During this show Simone was several months pregnant & since she had already been singing over 2 hours before this duet, they boosted her microphone to compensate for fatigue & her diminished lung capacity.
Another enjoyable reaction and analysis! You're spoiling us! As for the meaning behind the song, Brad's on the right track, but I just noticed that others have commented on that.
People are gonna suggest Kingdom of Heaven and Consign to Oblivion for sure, both of which depict the fact they are far heavier and guitar-centric in comparison to Nightwish - something this particular song/performance don't really show despite it being great. They're a very interesting band.
Nice to see you back :) Really great. :D And I love that Alena did miss some darker sound or voice somewhere :) We have added something to you taste of the music. Well, we do listen to lighter stuff from time to time. Variety helps. :) I have not listen to many other Epica songs, but I like the sound in this.
@@BradAlenaMetalReactions btw, Alena mentioned Floor and sisters. Floor have a sister, and they have sung together, like in this After Forever live: ruclips.net/video/Nvz1QfVYhGM/видео.html
Almost sisters. Simone has joked Floor lived at her place more than her own for a while. Edit: It is their Anniversary show and was a special occasion (3 hours long or so) and they had orchestra and choir backing live for once. Also, Floor did coaching of Simone. A member of Floor's former band After Forever, Mark Jansen (no relation) left and formed Epica and iirc at the time Simone was his girlfriend, (she is with someone else now and is 3 months pregnant here). They have other songs far far heavier. In this concert they had a bit of a break for the band and Floor joined Simone for Stabat Mater Delarosa sung in Latin backed just by the orchestra. You are right on the darkness, it's about a sacrifice (suicide bomber?) finding out he is not in heaven/paradise as he thought or told and is instead in Hell.
An interesting detail is that Simone married Oliver Palotai, the keyboardist of Kamelot - and the band name "Epica" was taken from the 2003 Kamelot album with the same name. It seems like there are a lot of connections within the metal world :)
@@BradAlenaMetalReactions Indeed it is! Perhaps you would consider reacting to Kamelot? I am not an avid fan of theirs, but they've IMHO done some really good stuff. This performance of "March of Mephisto", for instance: ruclips.net/video/Qi7vS37CjRs/видео.html Got to love the drummer's enthusiasm and speaking of connections: the Mephisto character in this clip is played by Snowy Shaw, who's - among other things - been working with Therion, who in turn was a major influence on a young Tuomas Holopainen when he founded Nightwish, whose album "Oceanborn" inspired Simone Simons to learn classical singing. OK, perhaps I am getting a bit too overboard with this connections thing 😁
Nice reaction guys. It was funny to see you guys at the end expecting something harsher and heavier, given than they're normally heavier and incorporate a lot of growls from Mark, the guy that screamed at the end. I'm sure as others have suggested, Consign to Oblivion, Kingdom of Heaven and Design Your Universe are great examples of that Epica truly sounds like
This song is nice intro but very light for Epica and not representative for what Epica is about. Epica is much heavier than Nightwish and amazingly incorporates gothic, death, black and prog metal with symphonic elements and great lyrics. As for the lyrics of this song - it’s about a suicide bomber that thinks he’s going to heaven but actually goes to hell. If you’re looking for heavier examples, try - Epica - The Essence of Silence (official live) Epica - Consign to Oblivion (live at the Zenith) Epica - Design Your Universe (Retrospect live)
EPICA about 25 more songs like this to react to some ballads as well are y’all up for the challenge And not counting the new OMEGA CD WOW YALL MUST DIG IN MORE FOR EPICA
