Is this a requirement for Symphonic Metal? Epica Sancta Terra Reaction

[@mrkdwld]

When you are headbanging to a French horn, you know it is an epic song

[@ralfschumacher3390]

Please react to Ayreon - The day that the world breaks down. In this song Simone and Floor are both in.

[@LongandWeirdName]

Why? Why always ask for a song from such a late album? Every reactor ever watches that one. I'd love someone hearing Web of Lies from 01011001 or, oh, I don't know, Valley of the Queens, from ItEC, or My House in Mars from UniMig 1.

[@treintje1001]

@@LongandWeirdName Probably because the song is the perfect introduction to Ayreon. And the fact that there are some well known singers in there is always a nice surprise, which now unfortunately already has been spoilt. 🙄

[@erwinmulder1338]

@@LongandWeirdName The advantage of the 'The Day That The World Breaks Down' video is that it also gives an insight (trough the added trivia) into what Ayreon is: A collection of people from all over collaborating under the guidance of Arjen.

[@ShadowhispersBand]

Youthube needs more Ayreon ! The Day that the World beraks down is a great intro. But the Universe live show is a real treasure chest too.

[@pavolridrich3434]

you are faster than me :D

[@Schnorgldorf]

I will never get sick of this one. I am so blown away by the whole thing. There’s so many moving parts and how much work does it take to bring all these elements together? There’s just so much going on. Ridiculously impressive. I love this one so much.

[@lost_in_a_crowd_of_3257]

Floor and Simone voices blend so well. love the song.

[@QazwerDave]

Epica - Consign to Oblivion, Live at Zenith !!

[@cranboogie]

Kingdom of heaven!

[@mercyhouba]

epica-consign to oblivion (live at the zenith) and design your universe(live) are amazing to start with

[@andreaswennberg9542]

Welcome to Epicas amazing world 🤟😁

[@darkiee69]

Simone Simon had already done 2hrs+ of the show and was 3 months pregnant at the time. And you're not the first reactor to fall in love with metal when they start to really listen to it. Oh, welcome to the nightwish army.

[@myracrystalhalilion9790]

3 hours

[@michaelnolan6951]

This song is one I love reactors to experience for the first time, your depth of understanding and appreciation for the various elements is spot on!

[@amarillagriffin7427]

From one northerner to another I have just watched a video of a Mongolian rock band and wow I was blown away, their name is THE HU AND THE SONG IS WOLF TOTEM THE VIDEO IS ON KZbin.

[@Green-Lyon]

The guitarist who gave Floor the shout out at the end is Mark Jansen (no relation, as others have mentioned), who was her former band-mate from her first band, "After Forever." He left that band to found this one.

[@sonosoloio]

5:40 if you couldn't understand what they said while they sang together, don't worry: we mortals can't understand the language of angels

[@Benobot99]

Simone (Epica's singer) was 2 or 3 months pregnant at the time, and many songs deep into the show. Crazy stuff. I recommend the studio version of their song "The Obsessive Devotion".

[@sharper58]

Simone and Floor are best friends and have been for many years. You can see the love and respect they have for one another during this performance too and that speaks volumes as to their talent and love for the music they perform.

[@treintje1001]

Yes, indeed. Metal is quite loud music, so you need to have a very strong voice to be able to stand out over the music. So yes, metal singers are usually very capable and technically profound singers. Especially the female vocalists you find often in the Symphonic metal genre are absolutely brilliant. Btw Epica was founded by Mark Jansen (the one who shouted out Floor’s name at the end). Mark was the guitarist and one of the main songwriters in Floor’s first band Called After Forever. Check out their song Monolyth of doubt (live at Kopspijkers 2002). Floor is only 21 years old there and already brilliant.

[@cindycindy8187]

❤❤

[@jerrystanley7000]

I just went to see the song you mentioned and Damn!, how in the nine hells were the able to do that!! I'm surprised every damn day1 :-)

[@ThomasJ_Music]

Crazy isn’t it!!

[@insane-little-kingdom95]

If you liked this please consider reacting to Theatre of Tragedy, songs like "Venus", "Poppæa", "A Rose for the Dead", "... and when He Falleth", and "Der Tanz der Schatten" are worth checking out and the pinnacle of Gothic/Symphonic Metal. Love your reactions btw.

