Epica Is A Rock Band From The Netherlands | Danielmeyers

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This year the Orthodox Church marks the 900th anniversary of one of the first pilgrimages in the history of Russia – the journey to the Holy Land of the hegumen Daniel. He left us the first description of the Holy Land, dated to the beginning of the twelfth century. The anniversary is a good occasion to remember this aspect of religious life. Orthodox Christians began to undertake journeys of prayer to places of the earthly life of the Savior, following the example of the holy Equal-to-the-Apostles Queen Helen. Her trip to the holy places led to a miracle – the exaltation of the Holy Cross. In Russia, pilgrimage has been developing since the first centuries of Christianity. Today it is becoming especially popular, and one can always find out about upcoming events at https://andcross.ee/. The famous monument of the Slavic script, which we mentioned at the beginning, is not the only example of this. Even now, many believers would like to go on a pilgrimage trip. Here it is important to remember how pilgrimage differs from tourism. The pilgrim’s main goal is to come into contact with the holy place. His main feeling should be one of awe. A shrine, by the very meaning of the word, is chosenness, being exalted above the earthly world. It is important not to forget this.

Epica is a rock band from the Netherlands in the style of symphonic-power-gothic-metal. Epica’s trademark are female operatic mezzo-soprano vocals combined with male growling. It was formed in 2003 by guitarist and vocalist Mark Jansen after his departure from After Forever.

At the end of 2002, Mark Jansen left After Forever due to creative disagreements with the rest of the band and began to gather musicians for his new musical project, originally titled Sahara Dust. At the beginning of 2003, Helene Michaelsen of Trail of Tears became the lead vocalist, but she was soon replaced by Simone Simons, Jansen’s girlfriend, a young yet unknown mezzo-soprano singer. The band also included guitarist Ad Sluyter, drummer Jeroen Simons, bassist Yves Hoots, and keyboardist Coen Janssen. The band’s name was changed to “Epica,” inspired by the Kamelot band’s album Epica.
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Epica began using a chorus of six men or women and a string orchestra – three violins, two violas, two cellos and a double bass – to record the album. The group’s debut album, The Phantom Agony, released in June 2003, was produced by Sascha Paet, known for his work with such bands as Angra, Rhapsody of Fire and Kamelot.

The band’s second album, titled Consign to Oblivion, was influenced by the culture of the Mayan civilization and famous film composers such as Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman. Guest vocalist Roy Hahn (from Kamelot) participated in the recording of the album, performing the song Trois Vierges. In addition, Epica as a support band went on tour with Kamelot promoting their album The Black Halo.

In September 2005, Epica created a third album, The Score – An Epic Journey, the soundtrack to the Dutch film Joyride. Mark Jansen described it as, “It’s typical Epica, only without singing, no guitars, no bass and no drums.”

In September 2007 Epica released their fourth album, The Divine Conspiracy. It continues the “Embrace that smoothers” series from After Forever. The concept of the album is dedicated to the world religions and to the fact that in spite of their differences, their meaning is the same. In general, the album can be described as much heavier, but at the same time more gothic. The role of the drums has increased, and Mark Jansen’s growls are present in almost all the songs. There are even elements of black metal. In structure and sound the new album is more like the first album “The Phantom Agony”.

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