I only recently came across Epica myself and for me it is a case of "where have you been all my life?" They're are nice and heavy (which I enjoy), fantastic artists, and then there is that heavenly voice of Simone's. She is one of the vocalists that consistently brings tears to my eyes when I listen to her. I agree with other comments below - you have to check out more of their stuff. It is really well worth the effort.
Honestly as much as I like the Skeleton Key, it's not a great representation of modern Epica. I would say check out the Essence of Silence live performance. You'd probably like it.
Maybe another Epica song to check out is "Code of Life". There is unfortunatly no hight quality live version available publically, but there is a nice video available combining the song ith footage from various concerts. I will put the link in the reply as often my messages get flagged as spam if I include links. I would also like to add a siggestion for another band. If you like unexpected instruments in metal songs, check out Eluveitie. Nox Saxophone here, but plenty of other unexpected instruments. Eluveitie is a mixture of folk metal and death metal. A good start would be the song "Rebirth".
Hi Micha! First of all, please DO react to much more Epica because you haven't seen anything yet! Seriously, no BS. This is not just another mediocre sympho metal band that only have 2-3 big hits. You will see I'm not lying. Epica is currently the peak of the subgenre and worth every second of listening/watching. This song popped out simply because it's the newest song, but not actually a typical Epica sound. Honestly, I didn't expect you to like it since it's relatively poppy, at least the chorus. I thought you're into heavier stuff? 🙂This song is from their upcoming EP which is a collab between Epica and various artists, so it's co-written by Epica. And yes, it was for the first time performed at Epica 20th anniversary show, just a few weeks ago. Don't worry about "The Skeleton Key". You have about 120 amazing songs to choose from. I'm a hardcore Epican and that song is not in my top 20 most favourite Epica songs either. Don't get me wrong, it's a great song, but Epica have sooo much great stuff it's very hard to pick the best. They don't have any weak album or weak songs though, of course not everyone will like everything. Epica music is very very diverse so everyone can find at least something they like. I've never seen anyone who didn't like Epica ballads, unless that person doesn't like ballads at all, from any band. Epica ballads are absolutely stunning. I would suggest something from the opposite end of the Epica spectrum, something pretty heavy: EPICA - Semblance of Liberty (Lyrics) EPICA - The Essence of Silence (Official Live video) EPICA - Consign To Oblivion - Live at the Zenith (OFFICIAL VIDEO) - this is the album title song, it's longer than the other two If you still would like to hear something slightly more poppy/radio-friendly, try these: EPICA - Beyond The Matrix - Live at the Zenith (OFFICIAL VIDEO) - amazing high energy, same 2017 performance as Consign to Oblivion EPICA - Storm The Sorrow (OFFICIAL VIDEO) - relatively simple but beautiful song and very cool video Chasing The Dragon - EPICA - LIVE Retrospect 2013 HD - Lyrics Subtitled The last one starts of as a ballad, later turns into black(ish) metal, really amazing. Epica is a phenomenal band. Please, do much more. 😉🤘
Thank you so much for this, Kyle! ❤️ There are certain genres which I don't usually go for, but there can definitely be singled out songs which I like. I'm surprised too that I liked this, but it was groovy 😃 Thank you for your suggestions, I will be looking in to those! I'm really interested in finding out their core sound!
@@michareacts You're welcome Micha. I'm glad you're going to do more. Hopefully you won't let us wait for too long. 😅 Looking forward to another one. Take care!