[@oliphant2848]

The song is about a suicide bomber who thinks he's in heaven, but actually he's ended up in hell. You guessed right, vocal prowess is a prerequisite for this genre. You have to have the ability to be all of melodic, powerful, epic, soaring, and emotional to do the music justice, and what it wants to convey. Of all singers I know in this genre, maybe two or three are just very good, all the others (Simone Simons, Tarja, Dianne van Giersbergen, Marcela Bovio, Anneke van Giersbergen, Melissa Ferlaak) are fantastic, with Floor being the pinnacle.

[@music2seeconcertphotograph457]

I definitely would like to add "Sharon den Adel" from "Within Temptation" :-)

[@oliphant2848]

@@music2seeconcertphotograph457 Right.

[@argantyr5154]

And Charlotte

[@paulmdevenney]

You might add Brittney Slayes from Unleash the Archers to that list. There are no end of gems hidden away that will never get radio time.

[@myracrystalhalilion9790]

Floor at pinnacle. I don't think so, you're just an insufferable Floor bot.

[@Wollie1979]

Call it evolution of music but I’m also very into symphonic metal once I heard about Nightwish and Epica a while ago. And I never listened to metal before. That says something about these bands.

[@velt5BB]

Therion, Tristania, Sirenia, Theatre of Tragedy, Trail of Tears, The Sin of Thy Beloved, Penumbra, Children of Bodom, Xandria - to check :D

[@fakeplastictrees6672]

Please do Design Of Universe or Consign To Oblivion. It would be great🤘🏿

[@roy19491]

the founder, and lead guitarist of Epica is Mark Jansen (no relation to Floor), however, he and Floor were bandmates in After Forever.....also, the Epica singer, Simone Simons, is married to the keyboardist from Kamelot.....

[@MountainMetal]

Yes. There are many other Epica songs, and you could choose almost anything from this same amazing Retrospect show, especially Design Your Universe, just watch out for the trick ending! ...and there are other fine folk and symphonic metal bands to discover. Well done!

[@ralfmeyer9086]

Hallo full Opera?Stabat mater Dolorosa from the same concert it is awesome..🤗👍

[@kezca]

Ty love this song

[@ChrisEchoes]

Floor has a history with Epica founding member Mark Jansen (not related) as he was a member of her first band After Forever and just like in Epica wrote music for them. Floor has also coached Simone with regards to vocals and have been friends for years.

[@LuvtheJEm]

Floor was not her coach, they were both coached by Amanda Sommerville.

[@Thorgrim247]

Symphonic metal is just so damn melodic and beautiful combined with the power of metal.

[@GordonHeaney]

You should check out "Consign to Oblivion" by Epica, the live video from the Zenith, Paris, 2013

[@markfrancis6886]

I would listen to Stabat Mater Dolorosa, same singers, same performance. Non metal but really shows what they can do. Then Epica 'design your universe', again at retrospect show, to show what Simone and the band are about. Then there's seven albums of brilliance between those boundaries

[@paravarium]

I got another reactor to do Epica - Fools of Damnation and the whole comment section said what a great choice it was haha 😁

[@LongandWeirdName]

Ah, Simone and Floor together on a song. Wonderful. The song is part of a concept album. The lyrical I believes to be on holy ground(literally what the name of the song means in Latin). Be it heaven or hell, they feel like they're where they belong. Haven't heard this one in a while. Thanks for reminding me it exists.

[@MrDannyDarkside]

Also listen to Epica - Kingdom of Heaven live and Consign to Oblivion live. Nightwish - Ghost Love Score live is also something you dont want to mis :)

[@ThomasJ_Music]

Hey! Thanks for commenting! Check out the Ghost Love Score reaction in my metal playlist! 👍

[@markfrancis6886]

Also, if you are up for a challenge, try Wintersun, Sons of Winter and Stars at sonic pump studios. Instrumentally astonishing, if you find it vocally challenging early on, hang in there, as it changes. Go all the way through 14 minutes and it is euphoric.

[@palantir135]

You will like Ayreon too. It’s progressive metal/ metal opera. See Wikipedia for more information. Floor Jansen, Marko Hietala (Nightwish) and Simone Simons and Mark Janssen (Epica) all sing on albums of Ayreon and in the live concerts. Floor is the voice coach of Simone as far as I know; they’re good friends. Many other very well known hardrock and metal musicians participate on Ayreon albums and in concerts. See the channel of Arjen Anthony Lucassen, he is Ayreon, for clips of live concerts, albums etc. Also see other channels. Ayreon Universe Live Into the electric castle and other tales Are both live concerts.

