Epica is a Dutch symphonic metal band, founded by guitarist and vocalist Mark Jansen subsequent to his departure from After Forever.
They are known for their symphonic sound and the use of female vocals and male growls, performed by Simone Simons and Mark Jansen respectively. All six members participate in composing their songs, whilst their lyrics are primarily written by Simons and Jansen[citation needed]. Their songs largely deal with philosophical topics, including science, religion, and world events.
In 2003, Epica's debut album The Phantom Agony was released through Transmission Records. Consign to Oblivion followed in 2005, and debuted at No. 12 in the Dutch charts. They moved labels to Nuclear Blast following Transmission's bankruptcy, and in 2007, released their third studio album The Divine Conspiracy, which charted at #9 in the Netherlands. 2009's Design Your Universe was met with yet greater success, debuting at #8 in the Dutch Albums Chart, and charting across Europe, also garnering much critical acclaim.
Epica's fifth studio album Requiem for the Indifferent was released in 2012. Well received by critics, it was met with international success, entering the USA's Billboard 200 at #104, and Japan's Oricon Albums Chart at #172.
On March 23, 2013, Epica celebrated their 10th anniversary with a huge live event, called Retrospect, at the Klokgebouw, Eindhoven, hosting a live orchestra from Hungary along with special guests Floor Jansen and former Epica members Ad Sluijter, Jeroen Simons, and Yves Huts. During the show a DVD release of the show was confirmed.
Current members
Mark Jansen – rhythm guitar, grunts, screams (2002–present)
Coen Janssen – synthesizer, piano (2002–present)
Simone Simons – lead vocals (2003–present)
Ariën van Weesenbeek – drums, grunts, spoken words (2007–present)
Isaac Delahaye – lead guitar, backing vocals (2009–present)
Rob van der Loo - bass (2012–present)
Former members
Yves Huts – bass (2002–2012)
Ad Sluijter – guitars (2002–2008)
Jeroen Simons – drums (2002–2006)
Helena Iren Michaelsen – lead vocals (2002)
Iwan Hendrikx – drums (2002)
Dennis Leeflang – drums (2002)
Touring members
Koen Herfst – drums (2007)
Amanda Somerville – vocals (North American tour 2008), background vocals on The Phantom Agony, Consign to Oblivion, The Divine Conspiracy, Design Your Universe, and Requiem for the Indifferent
Oliver Palotai – keyboards (North American tour 2010)