone Simons was indeed also in Ayreon’s ‘The day that the world breaks down’. The full orchestra and concert was a 10 year jubilee show for Epica.

[@TheThamesmen]

Ahhh welll

[@Kilian600]

@@TheThamesmen it was held in Eindhoven, Netherlands and is called 'Retrospect'

[@AndreSomers]

The orchestra is the Metropole Orchestra (Metropoolorkest). They do unconventional things all the time. Last year, they did a great clip covering Queen in the middle of the pandemic, showing all the (empty) venues they otherwise perform in.

[@TomTomson81]

Floor and Simone have great chemistry. They have also been friends for a long time.

[@TheThamesmen]

Like me and George but with voices and looks and talent and

[@mariogansbeke]

@@TheThamesmen exactly!!! LOL

[@paisa20]

@@TheThamesmen LOL

[@macman1615]

Morning from the East Midlands gents, Epica are a heavier Symphonic metal band, heavier than NW, try a react to Epica performing Consign To Oblivion live in Paris, it will blow your mind, trust me….! I am waiting to see you watch it 👍

[@TheThamesmen]

Hello - Seriously noted BTW

[@rolsen1304]

@@TheThamesmen Epica is Glory distilled. Have lyrics at hand and a book on music theory ready!

[@Kilian600]

I second that !

[@frenkwd1]

Simone and Floor are not only Dutch. They've also been friends for a long time. Greetings from the Netherlands.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks for the info!

[@michaelsmith2723]

Mark Jansen the founder of Epica and Floor were in After Forever together in the earlier days

[@TheThamesmen]

Small world!

[@MrMstr]

If you would like to delve a little deeper in the more robust sound of Epica, there are so many good songs to choose from. You could try Consign to Oblivion live in Paris and expand from there.

[@TheThamesmen]

Noted thanks

[@christoneymobile]

If Sancta Terra invoked thoughts of walking into Disney with an AK-47, I'd LOVE to hear what Consign invokes. Will it involve Rambo, heavy artillery, air support, etc?

[@andrew-davidbjork2912]

@@TheThamesmen Not sure you're ready for that. Try "Design your universe" from the same live Retrospect concert. This will ease you into Mark's vocals...

[@TriGator]

I agree that Consign to Oblivion live in Paris should be your next Epica reaction.

[@dennisb7405]

When I watched the performance of Stabat Mater Dolorosa from this same concert, what struck me, in addition to the sublime performance of Simone and Floor and the orchestral strings, was the concert hall full of European metalheads completely mesmerized - you could hear a pin drop. It was magic!

[@TheThamesmen]

Noted - thanks

[@pietkeizer5216]

Hey Alex and George. Nice reaction. Time to discover the great band Epica ( with metalqueen Simone Simons) starting with ‘ Abyss of Time’. You will like it. And Doyle want to hear Floor and Simone again…same concert..Stabat Mater Dolorosa… beautiful . Greetings from The Netherlands

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Piet

[@cvb6089]

🤔 Hmmm not Scandinavian but Dutch like Floor you know windmills and clogs and bad rainy summers and winters like England... 😁. Tracks the essence of silence, consign to oblivion, Kingdom of heaven and from the same show design your Universe, as a matter of fact all tracks from that three hour show are great including full opera with Floor and Simone doing Pergolesi's Stabat Matar...The show was Epica's ten years anniversary show and was recorded in Tilburg the Netherlands.

[@paulriddle7818]

Eindhoven

[@TheThamesmen]

Interesting!

[@johnmc128]

Good One need more Floor more often

[@TheThamesmen]

Definitely

[@islgrl292]

Glad to see you guys moving freely around this rather large & very deep rabbit hole! FLOOR JANSEN ROCKS, wherever she is!

