The Lion Reacts To Epica Sancta Terra feat Floor Jansen Live

[@MisterJ56]

If you like bands with an orchestra, then watch the latest of ..... EPICA - *_”Arcana”_* (Live at The Symphonic Synergy) The Netherlands 09/20/24 : kzbin.info/www/bejne/bam7gax3na2bjsU And/or (same concert) *_”The Ghost In Me (Dance Macabre)”_* : kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6nCd3SKpd90eJo Note from the band: The time has come to write history once more. 15 years have passed since ‘The Classical Conspiracy’ and 10 years since we recorded another milestone in our career, ‘Retrospect’ - now, over a decade later, we are once again about to enter the stage with a full orchestra and choir. Under the title, ‘The Symphonic Synergy’, we will play two massive “Epica & Orchestra” shows. One in our home country, the Netherlands (09/20/24) and another one in our second home, Mexico (12/07/24). Finally, it is happening.

[@TheLionsReaction]

Just added them both! I am excited to be reacting to these

[@bengriffin1089]

It’s well worth it!

[@grahambatchelor3576]

I concur.... 100%

[@Bonovin]

Both Simone and Floor sings with AYREON , A music project / metal opera with many high class singers . See them live on youtube

[@TheLionsReaction]

I am going top look up " Ayreon" right now, thank you

[@marciusnhasty]

​@TheLionsReaction You'll also run into Irene Jansen, Floor's sister and Anette Olzon (2nd Nightwish lead vocal), performing for Ayreon. Watch out not to confuse Irene and Floor, it's easier than you might expect 😅

[@skeezesmith7954]

Epica does not normally have a live orchestra and choir. This performance was in celebration of their tenth anniversary. Floor and Simone are both Dutch and BFFs. 😄🤘

[@TheLionsReaction]

Thank you for clarifying, And these two sound amazing together

[@skeezesmith7954]

@@TheLionsReaction They sure do.

[@scifimonkey-7182]

Epica just recently (late 2024) played 2 shows in Amsterdam and another two in Mexico City with a full orchestra, Male female and childrens choirs and two of the songs (which were debuted in those concerts) 'Arcana' and ' The ghost in me' have been officially released on You Tube and if you love the band plus Orchestra concept then I highly recommend them. Otherwise the whole retrospect concert from which this song came is available on you tube as well as many individual songs clipped out of it. I would particularly recommend the song ' Unleashed' from the retrospect concert. (Note that there is another song from the concert with Floor but be aware that it is a straight classical song and not a metal one. Still great though)

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

we are quite lucky here with these two :)

[@richardhall6034]

Hi from the UK 🇬🇧 something you might like to check out floor jansens own band before joining Nightwish called revamp Revamp distane live grass pop Also you might like Soilwork let this river flow with floor jansen live Evergray in orbit with floor jansen

[@clemenstremens1940]

The guy shouting "Floor Jansen!" at the end is Mark Jansen (no family), the founder of Floor's first band After Forever. Check out their amazing song "After Forever - Dreamflight Live ProgPower USA VIII (2007)"

[@TheLionsReaction]

Thank you for the suggestion just looked it up, thank you

[@alastairmcintyre4752]

Epica and Floor are Dutch . Epica don't normally have all the extras - but this was their 10th Anniversary concert and they really pushed the boat out ! Floor and Simone have been friends for YEARS and you can see their friendship and mutual respect very clearly here . As someone said ( and left a link ) they did another number during this gig . Dutch music has been criminally underrated for years and Floor and Simone both participate in one of the coolest music projects on the planet - AYREON - when schedules allow . Well worth checking Ayreon out - it's a music project by another Dutchman - the musical genius that is Arjen Lucassen - where elite musicians and vocalists from around the world come together to perform his superb compositions ( such is the popularity of Ayreon that on the very few occasions that they manage to perform live due to everyone's other commitments the tickets sell out in a matter of minutes ) I'd recommend " The Day that the World Breaks Down " as a great entry point to Ayreon - kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXfYfn6ap9-Dp7c - I guarantee you'll be both surprised and impressed . ENJOY !

[@TheLionsReaction]

This is what I needed I love backstory and info

[@watchtheskies]

Hi Lion, congratulations, you just discovered one of the greatest bands in the world, EPICA are from The Netherlands (Dutch) same as Floor, Simone and Floor have been close friends for a very long time, if you thought Sancta Terra was cool, then this one will blow your mind 🙃 EPICA - Arcana (Live at The Symphonic Synergy)

[@TheLionsReaction]

I'll check it out!

