EPICA [the Netherlands] CHINA TOUR

A symphony resounding in our minds
Guides us through what we knew would come all a long

Epica is a Dutch symphonic metal band founded by guitarist and vocalist Mark Jansen subsequent to his departure from After Forever. They are known for their symphonicsound and the use of female vocals and male growls performed by Simone Simons and Mark Jansen, respectively. All six members write the music, but Mark Jansen and Simone Simons write most of the lyrics,which largely deal with philosophical topics, including science, religion, and world events.

Epica performs a blend of progressive metal, gothic metal and symphonic metal. Another component of Epica’s style is power metal; their former guitarist Ad Sluijter having described the band as “a bridge between power metal and gothic metal.Vocalist Simone Simons has expressed a preference for the group to be described as symphonic metal though the founder of the group Mark Jansen notes that they do not mind being called gothic metal.

Epica uses a “trademark of many symphonic and gothic metal bands” in contrasting “two extremes, death grunts and brutality on one side, airy female melodiousness on the other.” Eduardo Rivadavia of Allmusic notes that the band’s “attraction ultimately hinges on exploring the sonic contrasts of light and dark; the punishing intensity of those elephantine guitar riffs and hyperactive drumming cast against the soaring, layered sweetness of the orchestrated strings and keyboards.” Simone Simons delivers operatic vocals in a mezzo-soprano range though she has also been known to sometimes sing “with a clear alto voice that has a flawless tone and a lot of emotion.” Mark Jansen delivers death grunts “that are secondary to Simons’ singing, but very important in terms of balance and variety.” The group is also known to employ human choirs and orchestras with additional embellishments such as spoken word recitals and lyrics in Latin and Arabic.

This sextet is on a constant quest for renewal and that only the best is good enough.

Organizer: Modern Sky, XOUNDFORCE, Guitar China

Execution: DragonShout.net

http://www.guitarchina.com/epica/

Pm 8

Tickets info:

Long Xiao Card / www.milve.me 204RMB (stop at 12pm on March 25th)

Pre-sale 240RMB (stop at 12pm on March 25th)

Door 300RMB

VIP: 680RMB (signed + photo + poster | 50 persons limited)

Tickets online:

Chief web: www.mlive.me