In the studio with EPICA.
The Dutch symphonic metallers are one of many bands having to record in isolation. It won’t stop them, though IN THE MIDST
of a global crisis and uncertain times that we can’t put into words, it seems fitting that symphonic metal maestros Epica are heading back into the studio to record their mindmelting eighth album. After their last studio venture, which spawned an epic three albums’ worth of content that became The Holographic Principle, we asked leading lady Simone Simons if they’ve given themselves less of a challenge this time, and just how recording works around self-isolation.
How are you and Epica doing?
“A lot has changed. We’ve toured so much and we were all at the brink of exhaustion because of it, so we were in need of a little break and that’s why this record took a little longer. Normally we tour, we write the record and then we tour again and then the record comes out; we’re always on tour or writing a record. This time, we had an unofficial sabbatical of approximately one year from touring and did other things like writing and releasing our book, The Essence Of Epica, we did Epica vs Attack On Titan Songs (our Japanese anime covers EP) and The Solace System, which we recorded during Holographic Principle. Now the new album’s almost ready, we have the tour planned, we have something really great to release out into the world… and we don’t know what’s going to happen. We’re all so ready to continue the Epica journey and now things are so uncertain, it’s kinda heartbreaking.”
How much has that time off helped you?
“I really needed a break from everything because the touring was getting too much for me; I missed my family. I wasn’t sure if I still liked being in a band because it was a lovehate relationship that was going more into the hate direction, so I wanted to find the love I have for music again. Being in the studio isn’t my favourite part of being in a band because I love touring and seeing places so my office isn’t the same every day. I like the variation and after just a couple of days in the studio, I’m restless. I love all the pieces of the puzzle coming together, though, experiencing the journey from the demo versions, seeing songs grow.”
How complete is album number eight? “We’re at 80%, I’m the last one to enter the studio. I should’ve been done by now but I couldn’t travel to the studio in the Netherlands because we’re in isolation, so we tried out different solutions for me to record. In the end, we decided to go to a studio close to my house and our producer, Joost van den Broek, will be present via the ipad to listen to the recordings and talk to me as we’re not allowed too many people together. It’s just me and the person recording my vocals in different rooms. It’s weird!”
What’s the big idea behind the new record? What’s changed since Holographic?
“The big line for this album is about balance – the yin and yang of life, the world and our private lives. It’s very philosophical and this might be our most spiritual album to date, less scientific than the last two when it comes to the lyrics. This album definitely has a more mature sound to it, I find it very refreshing. With each album, we try to add a couple of small new elements while staying true to the Epica sound and I think we’ve succeeded with this album again.”
How’s the new artwork looking so far? “We have a couple of options colourwise, so all six of us are arguing over which is the best one. Stefan Heilemann is the artwork designer again – we have worked with him since Classical Conspiracy and he’s a good friend of mine… he lives close by but unfortunately we can’t see each other as everybody’s in isolation at the moment. He’s working on it and we’re trying to incorporate spirituality and balance into the typical Epica style, we’re very happy with where we’re at now but it’s still a work in progress.”
THE NEW EPICA ALBUM IS EXPECTED TO LAND LATER THIS YEAR VIA NUCLEAR BLAST