[@2012inca]

If you want more solo stuff by Floor Jansen check out her performances on tv show "Beste Zangers" all available on KZbin or songs from her own recording studio she has at home. If you want more heavy stuff check out other songs by Nightwish as every Nightwish song is different. In some Nightwish songs Floor growls as well.

[@TheLionsReaction]

Added them both! If they are anything like this im sure I will love them

[@paulriddle7818]

The costume Floor was wearing was in the first half of that same Wacken Open Air show. GLS was song 13 of 15.

[@TheLionsReaction]

Floor and Simone are a match made in heaven

[@MrSh0110]

Man, you have no idea what you’ve found. Epica is top notch next level stuff. If you like it heavy, you may start with these but keep in mind Epica has many faces - all the range from breathtaking ballads to black/death symphonic metal bangers and even many acoustic versions. Epica - The Essence of Silence - official live Epica - The Great Tribulation Epica - Kingdom of Heaven part 1 - Omega Alive Epica - Design Your Universe - Retrospect live Epica - Consign to Oblivion - Zenith live Enjoy your ride!

[@jamesanderson5268]

Epica's singer is Simone Simons who was also about 3 months pregnant during this concert. Epica normally doesn't have an orchestra with them but this was a special anniversary concert of the band. Epica was started by Mark Jansen, no relation to Floor. He was the first rhythm guitar of the group for "After Forever" which was their first band together. He left AF about 2002. He was the lyricist for AF and Floor took over that job after he left AF.

[@TheLionsReaction]

Thank you

[@roy19491]

Simone dialed back on headbanging, as she was about 3 months pregnant at the time......she and Floor are long time besties......

[@TheLionsReaction]

Wow, She was Pregnant here? that makes it even more amazing, that a lot of stress work and heat for a woman that is pregnant

[@ecbftl]

​​@@TheLionsReactionFloor has performed whole concerts at 6+ months pregnant. Videos on YT. Including fancam videos of Floor opening with her Solo show for a Metallica stadium concert in Amsterdam 2023, while very visibly pregnant. She had 1 week notice, as the normal opening band was unable to get there for the concert. Henk Porte joined her for a couple songs in his Tux. Not likely what some of the Metallica fans expected.

[@davidmazzell2332]

That's two bad ass grown women. 🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️💯💯💯

[@eliza.rose.morrison]

From EPICA: Sensorium, Consign to oblivion, The phantom agony.🤘 You get to hear Mark growl in these, too.

[@TheLionsReaction]

Great suggestions brother I will be getting to them all

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

​@@TheLionsReaction 'Consign to oblivion - live at the Zenith" is the default closer song, the defining epica song. definitely the next one to watch before the 100 others 😂

[@2727rogers]

Spot on. Epica is a bit heavier than Nightwish and they feature growling vocals as well. Not everyone's cup of tea but it makes for a great contrast between Simones angelic voice and Marks growls.

[@TheLionsReaction]

I completely dig the contrast! youd never think the two styles work together but they do seemlessly

[@hijtohema]

​@@TheLionsReactionThere's even an informal term for metal bands that have a male distorted voice / growler and a clear voice female vocalist. They're sometimes referred to as "The Beauty and the Beast" bands.

[@bertwinblok9524]

You fell in another rabithole. Once you enter the rabithole you can't go bac.... only go deeper and explore more. If you like beauy and the beast Simone Simons beauiful voice and the harsch vocals from Mark Jansen then Consign to oblivion live Zenith Paris The essence of silence live Brussels Live orchestra The Ghost in me AFAS live Arcana AFAS live Design your own universe Retrospect Chasing the dragon Retrospect Monopoly on truth Retrospect (if you do this one don't forget the into as well) Rivers AFAS live with appocalyptica Code of live AFAS live Kindom of heaven part 1 and part 3 Omega alive Once upon a nightmare Omega Alive (lots of reactors love this one) Etc etc

[@TheLionsReaction]

I love the beauty and the beast contradiction

[@2727rogers]

The red headed signer is Simone Simmons and the male vocalist is Mark Jansen, no relation to Floor but they were in a band together back in the day called After Forever. Floor did another song in this same concert called Stabat Mater Dolorosa please see the link below. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJnXgIKIjrl6rpo

[@TheLionsReaction]

Thank you! I just added it to the list to react to

[@Klojum]

Her last name is Simons, with just 1 'm'... 😑

[@hijtohema]

Simone Simons. 1 m

[@2727rogers]

@@Klojum Thank you. I was never a great speller.