[@katto4586]

Symphonic Metal - live orchestra , choir etc (such great production values) love the green lighting. The sound is so big...makes your heart race like crazy. FYI Floor taught the other singer (who is also Dutch) many moons ago.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Katto!! be well

[@watchtheskies]

So many myths surrounding Floor and Simone's friendship! Simone was Mark Jansen's girlfriend when Mark and Floor were in After Forever, Floor and Simone have been great friends since that time, Simone's vocal coach was Amanda Somerville

[@damienmaynard8892]

Metal is family. Yes, Simone appears in Ayreon "The Day The World Breaks Down" (initially at 3:38 in the video) as "the Counsellor". .... People will have told you that Simone usually head-bangs harder than in this "Sancta Terra" video - she was pregnant at the time! Kudos to Arien Weesenbeek on drums - hitting things since he was 3 years old! Luckily he found his dad's drum-kit before all of the furniture was wrecked! edit - 1.2K likes on the 1st September! Try "Stabat Mater Dolorosa" also with Floor and then "Chasing The Dragon" from Epica's Retrospect! btw - Epica took their name from a Kamelot album title!

[@milton1448]

Two pals that sound GREAT together.

[@TheThamesmen]

They were great!!

[@palantir135]

Stabat Mater Dolorosa is another duet by them Both singers are on many Ayreon albums and in on of the two live concerts: Ayreon Universe live, with Floor The electric castle live and other tales, with Simone and Mark Jansen from Epica. Mark and Floor were in the band After Forever.

[@TheThamesmen]

Noted thanks

[@corneliusantonius3108]

EPICA 😍😍😍 Great metalband from The Netherlands 🦄🦄🦄

[@TheThamesmen]

Are the Dutch??

[@Oldmarty]

@@TheThamesmen Yes

[@corneliusantonius3108]

@@TheThamesmen Yes they are from the same region Floor lived. The south of The netherlands.

[@paulriddle7818]

You guys missed the last part. The ovations and thanks.

[@TheThamesmen]

Opppps sorry Paul

[@neilsontc]

This was a nice surprise to wake up to 🤟👌

[@TheThamesmen]

Said the nun to the bishop

[@neilsontc]

@@TheThamesmen oooh, matron!

[@mariogansbeke]

There is a lot of history behind Simone and Floor. ‘After Forever’ was the first band of Floor Jansen, the guitarist was Mark Jansen (no family of Floor). His girlfriend in those days was Simone. In 2002 Mark left ‘After Forever’ and he and Simone formed their own band ‘Sahara Dust’ what later became ‘Epica’. The relationship between Mark and Simone died down and Simone found a new boyfriend Oliver Palotai, the keyboardist from ‘Kamelot’. ‘Kamelot’ is the band that toured with Nightwish in the States when Anette Olzon, NW’s second singer, got sick (just before she got fired) and Kamelot’s two guest singers Elize Ryd (from ‘Amaranthe’ now) and Alissa White-Gluz (from ‘Arch Enemy’) stepped in to replace Anette and helped out the band. Meanwhile Tuomas of Nightwish called Floor to join them for the remainder of the tour. There is a video available of that event, actually there are two: ‘The Denver Debacle’ and ‘Learn the setlist in 48 hours’. There is another link between Floor and Simone and that is Amanda Somerville, an American vocal coach who lives in Germany. Amanda was engaged to and married Sander Gommans, one of the founders of ‘After Forever’. Amanda replaced Simone for the American tour of ‘Epica’, because Simone was sick and unable to do lives. She is also a guest singer for other bands as ‘Avantasia’ and ‘Kamelot’, She was a founding member of ‘Exit Eden’ (not as guest singer, James Curfman corrected me on this one). She now has her own band called ‘Trillium’. - Tommy Karevik, the lead singer of Kamelot, was also in the Ayreon video- The Day That..... - When Simone gave birth to her son, her partner Oliver, the keyboard player of Kamelot, was replaced (for the live gigs) by Coen Janssen, the keyboard player of Epica. (Thank you, Ivo Dockx) There is a lot more but it is almost impossible to put this all in this comment. Can you still follow?? So your assumption that they all hook up with another wasn’t that far off. LOL

[@MsCatstaff]

And let's not forget that Floor is married to Hannes Van Dahl, the drummer of Sabaton!

