Reaction to Epica "Sancta Terra" Live with Floor Jansen

[@Drinckx2]

Epica was formed by Mark Jansen (no relation to Floor) after he left After Forever in 2002. Mark is the man who shouts out "Floor Jansen!" when the song ends. After Forever was Floor's first band. Floor and Simone - Epica's lead singer - are friends. So, lots of connections in the Dutch metal scene.

[@CoachCastTV]

That's awesome!

[@LuisGarcía-p5b]

@@CoachCastTV EXACTLY SIMONE BEST FRIENDS OF FLOOR AND AFTER FOREVER IS FLOOR JANSEN'S FIRST BAND... THEY SHOULD REACT TO THE BAND AFTER FOREVER BEFORE 2002 WHEN MARK JANSEN LEADING EPICA, AND WAS STILL WITH FLOOR AS THE BAND'S SINGER TO AFTER FOREVER.

[@Divide_et_lmpera]

AF wasn't Floor's band. It was Mark's band. Floor was just a singer :)

[@Drinckx2]

@@Divide_et_lmpera It's a figure of speech isn't it. I say Floor's first band because it was the first 'proper' band she was in. I'm not stating that it was her band in that she set it up because we all know she joined it, originally as a backing singer, then becoming the main singer.

[@Divide_et_lmpera]

@@Drinckx2 Well, I wouldn't say "we all know" because plenty of Floor fans only discovered her in Beste Zangers. Half of them think Floor and Simone wer roommates, which is not true. So I'm pretty sure many of them have no idea. I'm just clarifying it for them. Most fans probably also don't know that Mark was basically kicked out of AF when Floor started dating another member Sander Gommans.

[@jubbelidiot]

Epica has an increadible range, from soft ballads to death metal. To hear as much of their range in one song as possible, I would recommend "Chasing the Dragon - Retrospect".

[@jimrentz]

Epica feat. Apocalyptica, the Finnish Cello trio, doing "Rivers" the Epica ballad, live in concert, is my favorite but it's not their usual more heavy music. It's just most beautiful and awesome and concentrates on Simone's most beautiful voice. It's one of those songs that when I listen to it I want to hear it several more times in a row. Simone is married to the keyboardist from the American Symphonic Power Metal group, 'Kamelot', Oliver Palotai, who is not American or Dutch but rather German. She and Oliver live in Germany and have one child.

[@CoachCastTV]

Very cool!

[@whirledpeaz5758]

This performance of Rivers is IMHO the most beautiful song I have ever heard in my 58 years.

[@chadbennett7873]

When you finally get to the genius of Arjen Luccasson with Ayreon, you will find Simone and Floor working on several songs together. Arjen is Dutch, and the Netherlands is chocked full of some of the best musicians in the world. Arjen basically discovered Floor at about eighteen years old and she went on to front After Forever, which featured Mark Jansen and Joost van den Broek (keyboard genius). Floor works closely with Joost (plays on Floor's solo recording of Alone) and with Ayreon. Floor is very close friends with Simone (easy to see in the video) and they work perfectly together. The music scene in the Netherlands is one big family. Give Aryeon a try (it's not a band, it's a project with guest stars). Start with "The Day The World Breaks Down" video and then "Everybody Dies" live version. You will absolutely love it. It's an on-going science fiction story, over multiple albums, but each song stands alone in it's own glory.

[@CoachCastTV]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing this info.

[@jamescurfman3284]

Floor was in After Forever when she was Sixteen years old.

[@johnlindquist1784]

Must be something in the water in the Netherlands. They have the greatest singers on the planet. Simone Simons (the redhead singer for Epica) was about 4 months pregnant at the time of this concert. The guitarist, Mark Jansen (no relation to Floor), is the founder of Epica and was a founding member of Floor's first band, After Forever. Special props to the sound crew on this concert - mixing an entire orchestra and choir along with a metal band must have been and absolute nightmare.

[@CoachCastTV]

No kidding about mixing that sound.

[@ciskavandevijver2355]

also a band called "Within Temptation"..check them out too.

[@marianmarkx1153]

@@ciskavandevijver2355 And also the Dutch band BlackBriar

[@edwardschwind4986]

@@ciskavandevijver2355 Love Within Temptation I really like Shot in the Dark!!

[@monicacarolina6480]

eh, Sharon from Within Temptation, Anneke from the Gathering, Marcella from Stream of Passion and of course Floor's sister Yvonne. We have a lot of international famous female meta lead singers.

[@mariogansbeke]

5:40 "I went to metal concert and an orchestra broke out". Man, you haven't seen it all. The same concert Simone and Floor sing a hymne that dates back to the 13th century and the best known version is by Pergolesi written in the 1700's. It's called "Stabat Mater Dolorosa" which translates as "the mournful mother standing next to His cross weeping". If you wanne see a bunch of metalheads getting quiet so you can hear a pin drop, that is the one you should watch.

