First Time Reaction | EPICA - "Consign To Oblivion"

[@Whoracle8531]

Every song from the retrospect 10th anniversary show with a live orchestra is a good choice. Design your universe, chasing the dragon, Sancta Terra...any of those

[@garysmith8455]

Aileen NEEDS to see Santca Terra ! Emotions will flow, especially with Floor ((O:

[@deminybs]

I disagree with the divine conspiracy title track from retrospect, they took it from almost 14 minutes to like 5 minutes,,,,tragic

[@karvest2036]

@@deminybs They dont have the time for a 14 minute song, and would have to cut out other songs even more than one...

[@vrslash1]

@@garysmith8455 there are tons of Sancta Terra reactions with Floor and Simone... We need more réactions with only Simone ... Any song from Omega Alive would be Amazing ♥️

[@garysmith8455]

@@vrslash1 For me, and as a pro musician, it's all about LIVE symphony orchestra and chorus with a symphonic metal band (a huge undertaking and expense) and I believe this lovely reviewer needs to experience just that. The wonderfulness of Simone and Floor are icing on the cake for sure (O;

[@TheNotsmith]

Cry For The Moon was my first Introduction to Epica. The moment i never forget..

[@hansolo2121]

Epica are a Dutch band. Their singer is Simone Simons who became their lead singer at 17 years old! Epica is the most technical band and have the most elaborate and melodic compositions in this genre. And they are by far the heaviest and most true to the metal roots. Although they have very softly toned down more introvert songs as well. Epica combine opera and classical compositions with death metal and symphonic metal. Another genius song is Beyond the Matrix. Their live version performed at this concert in Paris was released only a couple of months ago by Epica! It is simply a stunning performance and beautiful song.

[@ysinvangulik1004]

Yes, Beyond the Mattix is awesome. Some what uplifting song.

[@black4pienus]

Not to brag (I totally am!) but all the major symphonic metal goddesses are Dutch. :)

[@dirkleensvaart2134]

@@black4pienus it's making me so proud Our dutch metal QUEENS ❤🤘

[@black4pienus]

@Lord Raiden True and she's always welcomed with open arms by the the Dutch metal goddesses. They respect her and some friendships formed too I believe.

[@chancellor05]

Glad you liked Epica! They've quickly become one of my favorite bands. Next ones to react to: - Beyond The Matrix (from this same show at the Zenith) - Essence Of Silence (live from Brussels 2014) - Kingdom Of Heaven Pt. 3 (from Epica Alive - quarantine show with lots of theatrics and production)

[@burningdeadman]

Oh my you went through a ROLLERCOASTER of emotions on this one. This band has been doing this for almost 2 decades and they are god dang amazing. So full of talent, energy and passion. This is why metal music will always be number 1 in my book. Cant wait to see more reactions of Epica!

[@PittDaddy]

They recently released a song called Kingdom of Heaven, Part 3, Omega Live. This was done as part of a virtual concert. To me, it may be one of the best current pieces of music. It captures everything you see here and adds another level of entertainment. Be sure to watch.

[@cyberdan42]

This band is superb, they exemplify Symphonic Heavy Metal, the balance of brutal and symphonic, of harsh and melodic. So many amazing songs.

[@Metalencio94]

Seeing your face in complete awe and instantly falling in love with Simone's voice gave me so much life. Welcome to the Epica world.

[@thomasmikel3566]

Loved how you were so entranced every time Simone sang. I was beautiful watching her voice and the music take over.

[@good2know524]

i had the chance to see them live and share a beer with them at the 70000 of metal cruise in the caribbean a few years back.. such a cool band and people..they sound amazing live.

[@QuarkStorm]

Welp.. You got yourself a new sub! Epica has been part of my life for over 13 years. Their song "Unleashed" saved me from a depression that started back in high school. Having ADHD, Autism, and Aspergers... I thought I would spent my life all alone until I let go of such society morals. I found myself some friends (it still is one the biggest challenges I had to do; going out of my comfort zone) and they're still so precious to me after all this time! I don't mind speaking about myself that openly. I'm willing to share this testimony about why I've been in love with this band for so long. Symphonic Metal and Epica... They also are the key that helped me unlocked the doors of metal subgenres such as ABM (Atmospheric Black Metal) - bands such as Equilibrium, Sojourner, Vallendusk, Saor and Cân Barrd - and MDM (Melodic Death Metal) - bands like Insomnium, Be'lakor, Mors Principium Est, Duskmourn and the famous Dark Tranquillity. Speaking of the latter, might I recommend their songs Lost to Apathy and Atoma? They're a good introduction to the Melodic side of Death Metal if you've never dug that up haha Otherwise, please listen to them when you have time :) Anyways, was nice reciting this ^^ I hope to comment on your future videos as well. Have a good time!