[@TheThamesmen]

OMG its like an Mexican soap opera

[@rockaddicthamburg8599]

Oh. Floor and Simone were roommates at times. Not sure, if at the conservatorium, or the Rock Academy.

[@franshinlopen2166]

Oh no, not this again! Please make it stop! First of all, in the Netherlands, one of the most densely populated countries in the world, the houses are mostly small and the bedrooms too. The only people who are actual roommates are romantically involved. Student housing is mostly one person. When it is for more than one person it is for a couple. There is just about nothing like an American frathouse where strangers can end up living together. Second, Floor entered the newly founded Rockacademie Tilburg at the age of eighteen in 1999. Simone was fourteen at the time and still in high school. Floor graduated in 2003 when Simone was eighteen. Theoretically, they could have met at the Rockacademie but there are two problems with that. The first is that Wikipedia has no information about how Simone was trained. Even if she did start at the same Rockacademie, it is unlikely that they knew each other that way. Seniors don't mingle with freshmen. Floor did some part-time studies at a conservatorium which is more classically oriented, but there is absolutely no evidence that Simone attended that same conservatorium. In my opinion, the only way they knew each other was due to the fact that Floors' bandmate Mark Jansen was dating Simone in the early aughts. Third, Floor was romantically involved with her After Forever bandmate Sander Gommans for many years, from the early aughts until around 2009. Simone was romantically involved with Mark. In the Netherlands "romantically involved" most often means that you are living together. All in all, Floor and Simone were never roommates. It is just culturally impossible. Housemates is a remote possibility, but unlikely given that both were romantically involved.

[@TheThamesmen]

@@franshinlopen2166 just amazing that these two ladies are so well researched. Just goes to show how much people care and are interested.

[@bjdamn]

Epica - Unchain Utopia (OFFICIAL LIVE VIDEO) , nice one to start whit

[@TheThamesmen]

Noted - Many thanks

[@sharper58]

Floor and Simone are best friends, you can see their playful sides here with the love they have for one another, plus they are a fantastic duo with each being able to take souls from us mere mortals.

[@TheThamesmen]

So true!

[@wanmac31]

😊🇫🇮🤘❤️🎶🎹🎸🥁✨👍👍 And all of those Little ones, are born in 🇫🇮....The Promise Land of Metal 😁🤘🎶✨ Edit. Special thanks to Audio & vid quality, faking Exellent 👍🤘

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks for being here!

[@malkystoddart2562]

Morning from Sussex... work can wait for another few minutes ;) Great content as always chaps. I've only recently gotten into Epica but so glad I did- and this particular video is superb. Great to be here on your adventures into the worlds of the Metal Mafia. Enjoy your day.

[@TheThamesmen]

Malcolm you're a gent - Be well

[@rafaelsmerdoufranke6157]

As you said you love the symphonic metal genre, I suggest you to react to the band that invented it, THERION. To see how everything started react to "To Megatherion" (Wacken 2001). Therion, Nightwish and Epica are considered the Holy Trinity of the genre, but beside them there are more great symphonic metal bands: HAGGARD, XANDRIA, NEOPERA (Germany), WITHIN TEMPTATION, DELAIN, AFTER FOREVER (Netherlands), SIRENIA (Norway), PENUMBRA, DREAMSLAVE (France), DIABULUS IN MUSICA (Spain), IMPERIAL AGE (Russia), DARK SARAH (Finland), NOSTRA MORTE (Mexico), etc, etc... Greetings from Spain...

[@TheThamesmen]

Many thanks for all this info!! Stay safe

[@erhanpasa9382]

Adulruna Rediviva is also an absolute masterpiece by Therion, which is a 15 minute long song. The great thing about Therion is that all of their songs are different from each other however you can easily figure out that it is a Therion song by just listening a snippet from any of them.

[@IgoZoom1]

I'm convinced that the Dutch put something magical in the water! Floor, Simone (and I can't forget Sharon from Within Temptation) have insane vocal ability....and they all have epic stage presence!

