Opera Singer Reacts To EPICA Unleashed | Tea Time With Jules

[@karolinak6014]

"In All Conscience" is probably the most "operatic" song by Epica. Not many reactors choose it, but if you would consider reacting to it, please do the Omega live version. I love Epica, I'm seeing them next year in Amsterdam where they are playing with full orchestra and choir. It will probably be the best experience in my entire life.

[@THE_JOURNEYMAN_PAN]

Oh yes, you can try an audition, because they may need some help bearing in mind that next year they"ll have 2 major concerts with full orchestra and choir, just like 13yrs ago in Restropect. As an opera singer you should follow any fans' suggestion from Restropect Live, a 3hrs concert with Simone being pregnant at that time . FYI, all the band members have a bachelor in music while the founder-guitarist-growler Mark Jansen has a master in Psychology. Their lyrics are either scientific or self-impacted. And their ballads are one of a kind! Best wishes for your career and greetings from Greece!

[@erwinmulder1338]

I have the sneaking suspicion they will use an existing choir though. They didn't form an orchestra and choir by themselves from individual people for Restrospect either. Not sure where the choir was from, but the orchestra was from Hungary.

[@RusselF013]

@@erwinmulder1338 i'm pretty sure they might once again invite the Extended Hungarian Reményi Ede Chamber Orchestra and the Choir of Miskolc National Theatre for the AFAS live concert. But for the Mexico concert, pretty sure they will work with orchestra and choir that is in the country to avoid too much cost.

[@THE_JOURNEYMAN_PAN]

@@erwinmulder1338 I know pal, it was just for fun! Cheers!

[@thensho]

the lyrics can be scientific, but most of psychology and spirituality

[@wildhoney126]

I love the culmination of this song

[@cancelled_user]

That key change is out of this world. 🙂 Super epic!

[@andreaswennberg9542]

Epica - code of life (live AFAS). Think you might enjoy that one too. Always believe that Epica would be the right band for an Symfonic metal musical kind of hybrid. Dansers/actors on the front stage and the band telling a story through music. That would be a show😁.

[@petrabierlee2151]

Yes!

[@bigg2988]

"Chasing the Dragon" at The Retrospect show is an EPICA performance that basically did that, except they upped the bets and went for circus actors / equilibrists instead! Strongly recommended to experience - for those few that hasn't! ;p

[@RusselF013]

Great reaction to this amazing song by an amazing band! You got a lot more of EPICA songs to check and surely you'll be fascinated by their music.. I hope you can check the ff songs: Unchain Utopia (Omega Alive 2021 performance) * Omega Alive was Epica's virtual concert held during the pandemic * Rivers (AFAS Live 2023) While we're all excited to hear EPICA once again play with orchestra and choir next year, you might want to check: Storm the sorrow (Live Retrospect 2013) Design your universe (Live Retrospect 2013) Cheers!!!

[@sleeepwalk]

Ayreon pls... THE DAY THE WORLD BROKE DOWN... EVERYBODY DIES...

[@astral7080]

The beauty in here are overwhelming

[@arjenkeyser9937]

It was a great concert, a night not to forget... I can wait until next year, same stage with full orchestra so happy be be there again.

[@watchtheskies]

Hi Jules, here is the song that gets the audience jumping up and down, and it's very catchy, this tune will be stuck in your head for days 🙃 EPICA - Beyond The Matrix (Live At The AFAS Live) - Official Live Video

[@cancelled_user]

Another interesting thing about this song is that it starts with a chorus right off the bat 🙂

[@R---66---R]

And if I might add another beauty: Rivers (live)...

[@rnowak85]

Another great reaction! I really enjoy your insights. One of the reasons why I love symphonic metal so much is because with all the different instruments they eally fill out the sonic spectrum and I think that is what makes it so enjoyable. Combine with heavy metal musicians who are well trained in music theory and can write music to evoke the emotions of the lyrics and you get these epic songs. This performance is from their most recent tour. My favorite performance of this song is from their 10th anniversary Retrospect show with live orchestra and choir. Adding the live orchestra and choir just adds another level of epicness, especially the live choir which is more prominent in the mix and Simone goes a little more operatic in her vocals. In the chorus on the words free and unleashed she goes into a beautiful, bright head voice with a strong vibrato where in this performance it sounds to me like she is using more of a mixed voice. If only for yourself you should listen to that other performance of this song. There already is a kind of rock/metal opera project called Ayreon. It is the brain child of Dutch musician and composer Arjen Lucassen. Almost all there albums are set in the Forever/Planet Y universe and tell a sci fi story about how human beings came to be on the earth. The story is told over 8 albums and features multiple singers performing specific roles within the storylines. Being asked to sing on an Ayreon album is a huge honoe and Arjen is able to assemble some of the best vocalists in rock and metal music, mainly European, for his albums and rare live shows. The music video for The Day that the World Breaks Down is a great introduction to the Ayreon universe as it is the prequel album The Source and tells the story of our Human ancestors on Planet Y in the Andromeda galaxy who are threatened with destruction after handing control of the planet to computers to try and solve environmental problems.

