Mark Jansen led a group of musicians in 2002 complete with a small string section made up of three violins two violas two cellos and an upright bass to record a two-song demo entitled “Cry for the Moon” in 2002. As a result of this, they were fortunately signed to Transmission Records. “The Phantom Agony” released on June 5th 2003, was the first full-length studio album by Epica. It went to number 8 in the Dutch Album Chart. Their following album “Consign to Oblivion” which was released on April 21st 2005 made it to number 12 in the Dutch Album Chart but also charted in Belgium and France. Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman were cited as major inspirations. Following the release of this album, Epica embarked on their first tour of North America with Kamelot.
Their third album, “The Divine Conspiracy” released on September 7th 2007 saw the band do their first headline tour of North America. The first single from the album “Never Enough” was released almost a month before on August 10th 2007. The album, again earned the band more chart success with the album now charting in Germany and Switzerland. They released a live album called “The Classical Conspiracy” on May 8th 2009, which charted in the Netherlands, France, Germany and Switzerland.
They returned to the studio in 2009 to work on their album “Design Tour Universe”. Upon release, it earned very similar acclaim to the previous record, of course is still an incredible achievement to maintain such a loyal fanbase. Three years later on March 9th 2012, Epica released “Requiem for the Indifferent” which charted in nine countries. All music stated that it is a “typically elaborate and ambitious affair, incorporating copious amounts of choral work and classical arrangements into the band’s neatly established blend of goth, progressive and symphonic metal.” For this album, the band did a world tour, this time, visiting South America.
It was “The Quantum Enigma” that proves that Epica are relentlessly sticking to their art and taking the world by storm with their music as it became their most successful record yet. Released on May 2nd 2014, it made it to number four in the Dutch Album Charts this time around, charting in the US and UK too
My favorite symphonic metal band, Epica, along with Dragonforce and Dagoba. Three amazing bands coming to Lisbon. So, the decision to go was easy to make, and it was a fantastic experience. Dagoba played only five songs but the energy displayed was that of a headliner. Dragonforce played a couple more songs than Dagoba, but also with technical and captivating mastery. And then Epica. Each band member connect very well with the audience and among themselves. The chemistry is contagious and crowd and band feel like a true family. With heavy songs combined with lighter ones, it is a show to remember and that I will revisit in my mind many times in the months to come.
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