[@BamaGrammy]

I just realized I can't understand a word they are saying! I'm glad you do LoL the ladies are magnificent!!! Both ladies are Dutch.I've followed Epics for years 👐

[@ThomasJ_Music]

Hahah yeah there’s only a few lines I’m catching.

[@herewardthewake1]

Oh yes, Sharon den Adel of Within Temptation, Anneke van Giersbergen formally of The Gathering lately with Vuur and has done work with various other artists and Charlotte Wessels of Delain and they are all Dutch! And of course the two ladies you just listened to Simone Simons of Epica and Floor.

[@bigg2988]

...AND Dianne van Giersbergen (no relative to Anneke) of EX LIBRIS and XANDRIA... The young lady is becoming my favorite vocalist fast (which is saying something in a world inhabited by Floor!), with her superior operatic range, theatrical delivery, and that certain fragility, almost a child's naivity coming across in places... gorgeous. She might be the future of this whole endeavor.

[@herewardthewake1]

@@bigg2988 thanks for that, found this two van Giersbergens on stage together Anneke and Dianne The Gentle Storm - New Horizons kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6TEpmB4aK2Nl8U with the lovely Marcela Bovio on backing vocals.

[@bigg2988]

@@herewardthewake1 Thank you! I did not know they had "found" each other. :) Absolutely gorgeous song to pick, the wistful yet life-affirming finale to THE GENTLE STORM's true love story. I like how unassumingly Anneke allows Dianne the vocal spotlight to showcase her operatic highs. The song comes out even more impactful live because of this arrangement, although perhaps too jubilant compared to the deeply felt album version... and yet I have a tear in my eye. This music speaks to me.

[@makipejcic]

❤️❤️ Epica!!!!

[@scottb.4472]

And by the way, there was only an orchestra and a backing "choir" because it was i believe a tenth anniversary show.

[@bigg2988]

Hi Tommy Northern Ear (it sounds almost like an Indian name, but back to the point... :)), EPICA is another deep wormhole to get into. You will be surprised how many connections there among bands in the epic Power-Symphonic metal style. One leads to the other, literally! If you investigated where EPICA got its name, it would bring you back to KAMELOT and on, and on. There's a lot of camaraderie in the genre as a whole, deep respect, and entwined histories. :) If you are keen to investigate more into EPICA, I would have 3 tracks to start you off: "Design Your Universe" live from the same show you reacted to (EPICA's 10th anniversary); "Beyond the Matrix" - for the newer sound of the band; and "Feint" (acoustic version from the DVD "We Will Take You With Us") - my personal trusty tear jerker... I am a grown man, but what Music and Meaning convey in unity is sometimes just too much. Btw, you might have wondered if Symphonic metal is basically a female-fronted genre. In many cases, that is correct, but exceptional male voices hold up well in contest. You could investigate into the legendary Swedish group LOST HORIZON, who had the privilege of having on board one of the most unbelievable male Metal voices of this age. Because of inner turmoil they only released 2 albums, but you might want to get to know every song... try "Highlander (The One)" as an entry point. Sorry no HI-FI live version exists, but for that sort of story-telling you do not need visuals. :) By all means, continue exploring, the world is rich in beauty!

[@evaDrepuS]

Metal always has the best drummers, as well as vocalists that don't need auto-tune and the like.

[@thomasmason3359]

The Epica singer is Simone Simon. I recommend you check out Epica's Cry for the Moon.

[@danylatulippe]

If you want to listen to other bands like this, but sang by guys. You can try Northern Kings, Sonata Arctica, and Terasbetoni. Ayreon has many of the symphonic metal scene signers, men and women in kinds of metal operas. You can probably discover some of them there too. For other women signers, you can try Within Temptation (Sharon Den Adel), After Forever (Floor Jensen), Revamp (solo project of Floor Jensen) and Lacuna Coil (Cristina Scabbia). There are many many more, but those are the ones I listen to the most.

[@o_krush67]

Not an epica expert but really like Storm the Sorrow and Phantom Agony

[@ascensionenergetics85]

I don’t know if she’s in heaven but they’re both Goddesses for sure! 🔥🤙

[@Green-Lyon]

I know that I am in heaven when I listen to this! :D

[@douglascampbell9809]

Some other metal giants. Tool, Stone Temple Pilots, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Temple of the Dog, Perfect Circle, Pearl Jam and dozens and dozens more. That is just from the 90's. If you have not listened to them you are missing out. I really can't stress just how good these bands are.