[@TheThamesmen]

We think the same. Amazing all round

[@vlinder6329]

2 Girlfriends💞 together 😍 Beautiful voices. It sounds AMAZING 💟

[@TheThamesmen]

Agree

[@ciskavandevijver2355]

Floor and Simone( Epica frontlady) are both Dutch and for a long time good friends.

[@TheThamesmen]

I've learned!! Thanks!

[@Vigilanis]

Great reaction guys, to take this dynamic duo of amazing singers one step further, perhaps add in "Stabat Mater Dolorosa". Its an old Hymn from the 13th Century which was put to music a few hundred years later, quieter and more sombre but gives you another dynamic to their voices together. Keep up the great work chaps!

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Paul... noted

[@ecbftl]

I watched a French Canadian Franciscan monk (who oddly is a Nightwish fan) do a reaction to this song. Interesting reaction, and academic discussion of the origin of the lyrics as his order wrote the entire poem which the song is derived from. He thought having 2 women sing it was different and appropriate. Note only orchestra backing the 2 singers, who have sheet music. Audience is very respectfully silent for this gorgeous vocal performance. Floor sings the lower part.

[@fritsyt2090]

@@ecbftl and he is an Epica fan as well!

[@watchtheskies]

@@ecbftl Hi I watch that chap too, his name is Guylain Prince, I think he has reacted to more Epica videos than any other band so far

[@scifimonkey3]

Now with 1800likes and 332comments it has to be time for some more Epica to be’Unleashed’Live at retrospect and release ‘Rivers’ (live from AFAS) of comments and likes yet again

[@50original44]

i think floor and simone can touch everybody with her voices.and we all hear the great united state singers on our radios.most of them cant sing live but they are superstars.

[@gothicmetal3191]

Love it Thanks guys Stabat matar please ❤️

[@TheThamesmen]

Noted! Be well

[@hermenw.huiskamp8555]

EPICA!! Well what else than Dutch (like Floor)... EPICA has a lot to choose from (please do check them out), a rabbit hole as big as Nightwish and at same level! And there is more where that came from! Within Temptation, Delain, Anneke van Giersbergen (Floor's inspiration to sing metal) fmr. the Gathering, fmr. the Gentle Storm., VuuR (and more...)

[@TheThamesmen]

Hi Herman - Many thanks

[@OggyFink]

you need to see Epica's "Consign to Oblivion", official live in Paris ! :)

[@TheThamesmen]

Lot of requests for this. Think it is on our list now!

[@kimkruse7370]

Yes!!! and Thanks :)👍

[@TheThamesmen]

Brilliant

[@valkyrjagamma419]

Fantastic!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@TheThamesmen]

It was!!!!

[@watchtheskies]

Hi Epica's singer is Simone Simons and you are correct, both Floor and Simone feature a lot in various Ayreon projects

[@TheThamesmen]

Cool, thanks!

[@frenkwd1]

Epica (pronunciation: Èpica) is a Dutch band from Reuver consisting of Simone Simons (vocals), Mark Jansen (grunt and guitar), Coen Janssen (keyboards), Rob van der Loo (bass guitar), Ariën van Weesenbeek (drums) and Isaac Delahaye (guitar). The band, which brings a mixture of gothic and symphonic metal, is formed around Mark Jansen, who is also a lyricist and composer. The band's varied sound comes from different cultures, influenced by film and musical music. It is also an extension of melodic metal, power metal and tends through the female vocals towards bands such as Within Temptation, Nightwish, The Gathering and After Forever. Characteristic are also the philosophical texts of Mark, which cover broad themes and also reflect on current events such as the murder of Pim Fortuyn, and the attacks of 11 September 2001.

[@TheThamesmen]

Many thanks Frank. More soon!!

[@tedbaker3846]

Goddesses!!

[@TheThamesmen]

I KNOWWWW!

[@rogerballoujr.6244]

Great reaction for a great song....Epica is one of the best bands under the umbrella of symphonic metal, for your next experience with this band I would suggest Cry for the Moon, Chasing the Dragon, Sensorium, or Consign to Oblivion. I am 98% sure that you will enjoy those songs as much as Sancta Terra and lastly you are indeed correct...Simone Simons is simply amazing and like Floor Jansen, Sharon Den Adel, Tarja Tarunen and others from the genre just has a voice that cuts into your soul and leaves you bleeding (but in a good way) as your soul is lifted to Valhalla.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Rog for the info!

