Amazingly enough, I've once again found myself having been given the opportunity to sit down with one of the most amazing vocalists of today's musical repertoire, not just within the Metal genre itself but the music industry as a whole. Who would have believed that in the 80's heyday of Heavy Metal, the landscape would grow to such extremes as to include the ellements of classical and opera and no one in their wildest dreams ever fathomed that there would be such a demand for classical female vocals in the predominantly male scheme of things. Dutch symphonic Metaller's Epica who boast the alluring talents of frontwoman Simone Simons are a band that has broken all the barriers and their rise to fame continues to grow and evolve with each passing yaear and subsequent album. I spoke with Simone during the bands recently completed U.S. Tour in support of their latest masterpiece Design Your Universe to address plans for the next CD, Simone's long awaited solo project as well as their involvement with the World Wildlife Fund and their video "This is the Time" Check it out.