[@Isaacalencar97]

you should react to Elizabeth or Abandoned by kamelot, or maybe even The haunting with simone simmons

[@MrSh0110]

More Epica! Epica - Design Your Universe - Retrospect live Epica - The Essence of Silence - official live Epica - Chasing the Dragon - Retrospect live

[@bignade00]

plus there is a nother bands are very close to nightwish & epica similar in music as symphonic metal & they all very close bands like DELAIN , WITHIN TAMPTATION , LACUNA COIL , AMARANTE , KAMELOT , SABATON , ARCH ENEMY , FLOOR JANSENS'S old band called AFTER FOREVER , REVAMP , and check out mark jansens the guitar player from epica his other band called maYan also simone & floor singed on their first album called quarterpast check them all out & i bet u gonna love them all just like we all do , cheers \M/

[@Roller4x4]

Epica - Consign into oblivion live at Zenith

[@jamestaylor8986]

I would love to hear you react to more dream theater. Maybe nightmare to remember or Octavarium.

[@ThomasJ_Music]

Yeah you’re right, it’s about time I did! Thanks James!

[@nevadahiker6661]

If you like drums, check out Frozen Crown. That drummer is insane!

[@vitezslavhron3879]

Epica- Chasing the Dragon live Retrospect

[@paulhelberg5269]

Epica is clearly right up your alley Tommy. They seem quite a bit like Nightwish. Great vocals, stirring music, excellent reaction.

[@bignade00]

floor jansen & simone simons are best of friends for a long long time & they lived together years ago & both bands nightwish & epica are best of friends & they are very similar with their music !

[@jaapblaauw3735]

Yess...al the singers in this genre have amazing vocal ranges. Some like Dianne van Giersbergen (ExLibris) are even classified opera singers.

[@tommyjohnson9175]

Floor and Simone are friends.. Nightwish and Epica.. Now all you need to react to is Within Temptation to complete the holy trifecta of Symphonic Metal my friend.. Checkout Within Temptation - Paradise...It's not live, and you've noticed by now, Symphonic Metal is best served Live...But, it has a bonus, she sings with a guest in this song.. Tarjia joins her, Tarjia, the original lead singer of Nightwish..

[@marine6680]

There is a wide variety of styles even in symphonic metal. As an example... Symphony X has a 25min song based on Homer's Odyssey, their vocalist sings clean and in a more rock/metal style depending on the section in the song. This applies to their other songs as well. A good vocalist is a common element, but their styles, and how and what makes them good is varied. Symphony X is another good band to listen to as you start your Prog Metal journey. They have a wide range of styles in their songs, with concept albums being a norm for them.

[@robertcraane7910]

Try The Gathering.. Anneke van Giersbergen is the Grandmother of the genre!

[@Green-Lyon]

And absolutely amazing! Love her immensely.

[@insane-little-kingdom95]

And don't forget Liv Kristine Espenæs from Theatre of Tragedy.

[@Raven-fh2yy]

People always say they are amazed how well opera interlaces with metal. It really should be no surprise at all. Opera was the epic, grand and overwhelming music of its time just as metal (good metal) is today. The intense wall of sound coming at you with instruments of wildly varying power and nuance all adding to the mix, sweeping you up and down and sideways with it until all you can feel is.... well... whatever it is you do feel. The composers of yesteryear would understand what metal is, just as the songwriters in metal today look back at what came before and understand what it is telling them. The vision of Opera as only for snobs who want to look like they are better than the grungy guys with long hair and black T-shirts is wrong at every level. Simone (the Epica singer who is a good friend of Floor's) and Floor do another collab singing Sabat Mater Delorosa. This is a flat out 13th century hymn which they do right in the middle of a metal concert... while they are singing... and the orchestra playing... dead silence from the crowd.... and at the end... the crowd goes nuts. This is a perfect example of metal heads... good music... meaningful music (not that pop rubbish that has about as much meaning as a toilet bowl) is what they want.

[@scottb.4472]

Floor and Simone are very close friends, and Floor actually gave her some singing lessons. Epica was started by guitarist Mark Jansen (no relation to Floor) but Floor and Mark were in the band After Forever at the same time. It is funny......I feel that some of the best female vocalists in the world are from this particular part of the world and are all in some form of metal bands. And you are right, this music just sucks you right in......the music is more intense and layered, with powerful vocals, I would argue that its more of an experience, than just a song.