You just did react to Epica’s 22th song at their ‘Retrospect 10th Anniversity Live Concert and yes this song was not the best example of what Epica is all about, but still Simone and Floor were awesome. Only for this concert they add a full orchestra and choir to their show. Normally they are just a heavy metal band with a soprano female singer. Although Epica is not as big as NW their repertoire is also diverse. So (if you could find some time) I would like you to discover more of Epica. ruclips.net/video/W7MDG8G7FME/видео.html Especially I want to advertise you to react to #1 ‘Introspect‘ and #2 ‘Monopoly on Truth’ (in one turn) cause those are better examples. By the way: their front lady is Simone Siemons who‘s not a sister, but a long time (metal) friend of Floor and they shared their vocal education. The guy who did shout out Floor’s name at the end is Mark Jansen, founder and gitarist of Epica. and good friend as well. Together with Floor founder and member of ‘After Forever’ before that band was forced to stop. He’s not one of Floor’s relatives but they only share the same surename cause ‘Jansen / Janssen / Janssens’ is a very common name in the Netherlands. Setlist: 1. Introspect (4:20) 2. Monopoly on Truth (7:08) 3. Sensorium (6:04) 4. Unleashed (6:23) 5. Martyr of the Free Word (6:24) 6. Chasing the Dragon (8:08) 7. Presto (3:07) 8. Never Enough (5:47) 9. Stabat Mater Dolorosa (4:08) ft. Floor Jansen 10. Twin Flames (5:02) 11. Serenade of Self Destruction (10:09) 12. Orchestral Medley (7:52) 13. The Divine Conspiracy [Anniversary Edition] (7:38) 14. Delirium (6:10) 15. Blank Infinity (5:03) 16. The Obsessive Devotion (7:56) 17. Retrospect (4:27) 18. Battle of the Heroes & Imperial March (6:25) 19. Quietus (3:59) w/ Yves Huts, Jeroen Simons & Ad Sluijter 20. The Phantom Agony (9:21) 21. Cry for the Moon (12:23) 22. Sancta Terra (5:49) ft. Floor Jansen 23. Design Your Universe (11:09) 24. Storm the Sorrow (5:42) 25. Consign to Oblivion (9:43) 26. Outrospect (3:57) total time: 2:54:14
Such a good song :) Not sure if you've delved much into power metal, but I'd highly recommend checking out some Blind Guardian, Kamelot, and Iced Earth. For Blind Guardian: Mirror Mirror, Otherland, When Time Stands Still, And Then There Was Silence. For Kamelot: Eden Echo, The Edge of Paradise, Black Halo, Memento Mori (the live version). For Iced Earth: Dante's Inferno, Burnt Offerings, Stormrider, and A Question of Heaven.
I haven't read the other comments yet, but here is the SURPRISING actual meaning, per Simone herself: "[T]his song is about a suicide commando who believes he will go to heaven after he is dead, but instead he ends up in hell." Per Simone - www.heavyworlds.com/it/interviews/epica-part-i-english-version-simone-simons/
The male voice in the end was actually Mark Jansen.... NOT related to Floor. lol Thank you for the video, reaction and comments. Stay safe and stay blessed. 😊❤🤘🤘
It's a good introduction to Epica but it's only half of their sound. They have death elements in their music. As I suggested in one of my previous messages I advise you "Kingdom of heaven". "Epica - Kingdom of Heaven (Live video) (Lyrics - English / Español | Subtitulado) " is the best video to react to : live video with studio sound.
"This feels too light" :-) Exactly why I didn't vote for this song in the poll. I mean, I love it, really, but it doesn't represent the Epica sound. Looking forward to the next Epica reaction :-)
Try 'Design your universe' from retrospect show next. It shows everything about the band. Weight, variety, vocal prowess and theatre. This song is good, but only a part of Epica. They are overall a lot harder than Nightwish. Kingdom of Heaven is a death metal power epic, with Simone's vocals to add some light
The guy who yelled out Floor Jansen at the end is Mark Jansen, who used to play in After Forever with Floor. No relation. If you check out more Epica you will hear plenty of growling and guitars. That is the point of symphonic metal, it builds. There is nothing as boring as being punched in the face from beginning to end. Latin for Holy Land. This song is about a suicide bomber trying to earn his way to heaven only to discover he has ended up in hell.
Welcome back. Floor has a sister, Irene. They sang sometimes together live with After Forever. This is a light song, don't worry :) I'd probably prefer Epica than Nightwish without something, or at least a better something. You will see and hear later... PS: Don't say my "name" please, it's disturbing but I can't really explain why. The best explanation is modesty, I'm nothing (reference about the title of an album)
@@BradAlenaMetalReactions As you want but you must know that I've never red 1 page of harry potter and only watched 5 minutes of the 1st movie. In comparison, I've red 5 books of GoT and watched 3 seasons because the first 5 minutes were great. If you are less modest than me, as I watched almost all your videos, think that you are more famous and interesting than harry potter and his girlfriend. She who shall not be named because I don't know her name, as simple as that.