[@dandyprime5338]

Epica are the peak of symphonic metal in my opinion. Their instrumentation and musicality is unmatched in the genre. There are other greats like Nightwish and Within Temptation, but Epica hits harder and has more complexity to their works than other groups. Here's a breakdown of the band's history: Epica, originally called Sahara Dust, are a Dutch symphonic metal band. They are the most successful Dutch metal act in the world and have been around since 2002, making this year their 20th anniversary. The changed their name from Sahara Dust to Epica due to being inspired by the Kamelot album of the same name. The group has a total of eight studio albums, along with a couple EPs, a few live albums, and even a movie score album. The members of the group are as follows: Simone Simons: Lead female vocalist (2002-present) Mark Jansen: Harsh vocalist/lyricist & rhythm guitarist (2002-present; no relation to Floor Jansen, though he was in a group with her called After Forever before he formed Epica with Simone, who was his then-girlfriend at the time and completely unknown in the metal world. She was only 17 when she started Epica with Mark. She has been with the group for 20 years, as she is now 37. Interestingly enough, Simone is married to Oliver Palotai, the keyboardist of the band Kamelot. They have a son named Vincent). Isaac Delahaye: Lead guitarist (2009-present; he replaced former guitarist Ad Sluijter after his departure from the band). Coen Janssen: Keyboardist (2002-present and no that's not a typo in his last name, he really has two of the letter "s", haha). Rob van der Loo: Bassist (2012-present; he replaced former bassist Yves Huts after his departure from the band). Arien van Weesenbeek: Drummer (2007-present; he replaced former drummer Jeroen Simons after his departure from the band. Jeroen has no relation to Simone). As I said before, their instrumentation is above and beyond anything else in the genre. They tend to write their own lyrics, which often deal with philosophical, psychological, spiritual, moral, scientific, environmental, socio-political, global and topical or personal themes. Epica is also known for their wide use of orchestral and operatic choirs. During their Retrospect concert, which celebrated their tenth anniversary back in 2012, they had a full orchestra and choir present on stage with them. Epica does not tour with their choir or orchestra, as that would be far too expensive and a logistical nightmare, but when they get to use them, they go all out. Here is a detailed list of their discography: [STUDIO ALBUMS] 1. The Phantom Agony (released in 2003) 2. Consign to Oblivion (released in 2005) 3. The Divine Conspiracy (released in 2007) 4. Design Your Universe (released in 2009) 5. Requiem for the Indifferent (released in 2012) 6. The Quantum Enigma (released in 2014) 7. The Holographic Principle (released in 2016) 8. Omega (released in 2021) [EPs] 1. The Solace System (released in 2017) 2. Epica VS Attack on Titan Songs (released in 2017 in Japan; 2018 worldwide) [LIVE ALBUMS] 1. We Will Take You With Us (released in 2004)* 2. The Classical Conspiracy (released in 2009) 3. Retrospect (released in 2013)* 4. Omega Alive (released in 2021)* *These three are also video albums showcasing the live performance. Omega Alive is particularly special because that show was a pre-recorded live-sounding event for the fans to watch online due to the pandemic after the group was unable to tour for so long. For this show specifically, the band had more freedom and flexibility to create a digital live experience like never before. The performance they put on display for this live/video album has set a new standard for what an online concert and show can be like. They had massive stage production, with moving platforms, gorgeous lighting, superb camera and cinematography work, tons of pyro and other elemental effects, various choirs on stage with them, and other unique performers during the songs to set the mood or tone, such as firebreathers, acrobats, and other wild entertainers. The were originally only going to keep this digital online concert as a one-time showing, but with how incredible the show was and how much of a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience came out of it, they decided to release it as a video concert too. They did release four music videos from that show directly onto KZbin, so I definitely recommend you check them out. I'll point them out later down below for easy reference. [MISC/COMPILATION ALBUMS] 1. The Score - An Epic Journey (released in 2005; this is the soundtrack to the Dutch film, Joyride) 2. The Road to Paradiso (released in 2006) 3. Best of Epica (released in 2013 as a digital download exclusive. It included 15 of the bands best tracks) 4. The Quantum Enigma B-Sides (released in 2020) Epica is also one of the few bands to partner with the book production company, Rocket 88, to release a large hardcover book called The Essence of Epica. This book details their journey as a band and includes never-before-seen photos of the group, other stories, influences, their rise to fame, and a look back on their history. I personally own this book and I got the Signature Edition, so it is signed by all the members, comes in a clamshell box, has three additional art prints, and my name is also in the book as a thank you. It's such a cool collector's item! Lastly, here is a list of songs you should definitely check out. I'll give you a few from each studio album: "The Phantom Agony" from The Phantom Agony "Feint" from The Phantom Agony "Quietus" from Consign to Oblivion "Mother of Light (A New Age Dawns Part II)" from Consign to Oblivion "Never Enough" from The Divine Conspiracy "Chasing the Dragon" from The Divine Conspiracy "Unleashed" from Design Your Universe "Martyr of the Free Word" from Design Your Universe "Storm the Sorrow" from Requiem for the Indifferent "Monopoly On Truth" from Requiem for the Indifferent "The Essence of Silence" from The Quantum Enigma "Unchain Utopia" from The Quantum Enigma "Universal Death Squad" from The Holographic Principle "Edge of the Blade" from The Holographic Principle "Abyss of Time - Countdown to Singularity" from Omega "The Skeleton Key" from Omega The four songs from the Omega Alive video concert that were uploaded to KZbin are "Unchain Utopia", "The Skeleton Key", "Victims of Contingency" and "Kingdom of Heaven - Part 3". I hope that you continue to dive into Epica! Enjoy and thanks for reacting to them!