[@bigg2988]

In the context of the album, I think, "Sancta Terra" is about a crusader going into the Holy land to basically find death there... I might be wrong, but would be happy for someone to expand on the meaning. :) "Sancta Terra" could also mean sanctuary ("I am safe in here"), so there is the double bottom to it that I so like in lyrics.

[@carlogiulio773]

Hello to Tommy from Montreal, Nice reactions ,..were you end up in heaven with those two dutch Angels windmiling their hair ! Haha The dream is not over yet,.. there are more Dutch heavenly voices to see, like: -Sharon den Adel of WithinTemptation (another Symphonic mega band) See this one : Within temptation- Paradise (What About Us?) feat Tarja -Anneke Van Gierbergen - In a recent interwiew Floor Jansen said that younger she heard on the radio the voice of Anneke singing With the band "The gathering (album Mandylion-the song :Stange Machines) and said to herself "wow, I want to do this me too! See this one : The Gathering - Stange machines -- Live TG25 unofficial -Charlotte Wessels of the dutch symphonic metal band "Delain" See this one : Delain- Masters of Destiny (official music video) Keep on rocking, cheers !🤘🤘🤘

[@music2seeconcertphotograph457]

Now you do know with Floor from Nightwish, Simone from Epica two of the great Dutch female symphonic metal singers. But there are at least still four! missing: Sharon den Adel from „Within Temptation“ Charlotte Wessels from „Delain“: „Masters of Destiny“ or „Sing to me fest. Marco Hietala“ (the bass player from Nightwish) Anneke van Giersbergen in Duet with Sharon den Adel: Within Temptation „Somewhere“ Dianne van Giersbergen with Xandria: „Nightfall“. Doing "Within Temptation": "And We Run feat. Xzibit" --> Symphonic metal meets Rap "Paradise feat. Tarja" --> The first Nightwish singer and Sharon are a great combination "Angels" --> Great singing (as always) and a cool video "Somehere" --> A great duet with Anneke van Giersbergen (The Gathering) and a complete orchestral support „Angels“ -> Beautiful song and cool video Greetz from a German-Dutch concert photographer of the gothic / alternative scene

[@omarcguel9756]

Hi, try whit Kingdom of heaven live in México, is amazing!!

[@liavanwissen1963]

Try Within Temptation with “Somewhere”

[@richardhall6034]

Hi you should check out nightwish high hopes it's a pink floyd cover sung by Marco the bass guitarist And check out epica consign to oblivion live at the zenith official video

[@velt5BB]

there is more connection between Floor and Epica than you think :D

[@philfigari2006]

Hi Tommy, if you think you're ready for something a bit darker and aggressive, you might want to check out Dimmu Borgir. I'd recommend 'Gateways' from the Forces Of The Northern Night show.

[@jamiestout142]

Simone Simons, the queen of metal!

[@swlosder]

REACT - EPICA - Consign To Oblivion - Live at the Zenith (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

[@Zandman26]

When it comes to Epica fans I would guess you get a lot of suggestions for "Consign to oblivion" but I would suggest "Kingdom of heaven" even if the video quality is not as good on the live version I think it's a more interesting song.

[@MrVagrod]

Simone Simons and Floor are close friends and former roommates ;) Simone was pregnant at the time of that show. Live orchestra here is for special occasion -- it was Epica anniversary show. They normally are using prerecorded backtracks in their performances, just like Nightwish. Epica generally is much heavier than this. I recommend going with Consign To Oblivion live @ Zenith ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpzUqqyLiaiAi7M ) Most of the time -- yes. Vocalists of SM bands have amazing voices, very often they have classical training. Some bands -- not so (like Dark Element for ex., Anette [former Nightwish singer] there has more... generic voice, if you can say that way). But -- Tarja Turunen -- Anneke -- Simone from Epica -- Charlotte from Delain -- Sharon from Within Temptation They all have crazy powerful voices. They all really good, but... Floor is just in another universe. We can rank all other vocalists, but Floor's vocals just outside of any scale.

[@Green-Lyon]

It was during the time they were flatmates that Floor gave Simone some vocal lessons in mixing classical singing with rock vocals.