[@jamescurfman3284]

100%. After all the stuff those metal-heads do at Epica concerts (including full-on Mosh Pits), it is AMAZING to hear the crowd be dead still so they can hear every nuance of their singers. And these two ladies absolutely out-do any other known performance of that song. :)

[@pancentricism]

Simone Simons, the lead singer of Epica is releasing her debut solo album soon (written by Arjen Lucassen). She has already released a stunning single called "Aeterna" from the album, and is releasing her second single "In Love We Rust" later today.

[@CoachCastTV]

Good to know!

[@jasong.5165]

The new single just got posted about thirty minutes ago.

[@Divide_et_lmpera]

There are much better songs for introducing Simone tho. For example "Rise Again" or "Unleashed" AFAS Live.

[@MisterJ56]

FYI: On the 23rd of March 2013 internationally renowned metal band Epica celebrated their 10th anniversary with a special performance entitled_“Retrospect” _which took place in the Klokgebouw in Eindhoven, in their home country the Netherlands. _“Retrospect” _ is Epica’s most ambitious project to date, joined by a 70-piece symphonic orchestra and choir, international guests and lots of special effects. Btw. Floor and Simone know eachother for decades and are BFF's.

[@CoachCastTV]

That's fantastic!

[@SuperMoofie]

As I understand it, Floor taught Simone to sing in a classical style. I think Simone was 4 months on the way with a bub then too, so that would be taxing for her.

[@Steven-lg2gf]

I echo the previous comments about Areyon. Prog rock/metal with some symphonic, operatic, and theatrical elements blended in. Floor and Marko are in the 2018 production along with Floor's sister Irene. You also get John DeLancie (Q from the Star Trek series) thrown in at no extra charge. Consider "Valley of the Queens" and other songs from the Best of Ayreon Live 2018. Another Floor related tangent is Sabaton, a Swedish metal band focusing on military history themes. Hannes Van Dahl, their drummer is Floor's husband. Consider "Christmas Truce "about the informal truce during WWI, and catch Floors contribution during the end credits. There's also the Beste Zangers (Best Singers) a Dutch showcase of their best singers from all genres. Floor and Henk Poort's rendition of Phantom of the Opera is stunning. Floor and Troy from Nightwish did a couple of acoustic songs which showcase her voice.

[@williamadkins2170]

Kingdom of Heaven pt. 3 , from the Epica Virtual concert , this will give you an idea of what Epica is . They are like the heavier cousin of Nightwish.

[@PittDaddy]

I concur. This one is their Magnum Opus. It will overwhelm you when you hear it.

[@wildhoney126]

I support it very much. Enough duets with Floor, let's listen to what Epica is really doing 💪

[@arya.yudhistira11]

Nightwish & epica simply my top 2 fav bands ever. Keep on the journey 👍

[@AH-li7ef]

Now that you've gotten lost in the Epica rabbit hole, you could add a Finnish band to it. Epica feat. Apocalyptica Rivers. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZrQgX-jq7Gsh6Mfeature=shared Apocalyptica became known mainly for Metallica covers kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5vZeJ2LpNurhrcfeature=shared

[@obud3777]

Epica is the best symphonic metal band in the world! 🤘

[@alastairmcintyre4752]

Ok guys - two down one more to go to complete the triumvirate of OUTSTANDING Dutch female vocalists ( and bands ) . The third piece of the puzzle is a lady called Anneke van Giersbergen who started all these shenanigans with her band The Gathering . Floor has often said that Anneke was her " Metal Muse " and they still perform together on occasion to this day and also perform with AYREON ( but that's another , and very interesting story for another day ) . I'll put a couple of links below for The Gathering if that helps ( and gives you a nudge 😉 ) " Strange Machines " live at Pinkpop 1996 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3m4fqqfo7tld7M " Travel " Live at Doornroosje - kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2WZfZmqlKeNrtE ENJOY !

[@CoachCastTV]

We appreciate it. Thanks!

[@noneofyerbeeswax8194]

+👍 for Annie. The Gathering is a very different band. I like them much more than the others. Anneke was outstanding as an atmospheric doom metal / trip rock vocalist.

[@chriso6719]

Yep they are Dutch. Guitarist Mark Jansen formed EPICA in 2002 after parting ways with his former band After Forever. Lead singer is Simone Simons,17 in 2002, she switched to this style of singing in training, from pop, after hearing Tarja with Nightwish. Coen Janssen(keyboards) is the other original member. The current lineup , seen here, has been constant since 2012. Lead guitarist Isaac Delahaye, bassist Rob van der Loo, and drummer Arien van Weesenbeek. "What the heck is going on?" you ask. This is the Retrospect 10th anniversary concert in 2013, with full orchestra and choir, Sancta Terra was over 2 hours into a 24 song 3 hour show, and Simone was about 3 months pregnant here. Floor joined them for one other song at this show, a classical piece called "Stabat Mater Dolorosa" . 8 albums , and several EP's to date, album #9 is in the works. This song is not typical of EPICA in that Mark adds some harsh vocals on a lot of songs. Also have some beautiful ballads. As you see, they are great live. Heavier songs that will show you some growls are: "Design Your Universe" the very next song at this concert. And "Consign to Oblivion" live at the Zenith in Paris. Other suggestions: "The Skeleton Key" and "Kingdom of Heaven part 3", both from the 2021 Omega Alive virtual show. "Code of Life" and the ballad "Rivers" feat Apocalyptica, both live in Amsterdam 2023 at AFAS Live.

