Epica is a Dutch symphonic metal band from Reuver in Limburg. Guitarist and growler Mark Jansen formed it in 2002 after leaving After Forever, and Simone Simons took over the lead vocals soon after the start. The sound pairs her soprano with Jansen's death growls, orchestral arrangements and choirs, and over the years it has taken in progressive, thrash and folk elements. The band later moved to Nuclear Blast and then Atomic Fire. Epica won the Dutch Music Export Award in 2015, organises its own festival, Epic Metal Fest, and released its ninth album, Aspiral, in April 2025.
SIMONE SIMONS and EPICA curate the Friday of South of HEAVEN Festival in Maastricht on 4 June 2027, with LACUNA COIL and AD INFINITUM first on the bill.