[@MARMAR-xw6gj]

Epica is Amazing but you should react to the pioners of this subgenre Rhapsody emerald Sword or dawn of Victory studio versions

[@leopendent3291]

You might want to take a listen to Ayreon. This is not a band but a musical journey carried out by Arjen Lucassen a Dutch musical genius, who gets all the very best Metal musicians and singers to perform his music. This song, "the day the World Breaks Down" will give you a good idea of what he is about as well as background on what you are seeing. One of the singers is Floor. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXfYfn6ap9-Dp7c Oh, there are 11 singers as well. It will answer your question.

[@richardtomlin8704]

A song like this first time. It's almost a religious experience... without the religion.

[@Roller4x4]

Epica Within temptation Delain Nightwish The Gathering

[@ThomasJ_Music]

Are these the go-to bands for this genre? If so, thank you very much!

[@rickrides8352]

​@@ThomasJ_Music Yes. Also add The Gathering (with Anneke Giersbergen, now singing in Vuur) to your list. Floor once stated that her singing career started with "Strange Machines" from the Gathering kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnjGY2uQgrZ4npo In Ayreon - The Valley of the Queens there's Floor, Annke and Marcela together kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipPIk4Jrd7-cY6s Anneke sings a duet with Sharon Den Adel (Within Temptation) as well - Somewhere kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZTNdn2Ifr96rMk In Ayreon, Floor sings together with her sister Irene (yes, there's two of them ;-) ) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZXGgGOJmM6Hi7s These are songs you'll find mentioned everywhere (mostly because of their 'epicness' - but they're a good starting point to dive deeper into the genre)

[@comoseba]

React to Epica Unchain Utopia live 🤘🏼❤️

[@ronaldderooij1774]

I am new to symphonic metal. But it seems that the top is made by Dutch and Finnish musicians. I am still not sold completely. In this song I could get without the wild middle section. There was no build up to it, it just was there and (to my ears) it was far less musical than the rest of this Epic Epica song.

[@frankohero]

Epica is from the Netherlands... just like Floor. Sadly there is not much of "Symphonic-Metal-Groups" out there. In America you have Within Temptation - And Amy Lee goes in the right direction. If you want to know what Epica is all about, you can watch this live performance: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpzUqqyLiaiAi7M

[@Populiervogel]

Within Temptation is Dutch as well.

[@frankohero]

@@Populiervogel I know. But they are popular in America. Everything "adopted" by American culture is 'supposed' to belong to America, doesn't it?

[@patriksjoholm7102]

Seven Spires is a really good american symphonic metal band. They have quite a bit of variation in their sound as well. Some songs are more like power metal while others are a bit like Dimmu Borgir or Cradle Of Filth type of Gothic Metal. They have a great vocalist as well, she does both clean "disney princess" vocals and Black Metal type of growls.

[@frankohero]

@@patriksjoholm7102 Never heard of Seven Spires. I will check them out. Thank you.

[@draagnipur8767]

You need do more of Epica (Design Your Universe, Kingdom of Heaven) but you must know that their other stuff is much more heavier - you`ll see real contrast, hehe. Another awsome symphonic metal bands are: Within Temptation (Ice Quenne, Mother Earth) and Therion (Eye of Shiva, The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah, Birth of Venus). And some Symphonic Gothic metal bands... After Forever (first band of Floor Jansen) - Monolith of Doubt, My Pledge of Allegiance 1. Tristania (Beyond the Veil, Aphelion, ...of ruins and a red nightfall) - beware this band use a lot of grooooowls. Check also symphonic black metal band - Dimmu Borgir (Mourning Palace), but this is heavy one.

No worries mate. There's just too much to notice first time hearing. A tip from one reactor: he takes a two minut pause after a song to let it all sink in and to collect your thoughts.

[@casualcarolinafishing5835]

Every band in the world is looking for a Dutch singer about now.😂

[@fioddorsuperconcentrado2492]

You'll get plenty of other suggestions. I'd like you to listen to "Cry For Thr Moon": kzbin.info/www/bejne/fH23YqKLZrR6rbM I agree that good vocals are a cornerstone for symphonic metal. Not necessaryly clean (many bands mix clean vocals with growls for the sake of dynamics), nor necessaryly astonishing. But sloppy ones wouldn't do the trick, I guess.

[@svilenp]

🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@darkiee69]

Did my previous comment dissappear? Sancta Terra is from the concept album "The Divine conspiracy" so it's part of a larger work and can be hard to figure out without the context of the whole album. And if my comment dissappeared: Simone Simon, and the band, had already done 2hrs+ of the show at this point, and she was 3 months pregnant at the time.