[@MarcBuchheister]

they are big friends before the love and real life came.so they both go another way but they needed each other for this song..hehe

[@user-VeryoldGeezer]

The oldest video of Floor with Epica singing this song was in 2011 in Nottingham UK,,😎

[@TheLionsReaction]

I need to see this

[@vogel2280]

The guy screaming "Floor Jansen" at the end was Mark Jansen (not related). Mark and Floor used to be band mates in After Forever until opinions within the band clashed. Mark left and founded Epica. Epica is named after the album Epica by Kamelot. Also in After Forever was Joost van den Broek. He is the current producer for Epica and Blackbriar and he is the right hand of Arjen Lucassen of Ayreon. You'll love "The day that the world breaks down" kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXfYfn6ap9-Dp7c

[@heedoei]

Simone Simons is an old friend of Floor. Epica is epic!

[@TheLionsReaction]

I am thinking that Epica is EPIC! Simone has stunningly beautiful red hair

[@keessturm2804]

Simone Simons, another dutch singing angel, so nice these two talented singers are good friends.

[@TheLionsReaction]

She is an angel for sure, sent straight from heaven... In other words from Finland

[@whirledpeaz5758]

Epica - Rivers feat Apocalyptica is the most beautiful song I have heard in my 58 years.

[@grahambatchelor3576]

I concur......

[@diedzjeeoudshoorn7726]

Meet the "Dutch Metal Goddesses". It is a category in its own right. You might want to check out the next Dutch Metal singers: Floor Jansen (Nightwish, solo, Ayreon)) Simone Simons ( Epica, solo, Ayreon) Anneke van Giersbergen ( the Gathering, solo, The gentle storm, Ayreon, Devin Townsend) Sharon den Adel ( Within Temptation) Charlotte Wessels Irene Jansen Dianne van Giersbergen Marcela Bovio ( originally Mexican) Etc.etc. etc. There is something in the food over there that produces amazing metal female singers.....

[@bobsuisse2]

@The Lion: very fast move to the 2nd unbelievable Symphonic Metal Band next to Nightwish. The goddess Floor and the siren Simone in duet 🤪. Now you have two deeeeeeeep rabbit holes 😂. But one thing you can be sure is that you would have recieved many recommendations for Epica soon. And trust me you will see very hard and epic performances from NW too. GLS is only the door opener to NW. For Epica your MUST DO REACTION now is Epica "Arcana" Symphonic Synergy live. Their newest song. Bigger orchestra, bigger choir, childrens' choir - unbelievable. I saw the whole concert live in Amsterdam. Mindblowing. And for you to get an idea of both bands. The music of Nightwish is all about vocal harmonies. You will find out and you will be blown away! (no spoiler 😂). The music from Epica is all about the beauty and the beast principle. Hard contrast in vocals building harmonies. Epica has black and death metal influences, so they are playing really hard stuff, too. As a fan of both bands I can say - do both, enjoy both and you will fall in love with both bands forever 🤩, And I am curious abot your journey. Subscribed 😁

[@TheLionsReaction]

I am excited to go down both! there is nothing I love more than great music!

[@bengriffin1089]

“Rivers” is a really beautiful song by Epica that you might enjoy.

[@TheLionsReaction]

Rivers eh? On it now

[@luismariomesmo]

I think you have a beautiful journey ahead of you.

[@TheLionsReaction]

I think so too my friend

[@mikedown3219]

Simone Simons is the lead singer of Epica. Epica are a Dutch symphonic metal band and, yes, you are right, Epica are much heavier than Nightwish and this is not really one of their heaviest songs. If you want really heavy Epica try The Essence of Silence, official live video. They don’t normally perform with orchestra and choir but they do it more than most. The first time they performed with the orchestra and choir you see hear was in Hungary, 2008 from which they produced their Classical Conspiracy CD (no video sadly). This show was their 10th anniversary Restrospect show from 2013. Simone & Floor also sang a second song in this show, no metal, just the ‘girls’ and the orchestra singing opera, Stabat Mater Dolorosa. They also did four shows last year, titled the Symphonic Synergy, with a different orchestra and choir, 2 shows in Amsterdam and 2 in Mexico City. There are two videos from the Amsterdam show on Epica’s official KZbin channel that will blow your mind ‘Arcana’ and ‘The Ghost in Me’. You must also check out their livestream presentation from 2021 titled Omega Alive, I would suggest the Skeleton Key, Kingdom of Heaven part 3 and Once Upon a Nightmare from that show. Enjoy the ride, exploring Epica’s music is an experience.

