I actually heard about Epica almost by accident when I first heard their music and have been a staunch supporter since that time. When the band did their first ever US headlining tour we made sure to document the gig and also sit down and talk about their music, life in the band and dramatic membership changes with lead guitarist/founder Mark Jansen. We found some space right off the West Side Highway on the warm summer day and started chatting. To see the entire transcribed conversation just click their logo below to be taken to our item on the main PiercingMetal.com site.

Coverage of this particular show can be found on the main PiercingMetal.com site as well, and the amazing photos of Unexpect, The Agonist, Visions Of Atlantis and Epica were all done by Peter Parrella.  Make sure you check that out as well, we’d love you to do so.

http://www.piercingmetal.com/concert_epica_090907.htm

The headliner for the show that I was attending might have been Kamelot, which is exciting news for any self-respecting Power Metal fan who knows their stuff, but the other major attraction would be the fact that providing direct support would be Epica from Holland. I learned about this band quite by accident and became an instant fan. Before they took the stage, I was able to secure some time with lead singer Simone Simons and founding guitarist Mark Jansen. Click the band logo below to be taken to our full conversation on the main PiercingMetal.com site.

Here’s a photo of Simone and Mark who were both very excited to be performing in NYC for the first time tonight.  They were each overwhelmed by the massive vibe of the Big Apple.  Who can blame them.  It’s daunting.

Epica's Simone Simons & Mark Jansen @ B.B. King's

The bands albums are all imports and a little difficult to find based on this depending on where you are located in the world.  Of course they are worth searching for so get those eyes working. Should you be interested in reading our coverage of their releases and concert performances as well you can click HERE to bring up a list of that which we have done for the website so far.

If you are a fan of knock ‘em down Progressive Metal then you must give Symphony X some props. They always deliver and tonight’s show would find both Into Eternity and Epica opening up. As a fan of all three bands I could not resist being at this venue so soon after being here (as Ace Frehley was last night). To read and see more, click the logo below to be brought to our article on the main PiercingMetal.com site.

Epica are one of the most musically exciting bands in the Symphonic Operatic Metal genre and tonight would be their first headlining NYC appearance. The show at the Highline Ballroom would deliver the band with openers Visions Of Atlantis, Unexpect and The Agonist for a very well-stocked night of music. To see our words and images from this killer gig just click the logo to see the article on the main PiercingMetal.com site.

Tonight would be the second time that Kamelot paid a visit to NYC and I am just amazed at how they deliver the Metal. They would also bring with them Epica who I had been wanting to see in these parts since I first heard them. Check out the report by clicking the logo below as it will take you to our article on the main PiercingMetal.com site.

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