[@rolsen1304]

Very good comment!

[@digitalmouse3314]

Agree honestly Simone is so good Mark is a genius in general whole band is so tight and always perfect really

[@brothernemiel6465]

All three you mentioned great in their own regard but Epica is always a blast live

[@matiassoto6565]

sory but Rhapsody of Fire it's on the top

[@AkelasanAK]

... yes, Epica! must watch even with little time ... ... just know that you haven't seen even a tip of an iceberg. Epica is vast ocean of incredible musical, lyrical and vocal excellence. Strongest symphonic metal band imho ... ... i wish you more Epica!....

[@samuelengle3773]

Something tells me Epica will QUICKLY become one of your top 5.

[@slash-1971]

This band is the absolute pinnacle of symphonic metal. So many incredible and complex songs, and their last album was just phenomenal 🤘

[@MrSh0110]

Epica will blow your mind, no doubt. This is barely the tip of the iceberg so prepare for a wonderful journey. Enjoy your ride!

[@Phoenix12157]

I have seen Epica 5 times...all times VIP, and i can say without any doubt, they are INCREDIBLE. And are genuine people too.

[@whirledpeaz5758]

My current Epica obsession on repeat is Abyss of Time. I think you would love Epica - Sancta Terra ft Floor Jansen

[@black4pienus]

I am a sucker for contrasts. So yes, I love Epica. I also love how much fun they're having on stage. Since you said the combination of classical singing and metal was new for you, I'm guessing you are also new to the symphonic metal genre? There are many symphonic metal bands with great female front singers. And then the band combined with an orchestra and choirs... Just amazing!

[@michaeldover]

These are wonderful people. I've met them at a Meet & Greet in Atlanta. You've made a great discovery seeing Epica. I'll be seeing them in Dallas in September....cannot wait! And in the most respectful way, my goodness you are an amazingly lovely lady! 😍

[@mihaipetcu3996]

Welcome in the Epica family, I'm a fan since almost 20 years, by the way they celebrate 20 years this year (2022). As for some recommendations, if you want to go on the ballads side please do Chasing the Dragon from Retrospect and after that you'll be ready for Rivers (from the Omega album - 2021). On the hardcore side you can go Skeleton key and Kingdom of Heaven pt.3 (the parts are not necessarily related) from the same Omega album, the videos from Omega Alive for those 2 are absolutely awesome. Omega Alive was a live-streaming event during the pandemic. Or you can choose any Epica song :D

[@juanchi_brossa]

"Chasing the Dragon" or "Sancta Terra" from Retrospect DVD! Awesome reaction Aileen :)

[@smallsim2663]

Metal and Jazz and classical music have on very important common quality: the broad palette of styles.