[@timrockman7]

Beyond the Matrix !!!!!!

[@adastra6437]

i give you 100 likes en just pushed the 100 button

[@TheThamesmen]

Thank you we appreciate your support

[@alleninfinity6730]

Love what you guys are doing and you both seem to enjoy it too, which is great.

[@raull2761]

4:40 start

[@TheThamesmen]

Hang on Raul..... You'l miss all the great banter and stunning eye candy!

[@ginne7268]

And no there is nothing strange in Dutch water 🤘😉

[@zoltanbagameri6085]

Orchestra from Hungary. 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@TheThamesmen]

GO HUNGARY!!!!!!!

[@ssokolow]

From what I remember, the USA and New Zealand are the only two countries in the world where drug companies are allowed to advertise directly to patients.

[@TheThamesmen]

Its shit! It really is...

[@TheIpadfanatic]

Well. Im am 50% British. Does that qualify me for Shopkeeper? With bad teeth? Brilliant my friends. Loved this track made better by The Thamesmen. I can see 417 likes which means we get to hear Epica - Consign to Oblivion LIVE at the Zenith in Paris. Could that be a request?

[@TheThamesmen]

Noted schiit

[@richardwest6358]

Forget the shopkeeper remark. It came from a jumped up Frog.

[@scifimonkey3]

Now just 1800 likes, its simply not good enough😂. Time for some more surely.

[@KL-qy4ye]

Your reactions just get better and better guys. Enthusiasm, insight and such fun. I’d recommend Unleashed - Retrospect Live, The Skeleton Key and The Abyss of Time for more Epica. I’d recommend these songs before you try Consign to Oblivion. Then try another band, Within Temptation.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thank you soooo much. This is a project of love. All the band get the cash!

[@hansevers8605]

They had to start with the old stuff like the Black Symphony concert. This show them the versatility of the Dutch bands to collaborate with orchestra and choir.

[@ralph1270]

"This is like going to Disney with an AK-47!" 😂😂😂‼️ The best line in this reaction video.‼️

[@TheThamesmen]

HA HA... Be well. Thanks for being here and supporting us.

[@brianalmeida1964]

Hi guys. Glad you enjoyed another great band. Stay safe 🤘 ✌

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Brian... you too!

[@onsterfelijke]

you got 1.1k likes so we expect atleast 110 reactions! I am glad you like this Dutch Band with Simonne Simons. We have more of this.....

[@TheThamesmen]

I know.... Let's keep the bar low so we can do more. Bands we do not like we ask for more :)

[@bertbouwhuis]

God, I love your reactions! Equally as epic as Epica :-) !

[@TheThamesmen]

Thank you so much 😁

[@jjjccc728]

Reaction starts at 4:39.

[@TheThamesmen]

Yes but then you miss all my wonderful banter :)

[@watchtheskies]

Epica are an incredible band, I can't choose between Nightwish and Epica, these two bands are in a league of their own, you should definitely dig deeper into Epica's vast and varied catalogue ;)

[@TheThamesmen]

Will do!!

[@user-VeryoldGeezer]

I think there is a video of Floor and Simone singing this at a concert in Nottingham UK before nightwish .

[@TheThamesmen]

Cool - where?

[@jamesanderson5268]

Someone in another thread mentioned that Floor and Simone were roommates for a little while while in school although Simone was four years behind Floor at the Rock Academy. But Floor did go back several times so it's possible. Roughly 80% of symphonic metal front women are Dutch.

[@TheThamesmen]

So cool!

