Epica - Divinely Designed

Interview By: David Priest © 2009 On Track Magazine.com

     When Dutch symphonic Metaller’s Epica debuted on the scene in late 2002, it was extremely evident from that point that they were in a position to remake the musical world in their image. Evoking a deepened passion for the arts by encompassing both the classical and the metallic aspects into their music gave them an edge relatively new to the musical world. Not unlike their contemporaries in Nightwish or guitarist Mark Jansen’s previous endeavor with his former band After Forever, Epica had unleashed on the world a sound that was destined to grip the hearts of Metal fans around the world. Not surprisingly the band has amassed quite the fan base on the classical side of things as well, thus inspiring the Classical Conspiracy release (a live symphonic extravaganza complete with orchestra and choir). After an astonishing achievement with their last full length studio release, 2007’s The Divine Conspiracy, the band have returned with their fourth endeavor and what may be their most intrinsically cohesive album to date. I recently had the opportunity to speak with the most beautiful Simone Simons in relation to this fantastic feat, her ongoing health challenges, the bands plans for returning to the states and a breakdown of which songs meaning and how they come to the table with their creative insights.