EPICA
A Hammer tour and new music awaits
Another band heading up a Hammer tour this year – supported by Texan progressive metallers Oceans Of Slumber and underground sensation Myrkur, no fucking less – Epica will be bringing their brand of synthy spectacle to our shores in style, and will be making the most of taking a step up to some big venues. Expect big, bombastic songs from across their back catalogue, a bigger show than we’ve ever seen from them in the UK and a few extra surprises thrown in to boot.
“We’re looking forward to this very much. Back in the day, we had to work hard to make it work for us in the UK, but now we have a solid fanbase there,” says guitarist Mark Jansen of the band’s steady road to greatness on our isle. “That’s a great feeling. All the hard work is paying off now and the UK has turned from a difficult territory into a paradise for us to play!”
And of those epic-looking shows themselves, the axeman adds: “We haven’t put the setlist together yet, but we always try to play different sets during a tour for the people that visit more than one show. Additionally, we invest a lot in our production in order to give the people a great visual and aural experience. We’ll also be going to Ireland for the very first time – something we are very excited about! Besides that, most people know that we are an energetic band onstage, but for those who don’t know yet, come see us – you won’t be disappointed. We always go for it and put 100% into each show.”
When it comes to Epica’s rather stellar tourmates for this Hammer-approved jaunt, Mark admits that he’s yet to see Oceans Of Slumber or Myrkur in all their glory, but thanks to some insider knowledge, he’s confident that all three bands will come together to bring a show no one will be forgetting any time soon.
“Rob [Van Der Loo, bass] knows their music very well and he’s enthusiastic about them, so I trust him on this one,” he grins.
“I am also curious to see them both live and see how it sounds. I plan to set some time aside to check out both bands properly!”
Believe us (and Rob) when we say that Mark, and anyone else coming to these shows, will not be disappointed. And as for the rest of their year, Epica will be pretty damn busy, with a special, unique project coming in the first half of the year that will fascinate fans of a certain iconic Japanese franchise.
“Also in 2018, we are releasing an EP for [monster comic/anime] Attack On Titan.
A Japanese anime score! That was a lot of fun to work on. In December we also recorded a song with the famous Dutch Metropole Orchestra, which we are releasing as a single. Plus, directly after our UK and Ireland tour, on April 14, we will celebrate our 1,000th show with a show in Tilburg, in The Netherlands!”
Put short, 2018 is going to be a landmark year for Epica. Make sure you’re a part of it when those Hammer-sponsored shows roll through town in April.
“THE UK IS NOW PARADISE TO PLAY”
MARK JANSEN IS THRILLED AT THE TURNAROUND