[@CoachCastTV]

Good stuff. Thanks for sharing. We'll certainly return to Epica.

[@Starnewznetwork]

Floor and Simone are also sing in Areyon .is a musical project by Dutch songwriter, singer, musician and record producer Arjen Anthony Lucassen. this project is with a many guest performers. you might like this too.

[@monicacarolina6480]

Epica is a Dutch symphonic metal band with Simone (BFF of Floor and they studied together classical vocals) and 2 bandmembers from Floor's first band After Forever. This was a special celebration concert, where they could have the orchestra on stage. Normally logistic impossible on tour of course, like Night wish needs to record the parts of the London Symphonic orchestra , Their voices seem a like, yet Simone and Floor have different voices. Floor has an insane range (from alto to high soprano) and a warmer tone if she wants.. Simone is a nightingale. Thanks for reacting! Arjan Lucassen is a world wide famous composer and guitar player and has any projects with word class singers (Kamelot, dreamtheatre, Symphony X, Floor and her sister Yvonne and Simone from Epica. He brings them all together for his epic master pieces. Please watch "The day that the world breaks down" from him and all the awesome singers and musicians, you will love it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXfYfn6ap9-Dp7c

[@JackJensen-w7i]

Floor is a Very humble and Nice person😊look at the video from german television😊floor Jansen in berlin

[@jasong.5165]

I’ll be seeing Epica with a full orchestra in Mexico City in December. Can’t wait.

[@CoachCastTV]

Have fun!

[@pen7759]

Hi Floor and Simone are very good friends, they both studied singing in the same time , so on the stage there is two sopranos. Thanks for reacting this time too. Greets from Finland. Take care.

[@conradamber]

Both ladies met during their studies at conservatory and became friends. Both of them with their respective bands have helped define the genre of symphonic metal today. Doesn't get more symphonic than Epica :-). They have a lot of great songs. As for this concert I have to mention Stabat mater dolorosa. The two ladies sing this classic song about the mother of Jesus weeping at the foot of the cross by the italian composer Pergolesi, at a metal concert and you can hear a pin drop. Highly recommended to watch.

[@chrish5856]

Well, that surprised you both! An unforgettable performance by two talented ladies. Both classically trained and friends, who I believe went to the same school of music. Simone and Floor's vocals compliments each others. Floor has a more "mellow" tonal range while Simone's range is somewhat dynamic. Both are professional singers so they have a range of around two to two and a half octaves. Great reaction and comments.

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks. Yes, this was a good introduction.

[@frenkwd1]

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

[@chrisboyer9917]

Epica is on the same level as Nightwish who I love. This concert was back around 2012 and was was one of the few times that they used the orchestra and choir . Epica has been around a long time like Nightwish but is a lot heavier with some in control growling by the founder Mark Jansen no relation to Floor. I personally love their music . Their singer Symon Simons is as close to Floor as you can get and they are good friends. My favorite sogs are Consign to Oblivion (heavy) and Rivers at the AFAS with Apocalyptically also music video of Storm the Sorrow plus 40 more. Hope that helps.

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks very much!

[@watchtheskies]

Hi CoachCastTV, EPICA are simply phenomenal, the Orchestra and Choirs feature heavily in all of their music, here is a more recent performance, this is from a concert last year in Amsterdam 🙃 EPICA - Unleashed (Live At The AFAS Live)

[@user-Rockmagix]

As a lifetime Nightwish fan till my last breath I can tell you, that the Epica rabbithole is as huge as the one of NW. I have seen Epiva live in their very first days around 2002, Simone was just 19 and blew me away immediately. So, if you want to add another unexpected part to those you just expired, here is pure classical feeling: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJnXgIKIjrl6rpo More classic doesn't exist in a metal concert. Welcome to the second rabbithole - enjoy!

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks for sharing!

[@danielpalmerideoliveira4895]

Floor and Simone are good friends and If i'm not mistaken, were roommates in college. Check "Stabath mater dolorosa", also with Floor and is the most beautiful piece you will ver see!

[@duncanwyer2460]

And the respect from a metal crowd

[@Divide_et_lmpera]

They were never roommates. It's a myth that cannot die. And I think reactors who are new to Epica should check proper Epica songs first. This is not about Floor.

[@BOOMBiggityBam]

i concur, Sabath matar dolorosa" live at this concert. when listening toit, imagine a venu full of metal heads quiet as a mouse and enjoying it.

