Country of origin: Netherlands Location: Reuver, Limburg Status: Active Formed in: 2003 Genre: Symphonic Metal Themes: Religion, Society, Politics, Philosophy, Spirituality Current label: Reigning Phoenix Music Years active: 2002-2003 (as Sahara Dust), 2003-present Formed as Sahara Dust by Mark Jansen after his departure from After Forever in 2002. Epica is named after the 2003 Kamelot album. The bands have a close relationship and Mark Jansen and Simone Simons have made various guest appearances at Kamelot gigs. Simone also performed guest vocals on Kamelot's albums "The Black Halo," "Ghost Opera," and "Poetry for the Poisoned". Roy Khan, the ex-lead singer of Kamelot, also did vocals for Epica on the song "Trois Vierges". During 2007, the band used Ariën Van Weesenbeek and Koen Herfst as alternating live drummers. Van Weesenbeek also played drums on "The Divine Conspiracy" as a session musician. On December 3rd, 2007, the band announced that Van Weesenbeek had joined the band as a full-time member. Amanda Somerville (Aina, Avantasia) filled in for Simone Simons on tour in 2008 while she received treatment for MRSA. Epica是来自荷兰的一支女声交响金属乐队。由前After Forever的吉他手Mark Jansen所成立。气势恢弘的演奏、女声厚实的古典唱腔、庞大的唱诗班气势与力量并重的交响效果以及在古典唱腔中穿插的死腔仿佛有如天使与恶魔之间的对话都够成了一副副壮丽的景象，在深深的聆听的过程中，思绪万千。