[@maranon1971]

I have seen them live at the beginning of this year, in Spain. Being from The Netherlands myself, this was one of the first times I was proud of something coming from my home country. I have seen many bands live, but I have never seen a band playing in such a tight production and still being so energetic and clearly having fun on stage. A lot of emotions passing by, even tears of absolute joy.

[@paulriddle7818]

Ayreon and Quensryche both have produced Metal Operas. Queensryche is from Seattle Wa and has several albums that are full Operas. Empire and Operation Mindcrime are both outstanding. Aryeon is a project by Arjen Luccasan who gathers alot of great musicians and dozens of singers like Floor and Simone to create various operas that are encredible. THe day the world breaks down from 2017 is outstanding recomendation to see. It has 11 singers from Europe and America.

[@scifimonkey3]

Check out ‘Once upon a Nightmare’ from the Omega Alive concert for an amazing non head banging option to audition for/cover.

[@gerrygrouwe70]

I would say just go for it contact epica and ayreon for good voices they stand open to co operaid. Good luck

[@wannabedane4046]

Hey Jules, I agree with the comments below. In the retrospect concert Simone's was singing more in an operatic tone, and it was with a full orchester and choir. I definitely have to see them again performing with a full orchester and choir!

[@cancelled_user]

Was she though? Her voice here is absolutely gorgeous, beautiful crystal clear soprano and she goes into her operatic register too, especially after that super epic key change toward the end. 🙂

[@ARetiredPirate]

You always make me smile, love the energy and thinking!!

[@bigg2988]

I do not know if there are actual operas about a Metal band... but there are certainly Metal operas, character parts, librettos and all! I am also not quite mainstream, but let's stay in Netherlands, and check out the Metal opera "Equilibrio" by XYSTUS, a Prog metal band! Those guys outdid themselves when they staged their Magnum Opus, a true opera of creation, together with the Utrecht Student Symphony Orchestra. Plus, they recruited numerous singers with very respectable careers in Rock operas/ Metal scene, guys and gals who can basically sing anything The connecting link? - Simone, the Original Goddess. Yes, The Simone from EPICA. "Equilibrio" was good enough to get her signed up. Must say something! There is a full (but segmented) recording of the performance on KZbin, including subtitles and GREAT camera work. I am holding my fingers crossed that this intrigued you. :)))

[@paulbateman9812]

I think you might like Devin Townsend. Most start with the performance of Kingdom @ EMGTV. Beautifully controlled fry screams & operatic vibrato on display here, also with that loveable sense of humour of his.

[@PatitoCM1]

The thing that have you in awe is simply Symphonic Metal 🤘🏻🖤

[@eckligt]

Please keep going down the Epica rabbit hole! As others have pointed out, all else being equal, you should always pick a "Retrospect 2013" version of any song that people request by Epica. That was the name of their 10th anniversary show in 2013, with a full orchestra and choir. Actually they are doing two more concerts like that next year, in Amsterdam in September and Mexico City in December.

[@davidlagassee8236]

aeryon is a rabbit hole you will not regret. if yopu want to see foor sing with her sister irene and VALLEY OF THE QUEENS is one of the more beautiful songs you will ever her. aeryons projects with some of the best singers around the world are indeed progressive rock operas. arjun is right up there with tuomas as a composer.. trust me.

[@malmkwaks]

I concur. But a little detail....it's Ayreon 😉

[@BrendonChase_2015]

@@malmkwaks Yup, and the start should be "The Day That The World Breaks Down" to set Jules on the right path. VOTQ is nice but way too short for a first.

[@cancelled_user]

Guys... Multiple posts talking about Ayreon when this is an EPICA reaction. Aren't there already plenty reactions where you can talk about Ayreon? Are you even Epica fans at all? Or just came here to talk about Ayreon and Floor? Epica is literally the best band in symphonic metal today and you don't suggest even one song from them, but instead come here to talk about other bands/singers?

[@cancelled_user]

Not to mention that this song is one of the greatest in symphonic metal. Maybe more straightforward, but it has a beautiful melody, lyrics and even visuals, sung by one of the greatest voices ever, and you guys cannot even be bothered to utter a comment about it, just redirecting discussion to Ayreon straight away?