[@danielpalmerideoliveira4895]

@@Divide_et_lmpera this is about whatever they want it to be, it's their channel. What you think is not a law of the universe, if you don't agree make your own channel and react in your own way.

[@Divide_et_lmpera]

@@danielpalmerideoliveira4895 Yeah, I will make my own channel and I will "react" to Epica which I already know. 🙄Any more genius ideas? It's a lame response from you because I'm not talking to CoachCast in this thread, if you haven't noticed. I'm talking to other fans who are already pushing more and more Floor, even though this is supposed to be about Epica. Therefore, I'm telling those fans that it would be a better idea to suggest proper Epica first and maybe Floor duets later down the road.

[@music2seeconcertphotograph457]

For a full metal experience of Epica and one of my all time favorite live performances: EPICA with their song "Consign to Oblivion" live from the Zenith in Paris I am really looking forward to shooting Epica in August for the first time at M'era Luna Festival in Germany Greetz from the German-Dutch concert photographer

[@CoachCastTV]

Awesome! Thanks for dropping by!

[@jamesanderson5268]

If you haven't notice Floor and Simone Simons are good friends and have been for a long time. Both are Dutch women. Another song in this concert with Floor is actually a prayer from a long time ago. It's called Stabat Mater Dolorosa. The orchestra is there because it's was Epica's anniversary.

[@williammelaniegappmayer2655]

Heavy Metal and Classical music go so well together.

[@tsiouparoglou4493]

Floor🌷 and Simone are friends since their twenties, they even were roommates for some time.

[@johndreessen7335]

Great reaction. One of the best metal bands in the world. They use in lots of their songs orchestra and choir. This was about ten years ago. They have a concert with live orchestra and choir this year. 2 concerts in the Netherlands and 2 in Mexico. Have tickets for both shows in the Netherlands. Lots of suggestions in the comments. It’s normal for Epica and Nightwish to use orchestra and choir in their songs. One of my favorite bands. Went to 2 of their concerts last years. Thanks for this reaction.

[@CoachCastTV]

Thank you. That's great you have tickets! Have fun!

[@Thorgrim247]

This was a special 15 anniversary show for Epica. They don't always tour with an orchestra.

[@mikedown3219]

Epica were formed in 2002. This was their 10th anniversary concert in 2013. A 3 hour show with full orchestra and choir. The lead singer is Simone Simons. The show had everything but here are some of the highlights… Unleashed (start here, symphonic metal at it’s best)- kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKnHZ6augd2Xr9U Chasing the Dragon (with sub-titles) (power ballad) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqfGkIqOl7udd9k Presto (classical instrumental duet between solo violinist and Epica’s lead guitarist) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXXWhp2YhL1mrsk Stabat Mater Dolorosa (13th century latin hymn, duet between lead singer Simone and Floor Jansen) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJnXgIKIjrl6rpo Delirium (soft ballad) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHK8gXecaL-eZ5Y The Divine Conspiracy (great collaboration with the orchestra)- kzbin.info/www/bejne/l2G3p6WqntOFjbc Design Your Universe (closing number, spectacular) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5_Pgatjfaqjebc

[@CoachCastTV]

Good stuff. 👍 Thanks!

[@leemarinus]

Mrs Coach leand into this one. Coach eyeball pop....😂😂❤❤

[@skeezesmith7954]

Even Floor's "WOOHOO!" was pitch perfect. 😊🤘

[@scifimonkey3]

For EPICA check out ‘Unleashed’ live from the same Retrospect concert and ‘Once upon a Nightmare’ from the Omega Alive concert. Or for something a bit heavier ‘ Consign to oblivion’ live from Paris or ‘The Skeleton Key’MV or live from the omega Alive concert. They do ballads ‘Rivers’Live featuring Apocalyptica is astonishing and superb longer tracks like ‘Kingdom of Heaven part 1 and Kingdom of heaven part 3 both which have great live versions from the Omega Alive concert. That is just a snippet of their amazing repertoire. This is a DEEP rabbit hole of delight.

[@redguern]

Metal bands and orchestras together is not uncommon. This was a special anniversary concert as it is not possible to take an orchestra on a complete tour! From the most heavy metal to beautiful ballads, Epica has it all. Chasing the Dragon from this concert is stunning. Rivers is utterly gorgeous and Consign to Oblivion live at the Zenith will make your eyes and ears stick out of your heads. The Netherlands must have the most musical talent per capita of any country.

[@whirledpeaz5758]

I concur

[@eddybulk1992]

This concert was to celebrate that they were founded 10 years prior

[@CoachCastTV]

Good to know.

[@SteveCoronado2]

And now you know what Symphonic Metal looks like 🤘🏻💥🔥🙏🏻💯

[@markhoward2811]

Epica took their name from the title of the sixth album of USA symphonic metal band, Kamelot (from Tampa, Florida). In another link, Singer Simone Simons' husband, Oliver Palotai is the keyboard player in Kamelot and Simone has sung guest vocals on their album, The Black Halo (The Haunting (somewhere in time)).