@@michareacts Epica is for me also a 50/50 band since i really love Simones vocals but i absolut don't really like to much harsh vocals and growling. Still one of my favorites is this : Epica - Solitary Ground (live @ Openluchttheater Hertme, Hertme, 29-06-2019) ruclips.net/video/At1J9nvxGUY/видео.html then i really love "Tides of Time" but sadly i never found a really good live version from that song 🤨 else also "Rivers", "Higher High"m "Canvas of Life", "Chase the dragon", "Immortal Melancholy", "Omen - The Goulish Malady", "Universal Love Squad", "If Inside These Walls Was A House"
I must say, I was waiting to that sax part to start😉.. I love Epica's music🥰 My 1st album was 'The Divine Conspiracy/The Classical Conspiracy'..This was cool 👋
Hi Micha, please react to more from EPICA, I think you'll be surprised at the variety of musical styles that EPICA cover, here is a song for instance which is so unique, an epic science fiction masterpiece and a fantastic video too. EPICA - Universal Death Squad (OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO) video link posted below
I subbed because you will do more Epica! Epica is just from a whole another level. This band has such a diverse discography. I was there at the 20th anniversary show a week or four ago where they performed this song. They are going to release an EP with 7 collaboration songs and this is one of the songs, "The Alchemy Project " is soooo amazing and is part of the celebration of Epica's 20th Birthday. So more before the release come soon. Btw maybe you like also to react to Eluveitie? It's a folk metal band from Switzerland and is one of my two absolute favourite bands besides Epica!!
I love Epica! My favorite band since 2005, they are truly amazing. This song is from their upcoming EP "The Alchemy Project", it's an collaboration EP. This video is a compilation of their 20th anniversary show where they played this song for the first time, very nice surprise! Some Epica songs worth checking out: - In All Conscience (Epic metal fest aftermovie) - Kingdom of heaven part 1, 2 and 3. For part 1 there is a fanmade video, for part 2 you have to pick a lyrics video because there isn't a good live video and for part 3 I recommend the Omega Alive video. I hope you do love long songs because these three are all longer songs (11 - 13 minutes) - The Holographic Principle (There is a lyric video for this one) - Design your Universe (Retrospect live) - The Essence of Silence (Official live) - Unchain Utopia (From Omega Alive). - Abyss of Time (Official video) - Storm the Sorrow (Official video) - Victims of Contingency (Omega Alive) - Consign to Oblivion (Live at the Zenith) - Martyr of the free Word (Retrospect live) - Universal Death Squad (Official lyric video) I don't know if you like ballads as well, but Epica writes the most beautiful ballads imo: - Once Upon a Nightmare - Chasing the Dragon (Retrospect live), this is a 'powerballad' - Tides of Time - Rivers - Safeguard to Paradise
If you want to listen to heavier Epica songs I recommend you listen to Consign to Oblivion, Victims of Contingency and Ascension - Dream State Armageddon
Hey! The male singer is Jorgen Munkeby from a Norwegian band Shining. Epica normally don't use clean male vocals, only growls (Mark Jansen) contrasting with the beautiful soprano of Simone Simons. You mentioned harmonizing, this usually happens between Simone and the choir. Epica is heavy, yet such a beautiful music. Can you please next do The Essence of Silence (Official Live Video)? or Universal Death Squad (Official Lyric Video). You've probably never heard anything like that!
Epica fan here, this is a very interesting song. Not typical epica tho damn good song live i belive. This song belonging tho the new alchemy project and if i understood it right, the bands that featured in the album have written 50% of the song. Wonder who's on the other songs on that EP🤔😃. Very interesting project 😁.
I also can't wait to hear the rest of the project. Here is what Epica wrote about it: "The Alchemy Project' is now available for pre-order and will include these new tracks: 1) The Great Tribulation feat. Fleshgod Apocalypse 2) Wake the World feat. Phil Lanzon (Uriah Heep) & Tommy Karevik (Kamelot) 3) The Final Lullaby feat. Shining 4) Sirens - Of Blood and Water feat. Charlotte Wessels & Myrkur 5) Death is not the End feat. Frank Schiphorst (MaYaN) & Björn "Speed" Strid (Soilwork) 6) Human Devastation feat. Henri Sattler (God Dethroned), Sven de Caluwé (Aborted) 7) The Miner feat. Asim Searah (Damnation Plan), Niilo Sevänen (Insomnium), Roel van Helden (Powerwolf)"
i understand that you go for what people ask, but every single song ppl these days ask are some of the worst, what you need is older songs, thats were the gold is... Consign to oblivion live zenith, design your universe and unleashed live retrospect, the essence of silence, sensoruim, solitary ground, blank infinity... try any of these first.