[@jamesmcdaniel70]

You are correct. This band does have incredible chemistry. They look like they are having the time of their lives. They seem to genuinely love each other and enjoy each others contributions to the performance. I was fortunate enough to see them live in Portland, Oregon in 2017. Amazing band.

[@felipecampos3045]

finally!!! This is going to be AMAZING. Listen to design your universe live retrospect next, it will give you chills

[@andreaswennberg9542]

Love Epica! Simone, my favorite singer. Another great preformenc epica - design your univers (live retrospect) 😃.

[@AshReacts]

Welcome to epica! I love your reactions so was so excited to see you do Epica. The fanbase is amazing. I started my own reaction journey a couple of years back and the epica fanbase is the best. They've always guided me well and I'm even going to a concert next year haha. You'll see a lot of familiar faces that will watch every epica video like Andreas, Kyle b, Mrsh0, Sonja. Good people. My suggestion would be rivers. It's a slow emotional song but I think you'll really dig Simone's voice.

[@cancelled_user]

Hiya Ash! Where you've been? I really didn't expect you here :) Have you listened to whole Epica albums yet? If not, there are still many song that you can react to ;)

[@watchtheskies]

Hey Ash, 9 months to go 🤘🤘

[@cancelled_user]

@@watchtheskies That sounds like he just got pregnant :D

[@randalljones4370]

I don't think I realized you had not heard Epica before..... my bad for not pushing harder (of course, being just one more nobody on YT, I have no pull). Others will make the best path through their catalog for you, but in the past 2 years, Epica has released a number of amazing videos and albums. I really enjoy watching you watch music. The joy spills out, laughter gushes as the brain encounters new things. You're the best.

[@apaysse]

I really really loved you reaction! You have gained one subscriber with that one. I would like you to do some more Epica, they are really amazing! I will suggest to continue with these ones: - Chasing the Dragon (live) - Kingdom of Heaven part 3 (Omega Alive) - Unchain Utopia (Omega Alive) - Unleashed (Retrospect live) - Skeleton Key (Omega Alive) I bet you will enjoy every single one of them. Cheers!

[@robinbraamhorst1410]

Aileen you just witnessed epicness!!!, this is a dutch band with the female vocalist simone simmons! And as a next song i recommend " design your universe" witch is a rolkercoaster song! Or the song she did with floor called " sancta terra" with a full backing orchestra and choir! And " skelleton key" is also one off my favorites! Thanks for choosing this band aileen!

[@hansolo2121]

Robin Braamhorst You have a Dutch name ýourself and yet you misspell Simone's last name... Her name is Simons not Simmons.

[@stanimirgeorgiev.87]

I have been familiar with EPICA for over 13 years and they are amazing. Thanks you for the video. EPICA is the great!

[@TheDwoolensnider]

EPICAAAA!!! Doesn't matter which song, just cover your eyes and point to one

[@rolsen1304]

Yes Epica is Symphonic Metal, one of the bands that defined the genre, and while the others, Nightwish, Therion and Within Temptation have all moved a bit away from the genre in different directions Epica has just kept refining it to higher and higher levels with each album. IMO they are the current peak, the best band in the genre and one of the best bands from a compositional standpoint in the world in any genre. This is classical music and opera in a metal context, like a banger of a metal song written by Bach or Brahms. You can hear both sides, this duality between light and dark, all through their music. They can get increadibly heavy and brutal, but there's alway a red thread of gorgeous melody weaving through the chaos, in Simone's vocals, or in the orchestral elements, or the guitars, bass or drums. It's always there, that beauty, like a easter egg waiting to be found. I have never heard another band come up with so many ear and heart melting melodies, sometimes multiple in the same song. I think this is partially Simone's influence, she seems to pull beauty out of thin air.

[@slash-1971]

Great comment totally agree! 🤘

[@thomasmikel3566]

I really feel Mark is one of the greatest composers of our time.

[@Kilian600]

Sooooo true !!!!

[@xen0bia]

I really would call it progressive symphonic metal. It's extremely elaborate, much like prog, often with an overarching theme, but with elements of symphonic with the orchestral bits and Simone's vocal.