[@CoachCastTV]

Well that's interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@RolfMeyer-cl7ou]

A tip? Stabat mater Dolorosa from the same concert. But warning, it full classical. 🤘

[@Divide_et_lmpera]

It's a Baroque piece. But I would suggest some proper Epica first, since they are new to the band. - Unleashed (Official Live) - The Essence of Silence (Official Live) - A Phantasmic Parade (Official European Principle tour Aftermovie)

[@pauljohnson7382]

You think you've seen it all... You think you've heard it all... Then...BAM!.. Well...Alrighty Then! Fun Reaction! 😁

[@CoachCastTV]

😁 Thank you!

[@kimfabritiusdetengnagel2038]

Floor and Simone goes way back and have done excellent duets in Epica, ReVamp and Aureon regi.

[@PaleHorseShabuShabu]

Simone is releasing a solo work, and it sounds good so far. She’s such a good singer. One of my favorites of hers is her cover of “Part of Your World” from Disney’s Little Mermaid. I recently showed it to a friend of mine and she got all teary eyed.

[@wildhoney126]

have you heard her new song? she left an hour ago. absolutely gorgeous song, you'll love it

[@robertocortez2124]

Thanks for your reaction!! I want to suggest you: Kingdom of heaven 1 (live Retrospect 10th anniversary) Welcome to this epic band! Greets!!

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks!

[@hansevers8605]

Saw a few reactions of your both already. You make me happy to react on EPICA. For me EPICA is the most versatile band in the world. To prove react on this rendition from the same concert, Stabat Mater Dolorosa. This rendition shows you the versatility of these two woman and realize the rendition is in the middle of the concert. BTW collaborations between bands, pop singers, orchestra and choir are more or less normal in Europe. Within Temptations, another great Dutch Symphonic Metal band, does it ferry often. Great example is the Black Symphony concert (DVD). The most important collaboration in the scene is Ayreon from Arjan Lucassen. ENJOY and thanks for your reaction

[@tommullenix9493]

Hey team‼️another good one 💥

[@tarmotyyri6733]

Thanks for sharing your reaction to this amazing duet with Simone Simons & Floor Jansen. According to Simone, who wrote the lyrics, this song is about a suicide terrorist who dies & thinks he's in heaven, but is actually in hell. P.S. Simone was several months preganr & had already been singing for two hours, so they boosted her microphone to compensate for fatigue & diminished lung capacity. P.S.S. Don't miss this one, if you would like to watch & listen to something spectacular with stellar musicians & several amazing vocalists: Ayreon - The Day That The World Breaks Down - The Source (2017).

[@CoachCastTV]

Very interesting. Thanks for sharing!

[@shoemaker688]

Great to see you coaches! Epica live is outstanding. Try unleashed from the same show. Nice rabbit hole here. Go and explore! Greetz from the Netherlands.

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@gideonsteijger397]

i think youlld like...Areyon too👍🏻😊

[@Edogg-c7t]

Yes, those are the Dutch🤘 Floor is also Dutch, Floor used to play in a band in which the founder of Epica also played “After Forever” Nice reaction 👍

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks so much!

[@MegaDog555]

simone and floor are besties and floors husband plays drums for Sabaton so you must check them out

[@MegaDog555]

sabaton no bullets fly animated story video

[@paisa20]

Welcome to Epica.

[@Mars-is4un]

🤗🍒🤘🏻😘 Great Job again

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks 😊

[@AntaryDraconis]

ohh.. nice one.. Thank you (I like that they are Friends and that both great singers)

[@normmcinnis4102]

The windmills!

[@CoachCastTV]

😁

[@ronaldderooij1774]

Floor and Simone go back a long way together, probably to their teenage years. They practiced a lot together back then. So they know each other and each other's voices perfectly. Now, of course the Netherlands lost both of them. Floor lives in Sweden and Simone in Germany. Metal is not the most popular genre in their home country, so, yeah. Another thing: Both ladies don't mind singing whilst pregnant. No problem for them (Simone was 12 weeks pregnant here in this 23 song anniversary concert, and Floor went on performing until I think 6 months before she collapsed behind stage).

[@FranciscoSalgado-ezc]

One of my favorites from this show is the song Unleashed.

[@monicacarolina6480]

For Dutch metal singers and musicians it is not weird at all to play with an orchestra, since most of them have a classical training. In the same concert Floor and Simone sung Staba matar Dolorosa (an old hymn about Maria wo lost her son) without instruments. All metalheads were enjoying it. Classical music is still a big thing here.😉

[@TyrellMunson]

7:05 Floor looking like Queen Alien losing her sh*t...love the green backlights!

[@CoachCastTV]

😅

[@PittDaddy]

Thanks for getting to Epica! Now you know where the term "symphonic metal" comes from. This was a special event for their 10th anniversary back in 2013. Obviously, it would be cost-prohibitive to travel with the full orchestra and choir all the time. When it comes to this genre, Epica and Nightwish are 1 and 1a, with Within Temptation close behind. Simone has perhaps the most beautiful voice in metal. As others have mentioned, Epica is darker than Nightwish. They do use growls as a complement to Simone's voice. To really see their power, listen to Design your Universe from this same concert.