I wouldn't say that because alot of the newer stuff is really good. I will admit personally that a lot from Omega isnt there best work but it's not their worst. I dont think she'll like something like Solitary Ground and what not. I think she needs more of the heavier stuff and less of the groove rhythm types stuff like The Skeleton Key. I personally would recommend like The Obsessive Devotion or Victims of Contingency. Maybe as you said The Essence of Silence or Universal Death Squad. I think she'll like the stuff less predictable but we wont know until she does more. But some of the songs you recommended are songs that most people recommend with the exception of Solitary Ground and Blank Infinity. But I truly hope she doesnt do ST yet because she needs to get a feel before doing the feature
@@redfielduniverse sorry to say but Omega is just a masterpiece. That being said, I think Micha will love also the more straight forward songs like, In All Conscience and Unchain Utopia.
@@fritsyt2090 No no I agree...Omega is a masterpiece but personally some songs like Gaia can get lost in Epica's vast discography. But I think ALL Epica albums are masterpieces just some are more memorable than others, my friend. I have no doubt she'll like the more straight forward songs but I want to see how she fairs with the complicated masterpieces.
I only recently came across Epica myself and for me it is a case of "where have you been all my life?"
They're are nice and heavy (which I enjoy), fantastic artists, and then there is that heavenly voice of Simone's. She is one of the vocalists that consistently brings tears to my eyes when I listen to her. I agree with other comments below - you have to check out more of their stuff. It is really well worth the effort.
Honestly as much as I like the Skeleton Key, it's not a great representation of modern Epica. I would say check out the Essence of Silence live performance. You'd probably like it.
A great suggestion
@@ridge6313 indeed the essence of silence for a beauty and the beast feeling.
Maybe another Epica song to check out is "Code of Life". There is unfortunatly no hight quality live version available publically, but there is a nice video available combining the song ith footage from various concerts. I will put the link in the reply as often my messages get flagged as spam if I include links.
I would also like to add a siggestion for another band. If you like unexpected instruments in metal songs, check out Eluveitie. Nox Saxophone here, but plenty of other unexpected instruments. Eluveitie is a mixture of folk metal and death metal. A good start would be the song "Rebirth".
And here are the links:
Epica Code of Life ruclips.net/video/0WiYER7Dkjo/видео.html
Eluveitie Rebith ruclips.net/video/d-pSq4MJmy8/видео.html
Hi Micha!
First of all, please DO react to much more Epica because you haven't seen anything yet! Seriously, no BS. This is not just another mediocre sympho metal band that only have 2-3 big hits. You will see I'm not lying. Epica is currently the peak of the subgenre and worth every second of listening/watching.
This song popped out simply because it's the newest song, but not actually a typical Epica sound. Honestly, I didn't expect you to like it since it's relatively poppy, at least the chorus. I thought you're into heavier stuff? 🙂This song is from their upcoming EP which is a collab between Epica and various artists, so it's co-written by Epica. And yes, it was for the first time performed at Epica 20th anniversary show, just a few weeks ago.
Don't worry about "The Skeleton Key". You have about 120 amazing songs to choose from. I'm a hardcore Epican and that song is not in my top 20 most favourite Epica songs either. Don't get me wrong, it's a great song, but Epica have sooo much great stuff it's very hard to pick the best. They don't have any weak album or weak songs though, of course not everyone will like everything. Epica music is very very diverse so everyone can find at least something they like. I've never seen anyone who didn't like Epica ballads, unless that person doesn't like ballads at all, from any band. Epica ballads are absolutely stunning.