[@lisafoster4468]

I was pleasantly surprised to find that, while one album with this song does not have Floor, another one does :) Also, yeah, there a lot of friends in these bands. Floor knows Tarja, Simone here has known Floor for ages, Marco was from another band (which I believe is the Northern Kings?) Floor's husband leads another band (I forget, I think it's Tarot...) Anyway, I love this piece. Gives me shivers. I haven't gotten tested, but I'm told I'm mostly Irish, with some Scottish, German, and Swedish for flavor n_n EDIT: A couple of fun details here, The lead singer Simone Simons was pregnant during this concert, and I have heard that there were probably no fewer than five sound guys to make this concert work.

[@TheThamesmen]

They are all so intertwined!

[@tas2921]

Yesss, Epica! More Epica!!!

[@TheThamesmen]

No question there will be more as was amazing

[@danuglw1205]

too much beauty on one stage. just too much.

[@TheThamesmen]

I know we look nice and all but I wouldn’t go that far. George and I do have our moments but this compliment is too much.

[@shawnski001]

There is another masterpiece that I don't think you have done yet. If memory serves (and I am old as dirt, so not sure) I have recommended this one to you before! :) Unleash the Archers - "Awakening" Power metal. Female lead singer. INSANE musicians. Truly a must to review. Oh, and Canadian, eh!

[@TheThamesmen]

Do you have a link m Canadian friend?

[@shawnski001]

@@TheThamesmen Right here! :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/naK4gXqXZpqCqtE

[@TheThamesmen]

@@shawnski001 Thanks

[@shawnski001]

@@TheThamesmen You are welcome. Keep up the great work. You two are fun to watch. Enjoy!

[@nimwey7701]

One other great one of them both is Stabat mater Dolorosa, same concert, and please do Ayreon Age of Shadows. And Simone Simons the redhead in this song, leadsinger of Epica was also in the video ( in the beginning part) you did with Ayreon :)

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks and noted...more soon!

[@rhodriwatts7525]

Hello George & Alex, If you liked this with these two ladies try Stabat Mater Dolorosa from the same gig. Very different but enchanting! Rhodri.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Rhodri... We are sinking in tracks but promise to check this out in time. Peace !

[@ikkeschopkont]

Hahahaha the ladies are from the Netherlands, winters are not that long here 😅

[@paisa20]

Thanks

[@TheThamesmen]

No problem

[@joannedoe697]

Guys, this was great! Next Epica step, please look at the live Consign to Oblivion live in Paris official video. Amazing performances of an amazing song!

[@TheThamesmen]

Maybe...maybe....

[@joannedoe697]

@@TheThamesmen 🤞 just noticed this song has been suggested already 😅

[@theglanconer6463]

Two Dutch metal queens ! GRZ from tha Low Countries (but we don't manufacture furniture and our winters are mostly wet :) And we beat the 100 yards. Yeahhh !! Tips: Epica: Consign to Oblivion (pretty hard), Unleashed (medium) Cry for the Moon (pretty soft) And all great.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks for this!!

[@MrFrikkenfrakken]

Another fun reaction George and Alex. I will back up the great song suggestions below: Stabat Mater Delarosa from this show, Abyss of Time a Epica music video or Consign to Oblivion recorded live in Paris. Enjoy!

[@TheThamesmen]

Many thanks my friend

[@liefde1911]

Well, same concert….Stabat mater Dolorosa….you will be surprised totally

[@TheThamesmen]

Seriously noted with so many likes. Thanks for being here

[@billtbodger]

Some of Epica were in After Forever with Floor so they all know each other extremely well and perform together brilliantly, I love how Floor and Simone can and do swap lines in this performance, Simone is the only singer who comes close to Floor for me, I love them both making this the perfect performance

[@h.vanschaijk4189]

😁 Where do all these people come from? From the Netherlands my friends. 😅👋🇱🇺 Enjoy the music !!! Great reaction.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks! 😃 Have a fab weekend

[@paulbathe1]

Epica great, new Cd Omega amazing, Glasgow next year, not sure you watched Xandria brilliant

[@TheThamesmen]

Cool thanks

[@clemenstremens1940]

Noticed that Floor is wearing her Wacken 2013 outfit? And that Simone is pregnant? (Yes they all seem to be related😳) BTW why is your TTM logo mentioning MCMLXXX (1980)?