[@ThomasJ_Music]

Hey, no I can still see it! I’m finding a lot of people say this about other songs; that I have to listen to the album, often in order to understand what it’s telling me!

[@darkiee69]

@@ThomasJ_Music It's often that way when it's a concept album. Think of it like an opera. If you just hear one song you don't get the story and the context of the song in the whole piece. And now I can see my firts comment again, it just dissappeared before, even if i refreshed the page.

[@ladyjane8855]

It's called symphonic metal but it's more like metal opera, I think.

[@steventownsend1344]

Hi it steve in uk again the huge nightwish fan and primal scream fan again hope u ok mate love epica to .2 songs u hve to hear mate 1 nightwish the greatest show on earth live at tampere .and 2 floor jansen shallow beste zangers . The 2nd one just shows off how versatile her voice is both are must watch ..hope u good mate

[@ThomasJ_Music]

Hey Steve! How you doing? Yep I’ve got greatest show on earth in my sights, but going to get Wacken done first mate! As for Beste Zangers, I’m on it! Stay safe bud

[@steventownsend1344]

@@ThomasJ_Music u2mate stay safe thanks for reply

[@wesleyjgr]

Kingdom of heaven from OmegAlive next 🔥🔥🔥

[@ItsJessEdits]

Thommy! Such a great reaction once again! :) hope you're doing very well this week. Also - I cannot believe I never suggested this song before, but have you ever listened to NF's 'The Search'? NF is literally...he's insane. I actually made several edits with his music before really realizing who he was (i edited with more of his orchestral stuff) but he's actually a rapper! 'The Search' is one of his rap pieces that literally blows me away - it has such a chaotic energy to it I feel like you'd enjoy - and also would just be interesting to watch, in regards to the music video. He connects all his videos(plot wise). I'll link the song here in case you ever feel like checking it out just for the heck of it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJ_Pe6pvfZWrd68 :)

[@ThomasJ_Music]

Hey Jess! I’d never heard of this guy but you’re the second person to suggest him in a few days, so he’s going on the list! Thanks! Hope you’re well!

[@ItsJessEdits]

NorthernEar ayy! Haha awesome! Thanks Thommy! And I’m doing well! Just graduated from college in this strange time in the world so I’m navigating that. Hope you’re well yourself!

[@ThomasJ_Music]

Congratulations!!!! Amazing news!

[@ThomasJ_Music]

ItsJess Edits PS, head on over to the Discord! Would be great to see you there!

[@ItsJessEdits]

NorthernEar oh!! I’ll definitely join that when I get on my computer later!! Thanks Thommy!

[@marielaoquendorodriguez670]

this song it's good but they have better ones, react to The Essence Of Silence official live video

[@tootsie9988]

funny fact: Floor was Simone's vocal coach 😉😉

[@Aranes68]

wrong information

[@nighthawk82]

lyric addict lol. listen to the music. dive into the lyrics if the music is appealing to you. everything else seems like a waste of time to me. sorry.

[@ThomasJ_Music]

I’ll always try to make sense of the song via the lyrics as sometimes it helps explain and enhance the sounds of the instruments and the song structure.

[@nighthawk82]

@@ThomasJ_Music sorry for being a bit rude but it never made sense to me how one could only "understand" music if the intended meaning of the song is clear. even most songwriters won't care what anyone would feel or think when they listen to their song. because everyone is different. why need a manual for something that is purely based on feelings and other subjective stuff and not on logic. just my opinion of course.

[@ThomasJ_Music]

nighthawk82 yeah I get that. But surely you don’t think trying to understand what the lyrics are is a bad thing? Otherwise why have lyrics at all?

[@ThomasJ_Music]

Absolutely, music in itself is an experience and can evoke emotions just by the arrangements on their own and that is the sign of truly great music, but there are tons of songs where you gain an extra appreciation of the song and the artist by the message the lyrics are portraying. For example - everything I wanted by Billie Eilish. Taking the lyrics on face value, you wouldn’t think a teenage girl was writing about contemplating suicide and having the feeling of nobody actually giving a damn about it.

[@nighthawk82]

@@ThomasJ_Music it's a way for alot of people to gain an easier access to music in the first place. but no, I don't think lyrics are a bad thing. Like you said in your comments it can be interesting for sure. However for me I would only care so much about songs I truely like and care about.