I would suggest something from the opposite end of the Epica spectrum, something pretty heavy:
EPICA - Semblance of Liberty (Lyrics)
EPICA - The Essence of Silence (Official Live video)
EPICA - Consign To Oblivion - Live at the Zenith (OFFICIAL VIDEO) - this is the album title song, it's longer than the other two
If you still would like to hear something slightly more poppy/radio-friendly, try these:
EPICA - Beyond The Matrix - Live at the Zenith (OFFICIAL VIDEO) - amazing high energy, same 2017 performance as Consign to Oblivion
EPICA - Storm The Sorrow (OFFICIAL VIDEO) - relatively simple but beautiful song and very cool video
Chasing The Dragon - EPICA - LIVE Retrospect 2013 HD - Lyrics Subtitled
The last one starts of as a ballad, later turns into black(ish) metal, really amazing. Epica is a phenomenal band. Please, do much more. 😉🤘
What Kyle said 🙃
Thank you so much for this, Kyle! ❤️
There are certain genres which I don't usually go for, but there can definitely be singled out songs which I like. I'm surprised too that I liked this, but it was groovy 😃 Thank you for your suggestions, I will be looking in to those! I'm really interested in finding out their core sound!
@@michareacts You're welcome Micha. I'm glad you're going to do more. Hopefully you won't let us wait for too long. 😅 Looking forward to another one. Take care!
Just adding to the list KINGDOM OF HEAVEN pt1 🌀🌀🌀🧘🧘🧘🔥🔥🔥
@@michareacts Epica is for me also a 50/50 band since i really love Simones vocals but i absolut don't really like to much harsh vocals and growling. Still one of my favorites is this :
Epica - Solitary Ground (live @ Openluchttheater Hertme, Hertme, 29-06-2019)
ruclips.net/video/At1J9nvxGUY/видео.html
then i really love "Tides of Time" but sadly i never found a really good live version from that song 🤨
else also "Rivers", "Higher High"m "Canvas of Life", "Chase the dragon", "Immortal Melancholy", "Omen - The Goulish Malady", "Universal Love Squad", "If Inside These Walls Was A House"
I must say, I was waiting to that sax part to start😉.. I love Epica's music🥰 My 1st album was 'The Divine Conspiracy/The Classical Conspiracy'..This was cool 👋
The sax really caught me off guard, it was epic!! 🔥
Hi Micha, please react to more from EPICA, I think you'll be surprised at the variety of musical styles that EPICA cover, here is a song for instance which is so unique, an epic science fiction masterpiece and a fantastic video too.
EPICA - Universal Death Squad (OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO)
video link posted below
here is the link ruclips.net/video/P_Ys_W7ySkM/видео.html
I subbed because you will do more Epica! Epica is just from a whole another level. This band has such a diverse discography. I was there at the 20th anniversary show a week or four ago where they performed this song. They are going to release an EP with 7 collaboration songs and this is one of the songs, "The Alchemy Project " is soooo amazing and is part of the celebration of Epica's 20th Birthday. So more before the release come soon. Btw maybe you like also to react to Eluveitie? It's a folk metal band from Switzerland and is one of my two absolute favourite bands besides Epica!!
I love Epica! My favorite band since 2005, they are truly amazing. This song is from their upcoming EP "The Alchemy Project", it's an collaboration EP.
This video is a compilation of their 20th anniversary show where they played this song for the first time, very nice surprise!
Some Epica songs worth checking out:
- In All Conscience (Epic metal fest aftermovie)
- Kingdom of heaven part 1, 2 and 3. For part 1 there is a fanmade video, for part 2 you have to pick a lyrics video because there isn't a good live video and for part 3 I recommend the Omega Alive video. I hope you do love long songs because these three are all longer songs (11 - 13 minutes)
- The Holographic Principle (There is a lyric video for this one)
- Design your Universe (Retrospect live)
- The Essence of Silence (Official live)
- Unchain Utopia (From Omega Alive).
- Abyss of Time (Official video)
- Storm the Sorrow (Official video)
- Victims of Contingency (Omega Alive)
- Consign to Oblivion (Live at the Zenith)
- Martyr of the free Word (Retrospect live)
- Universal Death Squad (Official lyric video)
I don't know if you like ballads as well, but Epica writes the most beautiful ballads imo:
- Once Upon a Nightmare
- Chasing the Dragon (Retrospect live), this is a 'powerballad'
- Tides of Time
- Rivers
- Safeguard to Paradise
If you want to listen to heavier Epica songs I recommend you listen to Consign to Oblivion, Victims of Contingency and Ascension - Dream State Armageddon
Hey! The male singer is Jorgen Munkeby from a Norwegian band Shining.
