Epica is a symphonic metal band from The Netherlands, founded in 2003 by guitarist and vocalist Mark Jansen subsequent to his departure from After Forever. The band currently consists of Simone Simons (vocals), Mark Jansen (guitars, vocals), Isaac Delahaye (guitar), Yves Huts (bass), Coen Janssen (keyboards, synthesizer), and Ariën van Weesenbeek (drums).
In early 2002, Mark Jansen left After Forever due to creative differences and began looking for musicians to integrate a new musical project, initially named Sahara Dust. In late 2002, the band courted Helena Iren Michaelsen (former vocalist of Trail of Tears and current vocalist of Imperia) as its frontwoman, but shortly after she was replaced by the then unknown mezzo-soprano singer Simone Simons, Jansen’s girlfriend at the time. The band’s line-up was completed by guitarist Ad Sluijter, drummer Jeroen Simons, bassist Yves Huts and keyboard player Coen Janssen. Their name was changed to Epica, inspired by Kamelot’s album, “Epica”.
Epica then assembled a choir (made up of two men and six women) and a string orchestra (three violins, two violas, two cellos, and a double bass) to play along with them. Their debut album, The Phantom Agony, was produced by Sascha Paeth (known for having previously produced albums for bands such as Angra, Rhapsody of Fire, and Kamelot) and was released in late 2003.






Epica's Best Songs

• 1. Blank Infinity
  
• 2. Solitary Ground
  
• 3. Quietus
  
• 4. Never Enough
  
• 5. Dance of Fate
  
• 6. Sensorium
  
• 7. Run for a Fall
  
• 8. Feint
  
• 9. Chasing the Dragon
  
• 10. Force of the Shore