[@rolsen1304]

​@@xen0bia Yeah the prog is definately a big part of why they are so good. Most notable on their longer songs though.

[@peterkarargiris4110]

Epica are simply...awesome ! Great reaction Aileen.

[@ΙΩΑΝΝΗΣΡΗΓΑΣ]

Good evening Aileen. An adored band with great musicians and a wonderful Simone with an amazing voice. She is a close friend of Floor from Nightwis. They have sung together in older bands, and have made joint appearances. See the Sancta Terra of Epica with Floor as a guest who sing together and you will be impressed. !!

[@garysmith8455]

'SANCTA TERRA' from Retrospect performance, that will get you (and me) every time, truly epic !!

[@cancelled_user]

OK, let's see! One of their heaviest songs. I hope she didn't get scared :-) She definitely needs to react to much more Epica. Just like Nightwish, Epica is a great journey.

[@rolsen1304]

I don't think she's afraid of heavy;)

[@luBazan1206]

A lot of people can't stand the transition from Nightwish to Epica!

[@rolsen1304]

@@luBazan1206 Yeah but she has a Lorna Shore tshirt so I don't think Mark will scare her;)

[@cancelled_user]

@GenericUser I wouldn't say Epica is a heavy Nightwish. They are both symphonic metal, but they are actually very different. Epica is pretty unique within the sympho metal subgenre, with their frequent time signature changes and overall musical compositions. I've never heard anything like "Universal Death Squad" from any other band in this subgenre. And they have other songs like that. Also Simone's soprano is pure beauty. "Consign to Oblivion" at Zenith is actually not a good showcase of her vocals at all. She did this song better at the Retrospect. But there are much better songs if someone is interested in her vocals.

[@cancelled_user]

@@luBazan1206 LoL yeah. Especially if they switch from NW to heaviest Epica songs first, they just get punched in the face.

[@MikkoRantalainen]

Simone is a really skilled singer and in addition she's L'Oreal hair model and a professional photographer. I don't know how she has time for everything.

[@sonjaschweinsberger1637]

very good reaction .....more Epica plz ....my favorit Band for all times

[@Jim_86]

Epica is a Dutch symphonic metal band, founded by guitarist and vocalist Mark Jansen after his departure from the band After Forever. In early 2002, at only 22 years old, Mark Jansen left After Forever over creative differences. He then began looking for musicians who would work towards a more classical/symphonic type of music project; this was initially named Sahara Dust. In late 2002, the band courted Helena Michaelsen (from the band Trail of Tears) as its frontwoman, but shortly after she was replaced by the then unknown Simone Simons, who was Mark Jansen's girlfriend at the time. Simone Simons and her long-time partner, the Kamelot keyboard player Oliver Palotai have a son, Vincent Palotai, born on 2 October 2013. In December 2013, Simons announced on her blog that she had recently married Palotai. They reside in Stuttgart, Germany.

[@Kilian600]

Epica. Just read that name again : Epica. There's the word EPIC in it, and that describes this band so perfectly !!!

[@tibelius_]

Essence of Silence is a real banger from them for sure

[@michaelfinck7487]

Epica one of the best Symphonic-Metal-Band on earth

[@renejensen7799]

Epica is one of my top 5 bands, and my top 5 bands i heard all songs from, and saw all big live performances, i follow them close.. if theres something new Epica, i will hear it..

[@PirikkoP]

I saw Epica live in Munich a few years ago, a friend had a few backstage tickets. They were really nice and the concert itself was incredible!

[@lantzkeefer6]

Epica is another band that I will definitely be there for, I love looking at Simone's Instagram photos,and she has an amazing voice.The song and video for The Skeleton Key is so good, it's worth a watch and a listen.

[@kevinflores8553]

The musicians make you enter a storm and simons voice makes you feel peace in that storm 😍😍😍

[@Grievance_Studies_Affair_2018]

Simone is the eye of the hurricane :)

[@juliaparamonov3490]

Great reaction! I’m going to see them next week, and I’m really excited. Such an amazing band

[@christophschmedes5975]

hey Aileen Simone Simons starts her Classic Vocal studdy with 15 years and she came with 17 years to Epica today Simone is obe of the best sopranos in Metall 😊🤘🤘

[@BuddhasSoul]

Such a great band! Glad to see them on your channel. The new mixing of metal and other music styles like opera, folk and classical is so awesome. Good vibes to you and your channel.