[@TheThamesmen]

TTM logo - stuck in 1980.... we are harks from the past

[@mrwomby5007]

Yes, Simone was preggers and this is close to the end of a three hour concert. What stamina!

[@music2seeconcertphotograph457]

To experience the most epic band Epica I strongly can suggest "Consign to Oblivion" live from the Zenith in Paris!

[@TheThamesmen]

Lots of requests. Strong favorite to be the next one we do!

[@ruy3467]

Epica has some very interesting orchestral pieces that are in the forefront of a lot of their songs. They also have some HEAVY songs. Like others suggested, I will suggest "Consign to Oblivion" live in Paris. They don't have the orchestra on stage on that one (it was a one time thing for the concert you just checked, which by the way has a lot of cool songs to check out if you are interested).

[@TheThamesmen]

We absolutely will check out more. Thanks for guidance.

[@fritsyt2090]

Love Epica! My favourite band together with Swiss Folk Metal band Eluveitie! You should react to a next great song and performance by Epica: "Design Your Universe (Retrospect)", it is a live performance in my country the Netherlands with their 10th anniversary.

[@TheThamesmen]

Noted - many thanks

[@TimoArula]

Simone + Floor = POWER COMBO 🤘😍🤘. Xena and Gabrielle had done it again 😁. Next: EPICA - Edge Of The Blade (OFFICIAL VIDEO) kzbin.info/www/bejne/epC0fYR-oM9kjrc Nuff Said !!! NWSU.

[@TheThamesmen]

Many thanks for this. Noted.

[@demoremda]

might wanna ease in epica songs for thamesman, start with storm the sorrow or the skeleton key so you get used to marks voice or go for full shock with consign to oblivion if your ready for it :D great reaction like allways

[@TheThamesmen]

Noted!!

[@sonjaschweinsberger1637]

More Epica plz .....good reaction

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Sonja. Be well

[@liavanwissen1963]

Other part of the metal mafia is Within Temptation. Try Somewhere live.

[@TheThamesmen]

Cool - noted

[@verarodriguez3970]

Hi Guys! Fun reaction as always :) Please consider to react to Nightwish: Devil and The Deep Dark Ocean - Live in Buenos Aires, & Song of Myself from Wacken - get ready for some epic drums and vocals. Greetings from Argentina!

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Vera

[@Greish-esquire]

Symphonic Rock Rules but a great palette cleanser in between performances is Japanese Heavy Rock/Metal ... pick anything. I go Nightwish, Band Maid, PinkFloyd, Lovebites, Alan Stivell (Breton) .... and to finish (with a very large G&T) Nemophila ........... In my world you have to have Pink FLoyd and Band Maid every day! Hi from the Mother Country :)

[@TheThamesmen]

One hell of a cocktail! Cheers!

[@bobsuisse2]

YES ;) Happy you did it. Next to NW, EPICA is the best Symphonic Metal Band, and Simone's voice is magic. If Floor's the goddess, Simone's the siren. Because you have done the duett with Floor a lot of EPICA fans will recommand "Consign to Oblivion" now, because it is the "Anti"-NW song. Harsh, Death Metal, 80% growls & less Simone. Nice to hear if you have already discoverd the beauty and magic of the band. Epica's style is different to NW. It is harder, closer to Death Metal and a lot of songs follow the Beauty and the Beast idea - Simone's vocals in contrast to Mark's growls. NW is more harmonies (Floor+ Marko). Epica's song stuctures are more bombastic, more choirs - in one word: epic. So if you want to continue with EPICA my recommandations are "Design your Universe" live (Retrospect) kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5_Pgatjfaqjebc "Unleashed" official live and to get an idea of the beauty and magic of Simone's voice - "Rivers" kzbin.info/www/bejne/aaO6aImmmtVmf6s. At the end "Kingdom of Heaven Part 3" (it is the masterpiece and most epic song of them) kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZW1gKmlnadln80 - there is only a lyrics video, but NUTS!!!!!!!!