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks for the info and suggestion. 👍

[@fabrizio_prina]

NW Army Italian Division here. Epica is another great band and Simone Simons is a wonderful singer too and Floor's good friend. The 3-hour concert from which this video is taken took place together with an orchestra of seventy elements (Extended Reményi Ede Chamber Orchestra) and a choir of forty (Miskolc National Theater Choir) both from Hungary. Another small note, Simone Simons was 4 months pregnant during this concert and she was still on stage for the entire duration of the concert. 🤘🤘🤘

[@silviaestrella8074]

It's Epic ❤❤❤❤

[@janottens6755]

Notice how FLOOR even screams in key 🥸👍👍👍👍🤣

[@CoachCastTV]

😆

[@woodchild48]

Your reactions are a pleasure and a joy to watch! Thank you so much! Nightwish is my favorite band but there is so much other music to discover. In connection with Nightwish I would recommend "A Lifetime Of Adventure" by Tuomas Holopainen" And if you want to hear and discover something really unusual: From my small Swiss hometown comes a band called Eluveitie who make Celtic Metal. With instruments that you have probably never heard with metal before, beautiful vocals and impressive screaming/growling - and some impressive official music videos of which I would recommend "Rebirth" and "Aidus".

[@CoachCastTV]

We truly appreciate you. Thank you.

[@tomaszgorczyca1080]

You definitely should check out - Ayreon - „The day that the world breaks down” 🤭

[@lillianekockritz2796]

Cooperations between European metal bands are totally normal. Watch the project of Arjen Lucassen Ayreon (also from the Netherlands); there you will find up to 17 guest singers from several bands who join in this project (watch Ayreon "Universe") including Simone Simons from Epica, Floor Jansen (and her sister Irene) and Marko Hietala from Nightwish, Hansi Kürsch from Blind Guardian and many others. And this is only the most remarkable example. There is even a concert of Tarja Turunen (the first singer of Nightwish) and her band where Floor Jansen joined as a guest singer (Tarja and Floor are good friends, the same with Floor and Simone).

[@alexr8817]

Nightwish and Epica have a lot in common. When Nightwish appeared, it had a huge influence on the European metal scene, and young Simone was also influenced by it. In 2000, when Simone was 15 years old, she listened to Nightwish's second album “Oceanborn” for first time. She was so much enamored by Tarja's powerful classical vocals that she started taking classical singing lessons. When she joined Epica, she was already proficient in classical vocals. You should also get to know another legendary European symphonic metal band Within Temptation.

[@Stopyraw]

Hello, Simone Simons, vocalist of the band, EPICA, also has a beautiful voice. I would recommend, the video clip of the song "Cry for the moon", it is a song from about 20 years ago, with a Simone Simons, very young. Perhaps the first song, where the abuse of minors by some members of the church is denounced.A Big hug

[@CoachCastTV]

Wow, ok, thanks for that suggestion!

[@marioariasp8208]

And to think about theres was people lafing in Christopher Lee's face when he said he likes symponhic metal

[@m.bbrendel2411]

more Epica please, watch Epica 'beyond the matrix' live at the Zenith in paris. you Will love IT!

[@ferretmom66]

Simone is married to Oliver Palotai, keyboardist for Kamelot. They are another fantastic band in the same genre, with a male lead singer.

[@fivefordie]

You should try Within Temptation as well. And I recommend 100% the concert Black Symphony, specially the song The Truth Beneath the Rose. I bet you will enjoy it as well!

[@nightgoblin29]

You are gonna love Epica , I promise :)

[@franshinlopen2166]

Metal/rock with orchestra is definitely a thing. Off the top of my head, Metallica, Cradle of Filth, Therion, Aerosmith, Dimmu Borgir and Katatonia. I am definitely forgetting a lot. Some of these bands also had the orchestra in a live setting, which is of course incredibly expensive. Nightwish has never done a live performance with orchestra. Epica has, as you just saw. As a matter of fact, Epica will this year be doing two concerts with orchestra in Amsterdam in their (mostly) home country of the Netherlands, and two concerts with orchestra in Mexico City.