[@NZWozza]

Epica are always in my top 3 metal bands. I'd love to see them live, they look to have such fun. Don't worry about the hair - it doesn't stop Coen on the keyboards...

[@Harrypjotter7]

Look at the retrospect version, that’s another level

[@erwinmulder1338]

You should really check out Ayreon - The Day That The World Breaks Down. It's the opening track of something pretty much what you described. 11 Singers having parts and everything.

[@malmkwaks]

I concur. I've requested this masterpiece also several times 😊

[@BrendonChase_2015]

Just recommended it, haha (should read the comments first). So yes, I definitely concur! 🤘

[@cancelled_user]

But what does it have to do with Epica?

[@erwinmulder1338]

​@@cancelled_user... ehm 'certain people' ? Fun fact: they even share the same producer.

[@RusselF013]

@@cancelled_user I agree, more EPICA. Reactors have been reacting to the same Ayreon song that has Floor in it. I mean there's nothing to check these out, but for God's sake, we wanted to highlight every singers in this genre and they deserved to be recognized as well. ;-) But if Jules wanted to check Ayreon then, i highly suggested: Garden of Emotions (Live in Tilburg 2019) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWfVc3uXhNKLg9E Valley of the Queens (Live in TIlburg 2019) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJWxnnatfdOWn6s Waking Dreams (Live in Tilburg 2017) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/moPanX1nm7B2pM0 Magnetism (Live in Tilburg 2017) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqGthHmdr5yphbs Star of Sirrah (Live in Tilburg 2017) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZWoeYSEdr-mf9E

[@AlexisLema-bd2xv]

U have an Opera (?) with Epica's albums, u can watch Kingdom of heaven part I, part II, part III. Symphonic Power Metal band + Choir + Orchestra. 5 songs every part (it's like 3 acts with 5 aria/songs).

[@gerrygrouwe70]

Arjen lucassen is the man behind ayreon wenn you contact him he will respond i know for sure. And be like us direct to him like us dutch are 😅😅😅

[@mikedown3219]

Epica have come pretty close to fusing opera and metal with some of their songs. Especially their live performances at Retrospect, their 10th anniversary show with full orchestra and choir. I recommend The Divine Conspiracy, which is preceded by an orchestral medley of Epica music. Here’s a link for that… kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXKVYqiNf9J4nKMsi=33Ki5eVSSb5WSOxh

[@RusselF013]

I highly recommend this!!! I forgot to mention this on my comment above if ever she wanted to check Epica performing with an orchestra and choir~!

[@pauloverbeeke2352]

You Must see en listen to ! Ayreon ! begin with: Ayreon - The Day That The World Breaks Down ft. Floor and Simone (spoiler)and more ! This song has 11 main singers !!!!! and 13 min long ! followed by : Everybody dies (live) With Floor.....🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘👍

[@cancelled_user]

Please, do more Epica! I promise there's a lot to discover! 😉

[@juanitook1125]

El metal sinfonico es la música en su máxima exposición. Enamora

[@christophschmedes5975]

And when you like Epica they are so mutch by the Wacken Open Air this is in my homeland Germany and Simone live there also have fun

[@christophschmedes5975]

The singer Simone from Epica live now in Germany and she can speek German

[@Benski1972]

I believe you sertanly can keep up with these symphonic metal singers. A colab with your energy? Please yes!

[@astral7080]

Beats the heck out of all!

[@spynles7947]

An osteopaths dream. 😄 And an opera/heavy metal collab? Sounds good Jools.

[@PK--ITA]

No matter what I write, I still know that the next one will be "The Day That The World Breaks Down" by Ayreon... 🤣

[@MikkoRantalainen]

I think it would be worth reacting to video called "Apocalyptica feat. Simone Simons - Rise Again (Live in London)", too.

[@phil291254]

If you like symphonic metal opera try “ Gentle Storm) The Diary - Storm Version - Female Vocals are out of this World or Ayreon - Electric Castle Live - again fantastic vocals and instrumentalists - symphonic metal at its best…..with a story - really enjoyed your Nightwish reviews - Floor and her sister both feature with Ayreon….