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks Marc - Be well

[@richardgoddard37]

Epica released a new album recently, and it's bloody brilliant. Floor and Simone are BFFs for a very long time, and at one point shared a flat. There's another symphonic metal band to consider too - Within Temptation.

[@TheThamesmen]

So much good stuff out there. Whole new world to us. Well better late than never!

[@007chinochef]

Floor and Simone are very good friends. I think that they were roommates some years ago.

[@TheThamesmen]

Imagine them just singing around the house!

[@franshinlopen2166]

They were never roommates. That does not exist in Dutch culture unless you are romantically involved.

[@TheThamesmen]

@@franshinlopen2166 that is really interesting and something never considered. Thanks for info

[@northof4912]

“The winters are long…”. 😂

[@TheThamesmen]

be well and wrap up!

[@BigzampanoXXL]

Take a look to "RIVERS" from EPICA. Simone at its best.

[@TheThamesmen]

I will check it out

[@richardtomlin8704]

If there are any other Epica tracks... ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha... Nice one gents.

[@TheThamesmen]

Well.... this is brand new! I never heard of Epica until we started Nightwish! What a journey!

[@richardtomlin8704]

@@TheThamesmen seriously guys you are going to have a ball. Don't worry I was not suggesting anything What Epica needs is a 'Gabrial'...

[@Thorgrim247]

Simone Simmons was in the Ayreon video. Epica is another Dutch symphonic band. Simone and Floor are great friends. Many of Epica's songs are much heavier and darker than this song.

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks for the info!

[@alexandersomers21]

As you know by now, the girls are from THE NETHERLANDS. They have their own Symphonic Metal World in THE NETHERLANDS ...

[@TheThamesmen]

Is that near Holland?

[@alexandersomers21]

​@@TheThamesmen ​ Yeah, I love the way you guys react to Nightwish, Floor/Simone/Arjen (Ayreon). They all come from the Low Countries where we have a special milk product called "VLA". (Floor's statement in one of her Friday Fun Videos). Keep enjoying the ride. There is another singer from the Low Countries you should listen to: Anneke van Giersbergen. She was the first female metal singer in the Low Countries. The song "Travel" (it's about Mozart) from The Gathering is a song I'm sure you'll love. (Floyd vibes...!!!) kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2WZfZmqlKeNrtE Shine on ...

[@TheThamesmen]

@@alexandersomers21 thanks!

[@clivematthews5296]

And to think, Simone was 3 months pregnant at this gig.

[@ericfisher4736]

I'm a big fan of all three of Epica's "Kingdom of Heaven" songs. They are long, but they all contain several shifts in them that make them feel shorter: Kingdom of Heaven part 1 (live with some studio sound mixed in): kzbin.info/www/bejne/hneYZ3dvotefmc0 Kingdom of Heaven part 2 (studio): kzbin.info/www/bejne/nom5mWqGpZtmfas Kingdom of Heaven part 3 (studio, fan-made lyric video): kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZW1gKmlnadln80 Part 2 is considered by many to be the weakest of the three, but I think it's because it's not as heavy and doesn't have as many shifts in tempo as the other two. I've started listening to it more lately and it has grown on me a lot. I think because it sounds the least like the other two. Part 3 is pretty amazing, and the album it is on (their latest album "Omega") is probably Epica's best overall. There are few albums from any band that I can play all the way through without skipping a song or two and Omega is one of those albums.

[@TheThamesmen]

Great information and thank you for sharing. We really appreciate the support

[@D-ragon-S]

Nothing else to say but the bandname minus an A. Much Love 💙💛💙

[@TheThamesmen]

Exactly! Well named

[@HH-hd7nd]

One little correction: You repeatedly stated Epica to be nordic or scandinavian - they're not, they're a Dutch band. YOu're correct by the way about Simone performing in the Ayreon video as well. What makes Simone's performance here even more impressive is the fact that she was actually pregnant.

[@TheThamesmen]

Ohhh sorry - We didn't know but thanks for correcting that!!! Be well

[@mgharvey3657]

Old friends, roommates at one time. Also Simone is 4 months preggers during this.

[@TheThamesmen]

Cool.... Thats fun to know