Epica is a Dutch symphonic metal band founded in 2002 by guitarist and vocalist Mark Jansen after his departure from After Forever. The group initially formed under the name Sahara Dust and later adopted the name Epica, inspired by Kamelot’s album of the same name. Their early sound combined symphonic metal with gothic influences, and over time they incorporated elements of death metal, progressive metal, thrash metal, groove metal, black metal-inspired drumming techniques, power metal passages, electronic components, djent-style transitions, and folk-influenced melodies drawing on Middle Eastern, Chinese, and Celtic traditions. The band is also known for combining soprano vocals by Simone Simons with harsh vocals by Mark Jansen, as well as for orchestral arrangements and operatic choirs. Their lyrics address themes such as philosophy, psychology, spirituality, morality, science, environmental issues, socio-political topics, and personal experiences. In 2002, Jansen assembled a lineup including guitarist Ad Sluijter, drummer Jeroen Simons, bassist Yves Huts, and keyboardist Coen Janssen, and recorded a demo titled "Cry for the Moon", which led to a contract with Transmission Records. Their debut album, "The Phantom Agony", was released in 2003 and produced by Sascha Paeth, featuring songs connected to the ongoing "The Embrace That Smothers" concept, which spans material from After Forever’s album "Prison of Desire" and later Epica releases; the album also included tracks such as "Façade of Reality", which referenced the September 11 attacks. The follow-up album "Consign to Oblivion" (2005) drew inspiration from Mayan culture and included the "A New Age Dawns" song series, with influences from film score composers such as Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman; it featured guest vocals by Roy Khan on "Trois Vierges". In 2005, Epica released the soundtrack album "The Score – An Epic Journey" for the Dutch film "Joyride", and later toured with Kamelot. Drummer Jeroen Simons left the band in 2006 and was later replaced permanently by Ariën van Weesenbeek. The third studio album "The Divine Conspiracy" (2007), released via Nuclear Blast, continued the band’s conceptual themes, concluding parts of "The Embrace That Smothers" and further developing its religious critique narrative. The single "Never Enough" was released ahead of the album. Guitarist Ad Sluijter left the band in 2008 and was replaced by Isaac Delahaye in 2009. The live orchestral album "The Classical Conspiracy" (2009) was recorded in Hungary with a full orchestra and choir and included both Epica songs and classical and film score adaptations. The album "Design Your Universe" (2009) continued the "A New Age Dawns" storyline and became their highest-charting release at that time in the Netherlands; it included guest vocals by Tony Kakko on "White Waters" and the charity single "This Is the Time". The album "Requiem for the Indifferent" (2012) addressed themes including global conflict, religion, disasters, and economic instability and marked the band’s first entry on the US Billboard 200. During this period, bassist Yves Huts left the band and was replaced by Rob van der Loo. In 2013, the band performed a large-scale anniversary concert titled "Retrospect", featuring orchestra, choir, guest musicians, and former members, which was later released as a live recording. In 2014, Epica released "The Quantum Enigma", produced by Joost van den Broek, which achieved significant international chart success and was supported by singles such as "The Essence of Silence" and "Unchain Utopia". In 2015, the band received the Music Export Award in the Netherlands and organized the first Epic Metal Fest. The album "The Holographic Principle" (2016) continued the band’s symphonic and progressive approach and made increased use of live instrumentation. The EP "The Solace System" (2017) contained previously unreleased material from these sessions, and the band also released "Epica vs Attack on Titan Songs" featuring covers from the anime series "Attack on Titan". In 2019, they published a book documenting the band’s history and released a special edition of "Design Your Universe" for its tenth anniversary. The album "Omega" (2021) was preceded by singles including "Abyss of Time – Countdown to Singularity", "Freedom – The Wolves Within", and "Rivers", and was promoted with the livestream performance "Omega Alive". In 2022, they released the collaborative EP "The Alchemy Project", featuring guest artists, followed by touring activity including performances with Metallica in 2023. In 2024, they announced orchestral shows titled "The Symphonic Synergy". Their ninth studio album, "Aspiral", was announced in 2025 and continues thematic material from the "A New Age Dawns" series initiated on "Consign to Oblivion" and continued on "Design Your Universe". Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epica_(band) Studio albums The Phantom Agony (2003) Consign to Oblivion (2005) The Divine Conspiracy (2007) Design Your Universe (2009) Requiem for the Indifferent (2012) The Quantum Enigma (2014) The Holographic Principle (2016) Omega (2021) Aspiral (2025)