It’s been nearly a year since Dutch female fronted band Epica have graced our presence here in the U.S. and more than two years for vocalist Simone Simons who was forced to sit out the bands last U.S. trek due to extreme illness. Needless to say, the anticipation level of fans, myself included was at an all time high for this evenings festivities. Taking to the stage of the luxurious HOB Sunset in Hollywood CA on February 18 signaled their imminent return to American soil and found the band touring this time around in support of their latest opus, Design Your Universe which was released in November of last year. In addition it marked the debut of Epica’s first headlining stint of the states. Unfortunately the band was once again incomplete as keyboardist Coen Janssen could not make the tour for reasons dubbed “personal”. Filling in for him was Kamelot keysman Oliver Palotai who also happens to be Simone’s boyfriend.     

Not surprising in the least was the stellar presentation generated this night. The live experience of  Epica has always wielded so much more power than just merely listening to their CD’s (which can’t be said for a number of their contemporaries) and given their penchant for being over achievers, this event was exactly the jaw dropping spectacle we all expected it to be. From start to finish the bands elegant and sophisticated style was in full bloom, frontwoman Simone Simons has never sounded better and her devastating beauty only served to accent the bands finesse. Equally destructive were guitarist/vocalist Mark Jansen’s guttural vocal blasts and chunky guitar riffs. From the intro music of “Samadhi” to the first punch in your face chords of “Resign to Surrender” it was evident that we in for one helluva performance. Fan favorites played throughout the evening included “The Obsessive Devotion”, “Consign To Obivian”, “The Imperial March”, and “Design Your Universe”, but their most astonishing feat came by way of the intensely emotional ballad “Tides of Time”

Truly worth the wait and what a great time spent, I would have to put this down as one of the best live performances I’ve ever attended and truth be told it just wasn’t enough. I wholeheartedly look forward to the band doing a second leg in the coming future. It would be nice to see them land on a big U.S. festival as the talent that has been showcased in recent jaunts of the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Tour and Ozzfest have all been lacking to say the least. Here’s to hoping for the future and to the increased success of one of Metal’s most awe inspiring contributors. Epica – majesty enthroned.

-Priest