@@BradAlenaMetalReactions It's at least true from my point of view. I know Alena's name and a little bit more. I won't be surprised if she's INFJ. You are lucky if it's the case, remember that :D
@@jwalldal Will you forgive me about that? :D Because Irene never had a real career, my favorite sisters in metal will stay Liv Kristine and her little sister who sings in Midnattsol (midnight sun, I suppose) ruclips.net/video/0tKI3r6XTeQ/видео.html
You are right about this song having a religious background This song is written from the perspective of a religious suicide bomber. Pay real attention to their lyrics they never write simple love songs. A lot of songs are about religion, philosophy and social issues. I my point of view they are the only band close to the level of Pink Floyd in lyrics. A lot of their albums are themed. Quiet a few songs from different albums are also linked. The mastermind behind the band is Mark Jansen a former bandmate of Floor (not related) when he was still in After Forever. He is the guy that does a lot of the song writing but do not underestimate Simone Simons (the redheaded beauty) she has quiet the song writings skills herself. :-) If you want to take a look at what she and the band sound like on their own take a look at the song "Chasing the dragon" from the same show. Usually they are a bit heavier then Nightwish but in this case they start out really melodic before they switch to full symphonic. Oh and yes it is full symphonic orchestra. This concert was recorded to celebrate their 10 year anniversary. ruclips.net/video/Dx-FsHAQHp8/видео.html
You should check out more songs from Epica there are several songs that are more heavy and they have lots of really good guitar riffs. One of the best examples is Consign to Oblivion. Please react to the live version from Zenith ruclips.net/video/dkqyyUTCMUQ/видео.html Usually they mix growled male vocals with Simones angelic voice.
Now, after, I've checked, I've picked up ''Cry for the moon''- studio version, very emotional song to me, much different than Sancta Terra, other side of Epica!
I realize it might not fit well with being a traditional reaction channel, but it would be really neat if you could do something based on the entire three-hour Retrospect concert (whence this video was taken). Perhaps just watch the whole thing, and film yourselves for a half-minute or a minute between each song. Your viewers will have watched that concert already. Part 1: ruclips.net/video/W7MDG8G7FME/видео.html Part 2: ruclips.net/video/FRgN1Q12J5w/видео.html
Nice reaction! It's a nice song but an average song in the catalogue of Epica. They have basically a much heavier sound. 70% of their songs have growls, by guitar player and Epica founder Mark Jansen. In all songs that contains growls, that part is used lyric wise as the opposite of the lyrics of lead singer Simone Simons. Btw people keep saying that Floor was a (vocal) coach for Simone back in the day, but that is not true!
![[Epic Reaction] Epica - Sancta Terra Feat Floor Jansen (Insane Duo Harms)](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/KLPKviAeOVw/mqdefault.jpg)
R.I.P ANN WAYCHOFF
During this show Simone was several months pregnant & since she had already been singing over 2 hours before this duet, they boosted her microphone to compensate for fatigue & her diminished lung capacity.
Thank you so much for reaction to this song, greetings from Denmark
Just beautifull 💜..song and reaction 💞....greetings from Holland 🇳🇱💎🎶👑
Another enjoyable reaction and analysis! You're spoiling us! As for the meaning behind the song, Brad's on the right track, but I just noticed that others have commented on that.
Just signed up with the patreon. i hope you get bigger on youtube and can monitize this aswell. Love your reactions and super casual personalities.
People are gonna suggest Kingdom of Heaven and Consign to Oblivion for sure, both of which depict the fact they are far heavier and guitar-centric in comparison to Nightwish - something this particular song/performance don't really show despite it being great. They're a very interesting band.
Floor actually did the song Stabat Mater Dolorosa with Epica during this concert.
You guys are good at abstract interpretation of musical ideas :)
Thanks Matt, appreciate the compliment! :)
Nice to see you back :) Really great. :D
And I love that Alena did miss some darker sound or voice somewhere :) We have added something to you taste of the music. Well, we do listen to lighter stuff from time to time. Variety helps. :)
I have not listen to many other Epica songs, but I like the sound in this.
@@BradAlenaMetalReactions btw, Alena mentioned Floor and sisters. Floor have a sister, and they have sung together, like in this After Forever live: ruclips.net/video/Nvz1QfVYhGM/видео.html
Do consign to oblivion live zenith it's not their best song but it's a perfect introduction to their sound :)
Almost sisters. Simone has joked Floor lived at her place more than her own for a while.