Epica normally don't use clean male vocals, only growls (Mark Jansen) contrasting with the beautiful soprano of Simone Simons. You mentioned harmonizing, this usually happens between Simone and the choir. Epica is heavy, yet such a beautiful music.
Can you please next do The Essence of Silence (Official Live Video)? or Universal Death Squad (Official Lyric Video). You've probably never heard anything like that!
Haha, 8:03 definitely! Sax-metal is the way 🤘
honesty is key...opinions can change
That is so true!
Epica fan here, this is a very interesting song. Not typical epica tho damn good song live i belive. This song belonging tho the new alchemy project and if i understood it right, the bands that featured in the album have written 50% of the song. Wonder who's on the other songs on that EP🤔😃. Very interesting project 😁.
I also can't wait to hear the rest of the project. Here is what Epica wrote about it:
"The Alchemy Project' is now available for pre-order and will include these new tracks:
1) The Great Tribulation feat. Fleshgod Apocalypse
2) Wake the World feat. Phil Lanzon (Uriah Heep) & Tommy Karevik (Kamelot)
3) The Final Lullaby feat. Shining
4) Sirens - Of Blood and Water feat. Charlotte Wessels & Myrkur
5) Death is not the End feat. Frank Schiphorst (MaYaN) & Björn "Speed" Strid (Soilwork)
6) Human Devastation feat. Henri Sattler (God Dethroned), Sven de Caluwé (Aborted)
7) The Miner feat. Asim Searah (Damnation Plan), Niilo Sevänen (Insomnium), Roel van Helden (Powerwolf)"
@@DeepeningTheListening. Nice😃. Another Powerwolf song, liked the first cover they did.
Also react to Epica; Unleashed, Once upon a nightmare, Presto, Beyond the matrix, Tides of time, Feint, Cry for the moon. You will like these songs.
I can highly recommend anything from the 2013 Retrospect concert .... that Epica concert will blow u away
When I heard Epica for the first time I remember saying “I don’t get this”. Now they are one of my favorite bands. So good!
Another mind explodes as the saxophone drops in.
Great song and video Micha
Please don't worry, about being one of the few honest reactors, We don't like everything either.
Another sax in metal is in Crack of Light by Vintersea. Recommended!
More Sax? Try Rivers of Nihil - Where Owls Know My Name (official video) if you don't know already.
i understand that you go for what people ask, but every single song ppl these days ask are some of the worst, what you need is older songs, thats were the gold is... Consign to oblivion live zenith, design your universe and unleashed live retrospect, the essence of silence, sensoruim, solitary ground, blank infinity... try any of these first.
I wouldn't say that because alot of the newer stuff is really good. I will admit personally that a lot from Omega isnt there best work but it's not their worst. I dont think she'll like something like Solitary Ground and what not. I think she needs more of the heavier stuff and less of the groove rhythm types stuff like The Skeleton Key. I personally would recommend like The Obsessive Devotion or Victims of Contingency. Maybe as you said The Essence of Silence or Universal Death Squad. I think she'll like the stuff less predictable but we wont know until she does more. But some of the songs you recommended are songs that most people recommend with the exception of Solitary Ground and Blank Infinity. But I truly hope she doesnt do ST yet because she needs to get a feel before doing the feature
@@redfielduniverse sorry to say but Omega is just a masterpiece. That being said, I think Micha will love also the more straight forward songs like, In All Conscience and Unchain Utopia.
@@fritsyt2090 No no I agree...Omega is a masterpiece but personally some songs like Gaia can get lost in Epica's vast discography. But I think ALL Epica albums are masterpieces just some are more memorable than others, my friend. I have no doubt she'll like the more straight forward songs but I want to see how she fairs with the complicated masterpieces.
metal band ive heard with a sax player as a actual band member is White Ward
That sounds tempting, I need to check them out! Can a sax ever be bad? I would say no 😃🤘🏻
@@michareacts another band(no sax) i recommend is Seven Spires... Gods of Debauchery is a good start point
React to DEATH OF THE DREAM
Fffffff 😂😂😂😂😂