[@randalljones4370]

First off, Epica is actually my favorite kjiuuuuuuuuuuuu (sorry... 24 pound cat "Ranger" wqaanted to type...big galoot !!) Anyway, I really like Epica. And they are doing lots of touring and are at the top of their game... NW is taking a break for a year or two. Epica has been around since 2000 aught 6, may aught 4? .... well, I'm going to let others give the history lesson. I can offer a few tidbits and serving suggestions: There will be harsh vocals... and they may sound angry, and are often voiced "in character", meaning there can be back-n0forths between good/evil, aggressor/avenger, etc... it's that storytelling stuff. They can be heavier than Nightwish, but can also have that stark/beautiful juxtaposition between and angelic high register and slow passages. One of their guitarists (there are two) has a significant amount of classical training. Their bass player puts down some of the most beautifully voiced unpinning/support lines in metal. Their drummer is another one of those human metronomes... the timing and precision is immaculate. Their keys player is a flat out loon... in a good way. And he's been know to run laps while chasing his keyboard across a stage (see Consign to Oblivion) Simone Simons has one of the most beautiful voices in the biz. She is more of a pure soprano than Floor (tho she used to sing alto ,initially, iirc) - She and her husband Oliver, who is the keyboardist for Kamelot, did a 'shutdown version' of the Tim Burton/Danny Elfman song 'This is Halloween', from Nightmare Before Christmas. This is a must see, imo. For sheer, haunting vocal beauty in an amazing live set, please listen to "Rivers, live at AFAS", which feature the cello trio Apocalyptica. A classic Epica starting point is "Consign to Oblivion Live at the Zenith(Paris)"...it captures their audience interaction perfectly, and is a great introduction of 2013-Epica, a huge/energetic crowd, and the mix of harsh and clean vocals that Epica is known for. There are a huge number of other tunes... most of the ones from their "Omega Live" telecast are stellar. - The Skeleton Key (tho the official video is another visual spectacle by itself. - Kingdom of Heaven parts 1 and 3 - Essence of Silence - Unchain Utopia ... it is really hard to find a bad Epica cut because they are such a good live band. And 'no' most people don't get into the Floor vs Simone thing because the OBVIOUS answer is "Yes... just yes, and more please". Some songs MAY tax Mrs. Coach's Harsh Vocal Tolerance levels, but they are generally the counterpoint to copious cleans by Simone. - - "It'll be ok, dearie... the bad, gravel-voiced man will be drawn and quartered by the red-haired banshee... birds will sing, guitars will chug and all will be right in the world again." (aka "the world ain't just "As You Wish"**... sometimes, it's "In Yer Face", too) Epica is a band full of fun people, who play amazing, sometimes complex, and exceedingly fun music.. Enjoy. It is worth the effort. ** knowing smiles to those who catch the reference. I needed to give Mrs. Coach something positive to hold on to after kinda testing her metal, o to speak, lol. Sorry Coach... all teasing is done with the best of intensions.

[@CoachCastTV]

😅 All good. Very informative comment, which we appreciate greatly. This should be interesting.

[@watchtheskies]

Epicas first album, was released in 2003

[@edwardschwind4986]

I forgot to mention Simone Simons sings Memory, Mrs. Coach I think would really like that song.

[@marcfromparis333]

That's a good reaction. 🤘 I suggest a come back to Nightwish with Tarja and Marko singing "The Phantom of the Opera" It's a blast. Title of the video : "NIGHTWISH - The Phantom Of The Opera (OFFICIAL LIVE)". In that same concert Nightwish made a tribute to Pink Floyd with the song "High Hopes" where they put their own flavor.

[@CoachCastTV]

We definitely want to do that one.

[@johnmc128]

Good one. how about Shoemaker from Hellfest 2022 for more recent Nightwish.

[@jsmoor4988]

I concur, will surely end up on Mrs Coach’s playlist

[@martinking1993]

I think this song would be awesome soundtrack at the climax for somekind of Apocaliptic movie.

[@edwardschwind4986]

Epica is awesome like Nightwish is, Simone Simon's voice is like Floors in a way. If you like Growling, Cry for the Moon is an awesome Epica song.

[@louisminten7889]

Yes they are

[@arjaahokas1080]

Hi Dear Mrs Coach. Listen band called Exit Garden ”Run” feat Marko Hietala

[@davidfisher1353]

Yay epica ❤

[@johnwalpole7186]

epica is great and they have a lot harder songs as well, which Mrs. Coach may not like, but we will see. she may surprise us again. 😅

[@CoachCastTV]

You never know!

[@Divide_et_lmpera]

@@CoachCastTV Do you actually like metal? I mean, proper metal? Or just pop-ish metal?

[@CoachCastTV]

@@Divide_et_lmpera Mrs. Coach has never liked anything hard, no hard rock, even. Coach has listened so some metal, and some is good, and some didn't resonate, so it depends, really.

[@Divide_et_lmpera]

@@CoachCastTV OK, I'll give you a song which really showcases Simone's amazing vocals very well, and it's not hard: Apocalyptica & Epica - Rise Again (Official video) And let's try one Epica ballad maybe? Epica - Tides of Time (for a nice fan-made lyric video you can find upload by Elimeleh69)

[@CoachCastTV]

@@Divide_et_lmpera Thank you very much!

[@edwardschwind4986]

I also want to add, not sure you would want to put any of these songs out here but Epica has a studio version called We will take you with us. It's really good with quite a few songs.

[@Pelamaal]

If they had a singing competition with top singers from each genre Symphonic metal would destroy. Think of a team of Floor, Sharon, Tarja and Simone. Would be a bloodbath.

