The name Epica fits perfectly with the music that this Dutch gothic metal formation makes. Grand, ambitious, bombastic and epic is the least you can say about this new project by former After Forever guitarist Mark Jansen. Just like After Forever, Epica combines metal with classical music on The Phantom Agony and you can hear influences from Arabic and film music - it is not without reason that the
… soundtracks of The Lord Of The Rings and Gladiator are regularly mentioned as favorites of the band members. At the center of all this is the mezzo-soprano by singer Simone Simons, which is supported by a choir, a string orchestra and the grunts of Mark Jansen. Although it may take some getting used to for the listener who is not familiar with the genre, Epica has definitely delivered a beautiful CD with The Phantom Agony. (IV)more