Edit:
It is their Anniversary show and was a special occasion (3 hours long or so) and they had orchestra and choir backing live for once.
Also, Floor did coaching of Simone. A member of Floor's former band After Forever, Mark Jansen (no relation) left and formed Epica and iirc at the time Simone was his girlfriend, (she is with someone else now and is 3 months pregnant here). They have other songs far far heavier. In this concert they had a bit of a break for the band and Floor joined Simone for Stabat Mater Delarosa sung in Latin backed just by the orchestra.
You are right on the darkness, it's about a sacrifice (suicide bomber?) finding out he is not in heaven/paradise as he thought or told and is instead in Hell.
An interesting detail is that Simone married Oliver Palotai, the keyboardist of Kamelot - and the band name "Epica" was taken from the 2003 Kamelot album with the same name. It seems like there are a lot of connections within the metal world :)
@@BradAlenaMetalReactions Indeed it is! Perhaps you would consider reacting to Kamelot? I am not an avid fan of theirs, but they've IMHO done some really good stuff. This performance of "March of Mephisto", for instance: ruclips.net/video/Qi7vS37CjRs/видео.html Got to love the drummer's enthusiasm and speaking of connections: the Mephisto character in this clip is played by Snowy Shaw, who's - among other things - been working with Therion, who in turn was a major influence on a young Tuomas Holopainen when he founded Nightwish, whose album "Oceanborn" inspired Simone Simons to learn classical singing. OK, perhaps I am getting a bit too overboard with this connections thing 😁
Nice reaction guys. It was funny to see you guys at the end expecting something harsher and heavier, given than they're normally heavier and incorporate a lot of growls from Mark, the guy that screamed at the end. I'm sure as others have suggested, Consign to Oblivion, Kingdom of Heaven and Design Your Universe are great examples of that Epica truly sounds like
This song is nice intro but very light for Epica and not representative for what Epica is about. Epica is much heavier than Nightwish and amazingly incorporates gothic, death, black and prog metal with symphonic elements and great lyrics.
As for the lyrics of this song - it’s about a suicide bomber that thinks he’s going to heaven but actually goes to hell.
If you’re looking for heavier examples, try -
Epica - The Essence of Silence (official live)
Epica - Consign to Oblivion (live at the Zenith)
Epica - Design Your Universe (Retrospect live)
I understand why people always react to this song (Floor), but is such a shame because they have far more better ones.
Floor is the sister of the guitarist of Epica. They often have her sing cameos.
no floor has onley 1 sister , irene . many has the name jansen , in holland ,like smit
Yeah! Kingdom of heaven next, please!
EPICA about 25 more songs like this to react to some ballads as well are y’all up for the challenge And not counting the new OMEGA CD WOW YALL MUST DIG IN MORE FOR EPICA
Ne Obliviscaris - And Plague Flowers the Kaleidoscope (live in Colorado)
Epica is way heavier than Nightwish. They incorporate black metal and death metal in their music.
Why must we compare them?
Bradley Abraham thanks, Brad!
and do so seamlessly...
You just did react to Epica’s 22th song at their ‘Retrospect 10th Anniversity Live Concert and yes this song was not the best example of what Epica is all about, but still Simone and Floor were awesome. Only for this concert they add a full orchestra and choir to their show. Normally they are just a heavy metal band with a soprano female singer. Although Epica is not as big as NW their repertoire is also diverse. So (if you could find some time) I would like you to discover more of Epica. ruclips.net/video/W7MDG8G7FME/видео.html Especially I want to advertise you to react to #1 ‘Introspect‘ and #2 ‘Monopoly on Truth’ (in one turn) cause those are better examples. By the way: their front lady is Simone Siemons who‘s not a sister, but a long time (metal) friend of Floor and they shared their vocal education. The guy who did shout out Floor’s name at the end is Mark Jansen, founder and gitarist of Epica. and good friend as well. Together with Floor founder and member of ‘After Forever’ before that band was forced to stop. He’s not one of Floor’s relatives but they only share the same surename cause ‘Jansen / Janssen / Janssens’ is a very common name in the Netherlands.