[@TheLionsReaction]

Just added that one to the list as well thank you!

[@Roddrummer]

If you like the mighty and wondrous Nightwish and Epica, you'd love a Canadian musical genius by the name of Devin Townsend. He's been around for 30+ years, he's done a live album/video with a full orchestra and choir (Live at the Ancient Roman Theatre Plovdiv) and I believe he's the greatest singer/songwriter ever. Check him out, if you haven't already, react to him, thank me later....

[@Marcel_SY]

And now "Chasing the Dragon" from the same gig.

[@hermanvanwissen2660]

For more Floor and also Simone featuring in a different “band” you could react to another very deep and different rabbit hole “Ayreon” .You could start with the video The Day That The World Breaks Down, followed by Everybody Dies live etc, etc.

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

Epica, Best band ever. They have so much good songs. Most are heavier / bit more grown up than nightwish 🤘😎🤘 Floor and Simone go waaaaay back

[@PittDaddy]

Nightwish got me to love symphonic metal. Epica completed it. Epica's music is darker than Nightwish. They often include harsh vocals from Mark Jansen. Listen to Arcana live from the Symphonic Synergy show and then go back to their Omega Alive virtual concert and listen to Kingdom of Heaven, Part 3. It's one of the best metal songs I've ever heard in my 71 years.

[@CyberBeep_kenshi]

They have a complete orchestra with special events, but...... all the songs are composed with an orchestra in mind. its not slapped on afterwards like some bands do. it's an integral part of their music.

[@572Btriode]

It's a dark song Mr. Lion, written by Simone I understand, it's about a suicide bomber who thinks he's gone to Heaven but is actually in Hell.

[@zbygniewprlwytzkofsky6614]

Excellent observation! Floor in her Wacken 2013 outfit (first half)! BTW Comment as much as you want (army likes that) but please backup 5 seconds before continuing...

[@TheLionsReaction]

Right on!

[@hajovelt3083]

EPICA b.t.w. is a 'different' symphonic metal band but another rabbithole. EPICA has also a great fan base, the 'Epicans'. It's worth to check it. Their lead singer Simone Simons is also a voicemonster.

[@TheLionsReaction]

Well, time to head down that tunnel! I loved what I heard here

[@frenkwd1]

Simone and Floor are not only Dutch, but have also been friends for a long time.

[@TheLionsReaction]

That is so cool, you can tell they have great chemistry

[@jasonmarshall7572]

Fun fact Mark Jansen was one of the original members of After Forever Floor's first band she started aged 16 Mark later helped form the band Epica with Simone Simons who is good friends with Floor here's them warming up for the show and goofing off i'll attach a short cut soon.

[@jasonmarshall7572]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpvZiaJrfLeprqssi=msPBXpV7M7zCgUnA

[@TheLionsReaction]

That is what I heard, there are so many connections between nightwish and Epica

[@noneofyerbeeswax8194]

Squeak!😂

[@Mars-is4un]

🤗🍒🤘🏻 well done

[@TheLionsReaction]

Thank you Im glad you liked it! i will be doing more of Epica, Floor and Nightwish soon!

[@m.bbrendel2411]

watch Epica 'code of life '. Live at the AFAS live❤

[@TheLionsReaction]

Thank you my friend, Just added it now!

[@fredverkerk838]

this was special , the band epica was 10 years old

[@TheLionsReaction]

Dang, It was the most unique ive ever heard

[@joslauwers7960]

James Labrie from Dreamtheater is singing on "The Day The World Breaks Down" from Ayreon kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXfYfn6ap9-Dp7c Epica is named after the album Epica from Kamelot.

[@TheLionsReaction]

Very nice just added that to the list thank you

[@billattercliffe8655]

It's interesting how these bands are all linked together. Mark Jansen (no relation) was with Floor in her first band After Forever. Simone and Floor have been friends for quite a while. Both Simone and Mark collaborated with Floor with her second band ReVamp. And the links go on and on. Speaking of Floor's other music and heavy, check out Floor's second band ReVamp and their performance of "Wildcard" at the Bloodstock festival, performed in the rain! kzbin.info/www/bejne/faG9fnl3gb6YfcU The video is pro shot but the audio isn't the best. There aren't many good recordings of ReVamp live. This performance is in 2014 a year after Wacken and "Ghost Love Score". Floor was singing for both bands for a while before winding up ReVamp. If you react to "Wildcard" I guarantee you'll be shocked. :)

[@TheLionsReaction]

Right, Too many coincidences lol. But i am here for it for sure!

