Epica are a symphonic metal band based in the Netherlands. Bringing influences from Arabic, Chinese and Celtic folk music, they offer a progressive take on their genre. Founded by rock veteran Mark Jansen, the band’s use of orchestra and choir, against dark and groovy thrash riffs, truly separate Epica from other metal groups. Their lyrical content is socio-political and thought-provoking, which contrasts greatly to the fantastical styles of their peers.
Epica’s success has been growing ever since the release of their first studio album in 2003, The Phantom Agony. Their second album, Consign to Oblivion, reached No. 12 in the Dutch charts, which was then topped in 2007 with The Divine Conspiracy, peaking at No. 9. Their fourth studio album Design Your Universe helped place them at No. 8 in the Dutch Album Charts and gained much critical acclaim on the continent. By 2012, Requiem for the Indifferent garnered international success, reaching 104th in the US Billboard 200 and No. 172 in Japan’s Oricon Albums Chart.
In 2015, Epica was recognised as the most internationally successful Dutch act from the previous year and awarded a Music Export Award. Following on from the group’s seventh record, The Holographic Principle, their success continues to grow exponentially.