[@music2seeconcertphotograph457]

For another exciting "double Dutch" experience with a symphonic metal band plus a full orchestra: Dutch symphonic metal band "Within Temptation" with their singer Sharon Den Adel together with the Dutch godmother of symphonic metal Anneke van Giersbergen and their duet "Somewhere" kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZbUc6B7hJqAfqcsi=cFsKpQrQALMB0aCu

[@CoachCastTV]

Thank you!

[@henryltpx5045]

Check out The Essence of Silence LIVE

[@glenngunnis6642]

2/3 of the metal Goddesses! Only missing Anneke Van Giersbergen.

[@HWaii]

I assume you'll prefer the less heavy songs of Epica. So as the next song I'd recommend one of the official live versions of "Rivers".

[@DerHerr-ni2wr]

🤘🤘🤘

[@diedzjeeoudshoorn7726]

They are part of what is called "the Dutch metal Goddesses". And for good reasons. As an other person rightfully states: it indeed must be something in the water in the Netherlands. Floor Jansen, front lady from THE band called Nightwish.......( Please check that out, it will blow your mind), Simone Simons, front lady from THE band called Epica ( please check them out, they will blow your mind too). But there are more metal Goddesses in the Netherlands: Anneke van Giersbergen, also called the Grand Godmother of the metal Goddesses, or Marcela Bovio, or Sharon ten Adel from Within Temptation, or Dianne van Giersbergen, and so on, and so on ( sorry if I not mention you, it is my lack of good behaviour). There is a shortcut to all this talent: Check out "Ayreon" from Dutch master composer Arjen Lucassen. This guy makes fantastic progressive rock for 30 years and invites the world top singers and musicians to play and sing in his projects. The result: an orgie of goosebumps and you enjoy all those talents together. They really do that. All participating in one project. From the world over. And when you survive that nuclear attack on the senses, there is always the private projects of Simone together with Arjen, or Floor Jansens solo projects, or Anneke with Arjen ( the Gentle Storm), etc etc. This Dutch scene is amazing. I'll leave it at that. There is so much more to be enjoyed, like totally different styles, but then I get off topic 🫣😅.

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks for the great comment.

[@ciskavandevijver2355]

Both ladies are Dutch and very good friends. they also sung: Sabat mater Delarosa"" . also worth watching. The lady from Epica is Simone Simons. not completely Headbanning because she was pregnant at that time..check them out too, they are really good..thanks for your reaction. greets from the NW Army in the Netherlands.

[@Pterodactylus548]

YOUR luck mrs coach that mr Coach has no weak point to redheads...😁

[@CoachCastTV]

🤣

[@zbygniewprlwytzkofsky6614]

Simone (3 month preggy here) is more of a diva than Floor, watch the shape of the microphone stand ... Did you notice Floor wearing her Wacken 2013 outfit? And a younger Floor and Simone rehearsing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpvZiaJrfLeprqssi=b8SCG8IA6unbaKid

[@CoachCastTV]

Yes the outfit did appear to be the same or similar.

[@noneofyerbeeswax8194]

OK, you really need to check out The Gathering someday. That’s the kind of metal Mrs. Coach might like. Imagine a heavier Pink Floyd with an immeasurably better singer. “Travel” live at Doornroosje would be a good start. I rarely make suggestions, but this is good stuff.

[@willemkoekemoer5042]

Interesting fact Simone was three or four months pregnant thats why she was not headbanging so wildly

[@CoachCastTV]

That's awesome.

[@MegaDog555]

🐕simone is my #1 floor is my #2 fav female singers

[@TimoArula]

SO..... Epica... First: Simone Simons + Floor Jansen = POWER COMBO Epica is Epic (well deserved name for the band). Singers name is Simone Simons , and she and Floor are good friends (they are both Dutch) and both classically trained . Along with Nightwish, they are in the symphonic metal category, but generally are heavier. Lead singer is Simone Simons, and male vocalist is guitarist Mark Jansen. Mark and Floor are not related ,but were in After Forever together (Floor's first band she joined at 16). Being familiar with most of their stuff, they still keep me amazed by their talent and epicness, which is just keep growing for almost 20 years. It’s like too much to be from this world, especially when you realize they have about 10 masterpieces in this scale, ballads that will make you cry, countless top-notch badass songs, great covers, orchestral and acoustic versions, insightful lyrics and great stage presence.. enough talent for 20 bands combined. And.. they’re so down-to-earth and generous to their fans. Epica fan's are Epicans . In that note , I highly recommend next : EPICA - The SKELETON KEY - (ΩMEGA ALIVE) (OFFICIAL VIDEO)kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHq9nKmenrSIi5o OR EPICA - Consign To Oblivion - Live at the Zenith (OFFICIAL VIDEO) kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpzUqqyLiaiAi7M NWSU/FloorFan/Epican/Ayreonaut/TWA 🤘😎🤘.

[@CoachCastTV]

Thanks for the information! 😁