[@billattercliffe8655]

@@TheLionsReaction Check out ReVamp and "Wildcard". This is not the Floor you saw in this song.

[@iainmackie6421]

The red head is Floor's fellow countrywoman from the Netherlands Simone Simons. They are pretty good friends and a pretty unstoppable combination.

[@TheLionsReaction]

Simone Simons is clearly at least on Floors level

[@iainmackie6421]

@@TheLionsReaction She is brilliant. But, for me, Floor is the GOAT. It's all subjective though.

[@Thorgrim247]

Simone Simons from Epica. A close friend of Floor.

[@Kelsea-2002]

Mark Jansen (no relation to Floor), the guitarist and founder of Epica, was in Floor's former band After Forever until she more or less kicked him out of the band. On October 4, 2025, there will be a live reunion concert After Forevers - but without Floor, which is fully occupied with appointments and with her children. That was an absolute exception, that Epica was on stage with an orchestra and a choir. No band could afford the costs alone in the long run.

[@tonilaitinen5197]

After Forever reunion without Floor? That seems like a strange decision.

[@TheLionsReaction]

Right the cost would be insane, But the show and production was incredible

[@Kelsea-2002]

@@tonilaitinen5197 At least that's how it was officially published by Mark Jansen. A good alternative to Floor would actually only be Simone. Basically, you're right... but if you consider that Floor is on a solo tour and has an infant + Freja at home, then there is probably no other choice.

[@FreDo_1961]

​@@Kelsea-2002there is still another Jansen..... Irene. 😉

[@noneofyerbeeswax8194]

Back in 2021 Floor said in an interview that After Forever was a “closed chapter” for her and that “some things should be left in the past”. I shall abstain from uttering my opinion on that, as it would contain some mighty strong language.😇 AF is not the only band that’s reuniting this year. The Gathering are gonna play their ground-breaking album “Mandylion” live, with the original singer Anneke van Giersbergen. Will be an awesome show, no doubt.

[@DerHerr-ni2wr]

🤘🤘

[@TheLionsReaction]

The horns have appeared in the chat! Get it fam

[@tonilaitinen5197]

This is epic(a) even though Floor clearly has a "guest mic". No worries - you have just scratcher the surface of both bands. Nightwish also has a lot of heavier songs - all the way to growling vocals. Im biased to finnish bands, but if you want more epic(a)ness - check Epica feat. Apocalyptica "Rivers" live.

[@richardwest6358]

Epica is a Dutch band !

[@TheLionsReaction]

Thank you, this is good information

[@tonilaitinen5197]

@@richardwest6358 i know - but Apocalyptica is finnish just like Nightwish..😆

[@youaremysecretstream]

❣️🤘❣️

[@TheLionsReaction]

Hearts and horns! Love and Metal forever!

[@fredverkerk838]

the are good friends

[@TheLionsReaction]

I bet, they have a lot in common

[@ToTheWolves]

Awww he paused at Floors best notes

[@williamadkins2170]

Epica is like Nightwish's heavier cousin

[@TheLionsReaction]

Haha I love it, but you are correct here

[@HennyPost-x5b]

Simone simons

[@martinklaus2203]

Just wait till you react to Ayreon - Everybody Dies, and, The Day The World Breaks Down.

[@MegaDog555]

simone and floor are besties check out Epica unleashed live official video

[@ichbins9608]

Metal can be very surprising ;-) If you like to see some more full orchestras on Metal stages I would highly recommend two steps from Hell in wacken 2023 kzbin.info/www/bejne/sHbHg5aDfs1oi7s and absolutly Visions of Atlantis with for example this kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYHSnqRqmp2Bbck Thank You for your reaction and have a great day. greetings from Germany Martin

[@TheLionsReaction]

Just added them both, Two steps from hell looks really promising

[@alanfoster6589]

"Yansen" 😁

[@TheLionsReaction]

Yes, correct pronounciation

[@martinklaus2203]

You haven't gotten to Nightwish's heavy stuff yet.

[@Keeble420]

I like your reactions but you gotta rewind when you pause dude.

[@BigzampanoXXL]

I am completely biased toward Floor and NW. Nevertheless take a look to Sabaton and Tommy Johansson (solo). Epica has really good songs IMO.

[@TheLionsReaction]

She is a goddess, Ive had a few Floorgasms lol

[@fredverkerk838]

its al live

[@TheLionsReaction]

EPICA FOREVER!

[@MegaDog555]

they stop the metal show same one to sing an opera epica sabat de larosa live