Setlist:
1. Introspect (4:20)
2. Monopoly on Truth (7:08)
3. Sensorium (6:04)
4. Unleashed (6:23)
5. Martyr of the Free Word (6:24)
6. Chasing the Dragon (8:08)
7. Presto (3:07)
8. Never Enough (5:47)
9. Stabat Mater Dolorosa (4:08) ft. Floor Jansen
10. Twin Flames (5:02)
11. Serenade of Self Destruction (10:09)
12. Orchestral Medley (7:52)
13. The Divine Conspiracy [Anniversary Edition] (7:38)
14. Delirium (6:10)
15. Blank Infinity (5:03)
16. The Obsessive Devotion (7:56)
17. Retrospect (4:27)
18. Battle of the Heroes & Imperial March (6:25)
19. Quietus (3:59) w/ Yves Huts, Jeroen Simons & Ad Sluijter
20. The Phantom Agony (9:21)
21. Cry for the Moon (12:23)
22. Sancta Terra (5:49) ft. Floor Jansen
23. Design Your Universe (11:09)
24. Storm the Sorrow (5:42)
25. Consign to Oblivion (9:43)
26. Outrospect (3:57)
total time: 2:54:14
My tip for you..dont hear Stabat mater Dolorosa from the same Concert. Hihi😄 it is full Opera...
@@BradAlenaMetalReactions then hear it...its amazing
See Floor and Simone both engaged in Ayreon (together with 8 more lead singers): ruclips.net/video/oFuMKdrzPqU/видео.html
Such a good song :) Not sure if you've delved much into power metal, but I'd highly recommend checking out some Blind Guardian, Kamelot, and Iced Earth. For Blind Guardian: Mirror Mirror, Otherland, When Time Stands Still, And Then There Was Silence. For Kamelot: Eden Echo, The Edge of Paradise, Black Halo, Memento Mori (the live version). For Iced Earth: Dante's Inferno, Burnt Offerings, Stormrider, and A Question of Heaven.
Thanks for the suggestions Matt, these would all be new bands for us.
Looking forward to your Consign to Oblivion video, that should give you the harsh vocals you are looking for :)
I haven't read the other comments yet, but here is the SURPRISING actual meaning, per Simone herself:
"[T]his song is about a suicide commando who believes he will go to heaven after he is dead, but instead he ends up in hell."
Per Simone - www.heavyworlds.com/it/interviews/epica-part-i-english-version-simone-simons/
The male voice in the end was actually Mark Jansen.... NOT related to Floor. lol Thank you for the video, reaction and comments. Stay safe and stay blessed. 😊❤🤘🤘
Thanks Carlos, appreciate the info! Stay safe and blessed as well! :)
It's a good introduction to Epica but it's only half of their sound. They have death elements in their music.
As I suggested in one of my previous messages I advise you "Kingdom of heaven".
"Epica - Kingdom of Heaven (Live video) (Lyrics - English / Español | Subtitulado) " is the best video to react to : live video with studio sound.
@@BradAlenaMetalReactions Here's the link to the version they're requesting: ruclips.net/video/PF56D9mrlck/видео.html
I also prefer this “live” video though it has some grammar mistakes and is not really live. But it’s just awesome.
Hi from the UK thanks for the shout out
Thay are not sisters but floor has a sister
Floor and irene Jansen who I am live at p60 Netherlands (2007)
@@BradAlenaMetalReactions gillingham in Kent
I recommend you react to "Consign To Oblivion" from this same show. It's much heavier and has the growl you are looking for!👍
"This feels too light" :-) Exactly why I didn't vote for this song in the poll. I mean, I love it, really, but it doesn't represent the Epica sound. Looking forward to the next Epica reaction :-)
❤🤟
Try 'Design your universe' from retrospect show next. It shows everything about the band. Weight, variety, vocal prowess and theatre. This song is good, but only a part of Epica. They are overall a lot harder than Nightwish. Kingdom of Heaven is a death metal power epic, with Simone's vocals to add some light
Yesss
The guy who yelled out Floor Jansen at the end is Mark Jansen, who used to play in After Forever with Floor. No relation. If you check out more Epica you will hear plenty of growling and guitars. That is the point of symphonic metal, it builds. There is nothing as boring as being punched in the face from beginning to end. Latin for Holy Land. This song is about a suicide bomber trying to earn his way to heaven only to discover he has ended up in hell.
