Epica

Epica is a Dutch gothic metal band with elements of epic film scores and choral arrangements, formed in 2003 by Mark Jansen after he left his former band, After Forever, due to creative differences. Mark got in contact with Ad Sluijter, who he had worked with on some projects in the past, and they formed a new band called Sahara Dust, with Helena Michaelson of Trail of Tears as its lead vocalist. She was soon replaced, however, by Jansen's girlfriend, Simone Simons, who was 18 years old at the time. The band then held auditions for the remaining members, and got bassist Yves Huts, drummer Jeroen Simons, and keyboard player Coen Janssen joining them. Sahara Dust soon became Epica, named after the Kamelot album of the same name, of which the band are big fans of.







Their first album, 'The Phantom Agony', was released later that year, featuring a choir and strings orchestra. It was a surprisingly accomplished album, considering the band had been together for only a few months.







In 2005 the release of two Epica albums came out. First, 'Consign to Oblivion' and then later that year, 'The Score: An Epic Journey'. The former being the follow-up to The Phantom Agony, the latter being the score to Dutch movie Joyride.





Last but not least Epica released their newest album The Divine Conspiracy in 2007.


In 2008, they released Chasing the dragon Single.





The band members are:



Simone Simons (Vocals)
Mark Jansen (Guitars, grunts & screams)
Isaac Delahaye (Guitars)
Coen Janssen (Synths and Piano)
Yves Huts (Bass guitar)
Ariën van Weesenbeek (Drums)











.
.
.
.