[@mscheese000]

Epica is my favorite band! I hope you do more Epica reactions! Might I suggest Chasing the Dragon? I feel like that song really highlights her vocal abilities.

[@rolsen1304]

Yes for pure Simone vocal beauty Chasing The Dragon, Unleashed, Tides of Time, Once Upon a Nightmare, Rivers are good picks.

[@boou26]

"Essence of silence" live and "The skeleton key" live is a banger. Greetings from Sweden

[@LilDevil769]

I'm so glad you started to listening to this. Within temptation also very good band 😊

[@alexthorpe6583]

Let's see... other Epica songs to check out? 'Martyr of the Free Word' is one of their heaviest, with a message. 'Chasing the Dragon' starts quiet and builds all the way to the end. 'Santa Terra' is amazing, with or without Floor Jansen singing along. 'The Divine Conspiracy' is extra symphonic.. and nearly 14 minutes long! The band is over 15 years old, they've put out a LOT of great music!

[@paulriddle7818]

20 years old this year.

[@s-boy4613]

Of the big 3 of Symphonic Metal i think Epica has overall the best discography. I genuinely cannot even entertain the idea of calling any of their albums subpar or mediocre. Every single album is good at worst, lifechanging at best.

[@joealvarez8733]

When I first got introduced to Epica, I felt the exact same way as you did when you said that you were feeling happy 😁 needless to say, i was hooked 💖 all hail Queen Simone Simons...

[@khosani1726]

Epica puts the metal in symphonic metal. You should DEFINITELY check out that 'live-ish' Kingdom of Heaven part 3 recording. SOOO good!

[@richletram539]

Such an awesome live band. I've seen them 3 times live and going to see them again in the fall in Boston! If you ever get a chance to see them, don't miss the chance! Essence of Silence would be a Great song to react to. 😁

[@FancyPrimate]

Yessss. Epica is great. You should def check out Victim of Contingency from their Omega Alive performance. Certified banger.

[@jorgebrito8807]

Love your reaction Epica is a fantastic symphonic metal band. You should check Unleashed (Live At retrospect) Design Your Universe (Live at retrospect) Essence of silence (official live) Unchain Utopia (Omega Alive)

[@yinxed]

One of the bands that knows the importance of humanity, great reaction!

[@Falconetti696]

My favourite time of the day to share good music whith you .

[@balli7836]

Hello Aileen, first i have to say, that i like you and your reactions very much. Second, i am happy that you have started Epica now, which is ...epic. I strongly recommend listening to "Design your Universe", which is my favorite song from them so far. Third, Simone (the singer from Epica) and Floor Jansen from Nightwish are very close friends and so Floor has some cameos in a few of their shows. If you want to watch them both sing together, i recommend the retrospect show from Epica in which they had a full orcestra and a background choir on stage. From this show you should look up "Sancta Terra" and "Stabat Mater Dolorosa" which are the songs with Floor and Simone singing together. "Sancta Terra" is a very nice song from them as well, while "Stabat Mater Dolorasa" is a classic piece and totally different from what you are used to by a metal band even a symphonic metal band.

[@keirdamone1991]

OMG ... OMG ... I must be there!!! One of my most favorite reactionists does one of my most favorite bands and one of their greatest live performances! :D Can't wait to see your reaction. So let me keep this clip open two days until it starts! xD

[@AileenSenpai]

Thank you so much !!! ❤️

[@rolsen1304]

@@AileenSenpai Awsome reaction, you mirrored my feelings the first time I saw this, the last 10 seconds of Simone singing the finale felt like a explosion in my mind. I was just grinning afterwards, such a epic piece of music.

[@AileenSenpai]

@@rolsen1304 MY MIND WAS SO BLOWN!!!!! Love her so much now 😭❤️

[@rolsen1304]

@@AileenSenpai Haha you know what, if you want to hear more you could just search "Epica acoustic version" to hear her voice in a non metal context, and it's unlikely to be asked for as a reaction. She's my favourite female singer, I straight up crave her voice sometimes. And, if you really get into Epica, don't let us fans waiting for reactions stop you from actually listening to a whole album. Epica is the kind of band where listening to a whole album is a journey of the mind and soul. The Divine Conspiracy, Design Your Universe : Gold Edition, The Quantum Enigma, The Holographic Principle, and Omega are their best albums in most fans eyes.