Sancta Terra is Latin. Sacred Land (earth)
Thanks for the info Patrick :)
Epica essence of silence, please !
Welcome back. Floor has a sister, Irene. They sang sometimes together live with After Forever.
This is a light song, don't worry :) I'd probably prefer Epica than Nightwish without something, or at least a better something. You will see and hear later...
PS: Don't say my "name" please, it's disturbing but I can't really explain why. The best explanation is modesty, I'm nothing (reference about the title of an album)
@@BradAlenaMetalReactions As you want but you must know that I've never red 1 page of harry potter and only watched 5 minutes of the 1st movie. In comparison, I've red 5 books of GoT and watched 3 seasons because the first 5 minutes were great.
If you are less modest than me, as I watched almost all your videos, think that you are more famous and interesting than harry potter and his girlfriend. She who shall not be named because I don't know her name, as simple as that.
@@BradAlenaMetalReactions The best explanation I've found about myself is INFJ and before that hypersensitive.
@@BradAlenaMetalReactions It's at least true from my point of view. I know Alena's name and a little bit more.
I won't be surprised if she's INFJ. You are lucky if it's the case, remember that :D
Oh, I didnt notice that you had already wrote about Floor and Irene singing together :D
@@jwalldal Will you forgive me about that? :D
Because Irene never had a real career, my favorite sisters in metal will stay Liv Kristine and her little sister who sings in Midnattsol (midnight sun, I suppose)
ruclips.net/video/0tKI3r6XTeQ/видео.html
They are not sister but very good friends.🤘🎸
Simone is 4 months pregnant on this show.
Seriously impressive performance!!!
Please react to "Cry for the moon" from Epicas first album
React to Storm The Sorrow it’s a little heavier but not that much that she won’t like it!!! ❤️❤️
You are right about this song having a religious background This song is written from the perspective of a religious suicide bomber. Pay real attention to their lyrics they never write simple love songs. A lot of songs are about religion, philosophy and social issues. I my point of view they are the only band close to the level of Pink Floyd in lyrics. A lot of their albums are themed. Quiet a few songs from different albums are also linked. The mastermind behind the band is Mark Jansen a former bandmate of Floor (not related) when he was still in After Forever. He is the guy that does a lot of the song writing but do not underestimate Simone Simons (the redheaded beauty) she has quiet the song writings skills herself. :-)
If you want to take a look at what she and the band sound like on their own take a look at the song "Chasing the dragon" from the same show. Usually they are a bit heavier then Nightwish but in this case they start out really melodic before they switch to full symphonic. Oh and yes it is full symphonic orchestra. This concert was recorded to celebrate their 10 year anniversary. ruclips.net/video/Dx-FsHAQHp8/видео.html
You should check out more songs from Epica there are several songs that are more heavy and they have lots of really good guitar riffs. One of the best examples is Consign to Oblivion. Please react to the live version from Zenith ruclips.net/video/dkqyyUTCMUQ/видео.html
Usually they mix growled male vocals with Simones angelic voice.
Sorry, guys, my memory is not what it used to be, but I like this song very much!
Now, after, I've checked, I've picked up ''Cry for the moon''- studio version, very emotional song to me, much different than Sancta Terra, other side of Epica!
I realize it might not fit well with being a traditional reaction channel, but it would be really neat if you could do something based on the entire three-hour Retrospect concert (whence this video was taken). Perhaps just watch the whole thing, and film yourselves for a half-minute or a minute between each song. Your viewers will have watched that concert already.
Part 1: ruclips.net/video/W7MDG8G7FME/видео.html
Part 2: ruclips.net/video/FRgN1Q12J5w/видео.html
Funny you asked if they are sister. No they are not however Floor does have videos on youtube singing with her actual sister.
Try epica - cry for the moon
Do wintersun - sons of winter and stars live rehersal
Step into my shadow... maybe?
Nice reaction! It's a nice song but an average song in the catalogue of Epica. They have basically a much heavier sound. 70% of their songs have growls, by guitar player and Epica founder Mark Jansen. In all songs that contains growls, that part is used lyric wise as the opposite of the lyrics of lead singer Simone Simons. Btw people keep saying that Floor was a (vocal) coach for Simone back in the day, but that is not true!
Austin Powers react