Epica at the PlayStation Theater

Epica's Simone Simons, Lacuna Coil's Cristina Scabbia

Guitarist/vocalist Mark Jansen left the Netherlands-based symphonic metal band After Forever in 2002 to form a similar band, initially called Sahara Dust and later naming itself Epica after a Kamelot album. Epica's popularity grew first in their country and then internationally. By 2015, Epica was awarded the Music Export Awards, given to the Dutch act with the most international success in the past year. Epica's seventh and most recent studio album, The Holographic Principle, was released on September 30, 2016. The band presently consists of Jansen, vocalist Simone Simons, keyboardist Coen Janssen, lead guitarist Isaac Delahaye, bassist Rob van der Loo, and drummer Ariën van Weesenbeek.

Headlining at the PlayStation Theater tonight, Epica performed densely layered and complex compositions, weaving symphonic rock with elements of black metal, progressive metal and power metal. The band's music axis pivoted on sudden contrasts, from Jansen's death metal growls to Simons' operatic soprano, and from djent guitar riffs to folk metal melodies. The songs were grandiose wall-of-sound affairs with strong melodies and counter-melodies, often interrupted with an unexpected, softer interlude. Simons commanded the most attention, however, with her flawless soprano elevating to high sonic registers while the band pummeled with elephantine brutality. There was light and dark in most songs, a duality with deep intricacies that created tensions that were then released into the air. The music was ambitious, neat and remarkably clever.

Visit Epica at www.epica.nl.

Setlist:

1. Edge of the Blade
2. Unleashed
3. Wheel of Destiny
4. The Essence of Silence
5. Ascension - Dream State Armageddon
6. Dancing in a Hurricane
7. Victims of Contingency
8. Storm the Sorrow (with Cristina Scabbia of Lacuna Coil)
9. Reverence (Living in the Heart)
10. Unchain Utopia
11. Cry for the Moon

Encore:

1. Sancta Terra
2. Beyond the Matrix
3. Consign to Oblivion