[@MegaDog555]

epica unleashed official video has the live orcastra version

[@PittDaddy]

Jules, I'm sure your voice would be wonderful in this band, but Simone... well she is perfect :). As others have mentioned, check out their performances from the Retrospect show with a full orchestra and choir. For another singer that I think you would enjoy, listen to Melissa Bonny in either of her bands, Ad Infinitum or The Dark Side of the Moon. She is a metal singer from Switzerland with a voice similar to Floor and Simone. Given your background, I think the best place to start would be TDSOTM's rendition of May It Be with Charlotte Wessels. I think you'll love it. Speaking of metal operas, you truly need to listen to Ayreon, a musical project of Arjen Anthony Lucassen. He finds the best metal singers and creates Metal Operettas with them. A great song to begin with would be Valley Of The Queens (Ayreon Universe) which happens to feature Floor Jansen.

[@felipecampos3045]

Amazing song, but aways check if they have played the requested songs at the live retrospect, it is 100x better because they play with a full orchestra. check out Design your universe and you will understand

[@RusselF013]

Honestly, the AFAS Live 2023 version for me is better than the Retrospect version... why?!? 1. Vocally, Simone sounds a lot better here than she was 10 years ago.. although we love to give her a kudos for performing a 3-hour concert while 3 months pregnant, but the AFAS live performance IMO is far more superior... (and btw we will have another EPICA with orchestra concert next year). 2. Addition to the 1st one, Simone sounds more confident and has better technique lately - less breathy. 3. It is the latest / most recent performance of this majestic song as of today!

[@christophschmedes5975]

Simone start her singing by Epica with 17years now she is 43years and one of the best soprano in Metall 😊

[@Pravdacz-tp8zu]

She's 38

[@christophschmedes5975]

Simone start her singing by Epica with 17years now she is 43years and is one of the best sopranos in Metall 🤘

[@jaapblaauw3735]

Simone is born on January 17 1985..So currently she 38 years old.😉

[@BrendonChase_2015]

What if there'd be a metal opera.. Dunno if it completely captures your idea Jules, but I'd say that AYREON comes pretty close. Check this out, it's got 11 fantastic singers (including some familiar ones..): "Ayreon - The Day That The World Breaks Down - The Source (2017)". Cheers from Amsterdam! 🤘

[@frank1963]

I concur ☝️ Hoi Brendon, heb je je ticket al voor Epica in AFAS??? Ik wel

[@BrendonChase_2015]

@@frank1963 Ja zag 't. Zit dan aan de andere kant van deez' aardkloot. Bummer!

[@frank1963]

@@BrendonChase_2015 oh dat is zeker jammer. Maar ook leuk dat je aan de andere kant van de wereld zit.

[@BrendonChase_2015]

@@frank1963 Is ook zo. Memien Holboog zou zeggen dat ze er "een dubbel gevoel" bij zou hebben ;)

[@frank1963]

@@BrendonChase_2015 ?????…🤔….Die snap ik ff niet 🤯

[@luna_aurora]

I love your reaction, and you're so pretty 🥰 Yes you should audition or do a cover at least🤩. Alright please react to Epica's song Rivers feat. Apocalyptica (Live At The AFAS Live) if you haven't already, thanks for the lovely reaction.💖

[@justitia257]

Epic Epica

[@davidlagassee8236]

please try aeyon THE DAY THE WORLD BROKE DOWN. and RELEASE the archers, UNLEASHED. she is a trained opera singer , but it is power metal that you will enjoy

[@paisa20]

I like the Idea

[@svilenp]

👍👍

[@MrWo-qj2yh]

you should have done the retrospect version with full orchestra and choir

[@cancelled_user]

This one is amazing too, and it also shows her what Epica is like today, since this performance is from 2023.

[@MrWo-qj2yh]

i agree bud with live orchestra is always special@@cancelled_user

[@theglanconer6463]

Both versions are fantastic but indeed with a full orchestra and choir behind it is absolutely brilliant

[@MegaDog555]

i love epica simone is my fav female singer sorry floor your second

[@Lucasarruas]

Pleaseeeee react to Tarja Turrunen - Innocence live in Circus Life

[@manudude02]

Did someone ask for a metal opera? React to Nightwish - Phantom of the Opera

[@irenehabes-quene2839]

Maybe you should take a year off at the opera, let your hair hang loose and join a metal band just for the kicks. See what you like doing better! Who knows maybe you’ll love it.

[@WardDorrity]

Simone is a force of nature - she is terrifyingly beautiful and cosmically talented. Epica is in a class by itself. No one composes and performs like this. Likewise, Nightwish is in a class by itself. Floor Jansen is their Valkyrie Queen front woman. It's not surprising that Simone and Floor are best friends, and you can hear them sing together in Epica's Sancta Terra. Trust me, you have no idea. Oh, and have my subscription and like.

[@skrenek12]

Umm, so maybe you could do a cover...

[@christophschmedes5975]

Simones.best frend is Singer by Nightwish have fun