• Gothic Metal

Continuing in a by now popular tradition of female fronted Gothic Metal bands from the Low Countries, EPICA was conceived in Limburg, Holland by former AFTER FOREVER guitarist Mark Jansen. Second guitarist Ad Sluijter was previously a member of CASSIOPEIA and also has AFTER FOREVER connections, as does keyboard player Coen Janssen. Drummer Jeroen Simons too is ex-CASSIOPEIA whilst bassist Yves Huts (a.k.a. 'Enuresor') has a tradition with AXAMENTA and Black Metal band GURTHANG. EPICA is led by the mezzo-soprano classically trained Opera singer Simone Simons.

For a short period this new formation went by the title SAHARA DUST, including former TRAIL OF TEARS vocalist Helena Iren Michaelsen and drummer Iwan Hendrikx of SILENT EDGE and EXIVIOUS. Ex-WITHIN TEMPTATION and current SUN CAGED drummer Dennis Leeflang would step into the breech. In this guise the band cut the December 2002 two song demo 'Cry For The Moon'. However, with the enrolment of Simone Simon, and Jeroen Simons the group adopted the EPICA banner, in homage to KAMELOT, in 2003. Meantime, Michaelson duly founded IMPERIA...