[@GEDrake]

What a lovely honest reaction, a great watch Aileen

[@AileenSenpai]

Thank you! ❤️

[@GEDrake]

@@AileenSenpai My pleasure Aileen. I have seen your journey started with Nightwish and Jinjer, and now Epica who have so many songs for you to enjoy. You wouldn't believe how many more fantastic female fronted bands there are all over the world for you to immerse yourself in.

[@SliderFury1]

Got to see them live once, one of the best concerts I've ever been to. They did Beyond The Matrix and the whole crowd was jumping up and down to the beat in unison, looked insane 😄

[@theglanconer6463]

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah Great reaction. Epica is pure joy. Love, cheers & metal from tha Low Countries.

[@npinjest7779]

Ah yes, Epica! One of the more symphonic of the symphonic metal bands out there, as they combine metal with the "night at the symphony", unlike a "night at the movies" or "an evening with a string quartet". Very addictive! Second Stone might be my current favorite - great follow up reaciton candidate! As for the mix of opera and metal, I see you've done plenty of Nightwish reactions, but nothing pre-2005 - you may want to check out their OG lineup beyond Phantom, when they defined how well that works, influencing many, including Epica.

[@rolsen1304]

"accidentally passing by a street musician playing a violin" haha loved your comment, totally get what you mean;)

[@PCWorld2ady]

Finally a really good and fitting reaction to this historic performance of Epica!

[@crhu319]

4:40-5:10 she really got to you...it's a stunning emotional break. Just love that plaintive soprano, like the very best opera arias (La Boheme, Madama Butterfly, etc). Don't miss the 8:40 keyboard riff from Marseillaise, a nod to Paris obviously.

[@NoblePhantasm23]

I love Simone Simon. She is so amazing. You should listen to Nightwish with Tarja on vocals or Tristania with Vibeke as vocalist.

[@fredriknilsson6042]

As you also like Floors voice you should react to Epica sancta terra with Floor. Its great

[@Lrs12359]

Simone with her good friend Floor singing sancta terra live is a future reaction

[@emanuelsolsjo7348]

Glad you found Epica! Check out Unchain Utopia from their Omega Alive concert it's really cool.

[@davidcurren2587]

Oh damn, this song is insane

[@glockfragz3251]

This band was playing before a SABATON show in my town so my first time hearing their music was live it was great

[@marshallsnyder8423]

I was very disappointed that NW isn't coming anywhere near me this tour, but to make up for that I'm seeing Epica for the first time in September, with Sabaton, can't wait. oh...by the way, love your reactions!

[@AileenSenpai]

thank you!

[@BERSERKR212]

And did you know Aileen that the drummer of Sabaton is 'Hannes van Dahl', the husband of Floor Jansen.

[@AileenSenpai]

@@BERSERKR212 yes I do! That house is full of so much talent!!! 🤘🏼

[@BERSERKR212]

@@AileenSenpai Yes it is. And Simone of Epica is married with Oliver Palotai, the keyboard player of Kamelot. The singer of Kamelot is Tommy Karevik, who sings on a lot of Ayreon cd's together with Floor Jansen and . . . . . . Marcela Bovio who is from Monterrey Mexico, where the newest hype from internet and touring in the States and Canada now, 'The Warning' comes from. To make this circle round again, Marcela also sings in the other band of Mark Jansen (the grunter of Epica) Mayan for years. Small world is this rock and metal scene wouldn't you say?

[@jeffwotherspoon3867]

this must have been one where they didn't have the full Choir and Orchestra with them on stage as well, check out Epica "Sancta Tera" ft Floor Jensen (from Nightwish) does a duet with Simone Simons (Epica's singer) they are close friends, in this one you will see the orchestra and choir as well

[@corneliusantonius3108]

👍👍

[@brianbutzen6703]

Epica is truly amazing. The contrast between Simone and Mark is so great. BTW, not sure if you've heard, but they are opening for a band I know you have enjoyed later this year. Sabaton! It will be an amazing show even though I wanted to see both of them as a headliner.

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

My favorite band, it's always a party with them :-) The songs usually take multiple listens to get a feel for them. Goes to show how much is going on :)

[@SliderFury1]

"I can't wait to get obliterated in a pit" This wife material right here.

[@davidfrischknecht8261]

Coen's keyboard was on a track, so it wasn't going to fall. You should check out their song "Storm the Sorrow" if you want to hear Simone's more pop-style vocals. One of my favorite songs of theirs is "Beyond the Matrix". When they perform it at their live shows, Simone introduces it as their "exercise song" because she has the crowd jump along with the rhythm.

[@jessegillmore7228]

Sancta Terra should be next. It has Floor Jansen, a choir, a symphony, and tons of windmills

[@corneliusantonius3108]

Greetings from The Netherlands, land of Metal Queens. 😍😍 I had a big smile all through your reaction. Epica is from The Netherlands and the female vocalist Simone Simons and Floor Jansen of Nightwish are friends. Check out Sancta Terra live Epica featuring Floor Jansen.

[@_AmorFisH_]

You opened this box, babe... you"ll be amazed

[@allyfortis]

A new @epica fan was born 😊

[@argantyr5154]

As far as i know Epica, is the heaviest of the Symphonic Metal Bands (there might be some out there I don't know).

[@bobsuisse2]

You did it 😊. Epica and NW are the best bands in the Metal universe. They are Dutch and Symphonic Metal. NW is all about harmonies (Marko and Floor), has folk influences (Troy) and a huge diversity. Not to forget Floor the goddess and valkyrie and in the beginning Tarja, the queen of Metal. Epica is all about contrast (Simone & Mark), the Beauty and the Beast idea, building harmonies, Death and Black Metal influences and great diversity, too. And Simone is the siren of Metal. Made for ballads. You will also find a lot of connections between Epica and Floor. For me NW and Epica are the Yin&Yan of music. I need both of them and depending on my mood I need NW or Epica to be lucky 😂

[@KozueMegami]

My favorite band. You were so enraptured. It was beautiful to see

[@jo_g.germany]

Wintersun, Epica, Nightwish. These are the three bands I would choose if I was allowed to listen to only three bands. You'll enjoy this rabbit hole!

[@Green-Lyon]

One of the greatest metal performances of one of the greatest metal songs of all time (imo). By the way, no need to stress about the keyboard. It's on a specially designed custom track system.

[@rkempo]

Glad you liked the song and the band so far. A lot of reactors have trouble listening to them for the first time. It took me a little while to get into myself. I would like to suggest Kingdom of Heaven which rocks pretty hard and also Once Upon a Nightmare for more of a ballad song.

[@nightwolf9645]

Great video for an introduction to Epica.. Next Epica song to react: Sancta Terra (ft. Floor Jansen), Phantom Agony, Unleashed..

[@Percy92]

Epica is amazing, my favorite band since 2005! You should really check Unchain Utopia (Official live or from Omega Alive, both are great), The Skeleton Key (Omega alive), Victims of Contingency (Omega Alive), The essence of Silence (official live), Design your Universe (Retrospect), Chasing the Dragon (Retrospect), Unleashed (Retrospect), Beyond the Matrix (official live) and Dancing in a Hurricane (Official live). Their longer songs are amazing too. like Kingdom of Heaven part 1, 2 and 3 and The Holographic Principle. Also Epica makes the most beautiful ballads imo: Once Upon a Nightmare, Rivers, Tides of Time and Safeguard to Paradise are my favorites.

[@fhammer07]

and this is just the tip of the awesomeburg. welcome to Epica!

[@davidcurren2587]

My favorite Epica song and one I would recommend is Abyss of Time. So good!

[@ThirstyTunaTaco]

She's from the same street as i am.. We never said more than HI though :) Hail Dutchie symphonic bands though. And The live video together with Floor Jansen called Sancta Terra is even better. Aileen should visit the Netherlands and other Western European countries during festival seasons.. She would cry every day.. From happiness :)

[@Grievance_Studies_Affair_2018]

Yeah! More EPICA please!!

[@socksandpi1264]

Aside from this song, Storm the Sorrow and Sensorium are also faves. Unleashed, Rivers, and Cry for the Moon are good, too.

[@charlesfuller4363]

The more you check this band out....the more they will blow your mind

[@chrisl6735]

I could reccomend 10 or 15 more songs, they have a huge back catalog like Nightwish. If I had to pick two, I'd say "Unleashed" and "Design Your Universe", both from the live Retrospect show.