Classical Composer Reacts to EPICA: Design Your Universe | The Daily Doug (Episode 643) 

On the rare occasion you have a symphonic orchestra at your disposal, you better use it well. And Epica did.

YEEEES I think I first requested this 2 years ago and since then I have requested it both in chat and comments multiple times. Finally the day is here!

The key to understanding Epica’s lyrics: consider Simone, Mark, and The Choir as three different points of view. This will get you through 80% of their catalogue.

I'm normally not a fan of growls either, but the contrast between the voices as well as the musical styles makes Epica so good!

one of my fave bands of the last 20 years. This show is extra special with orchestra / choir - not always able to do that.

Yves Huts had left the band by then - that's Rob van der Loo on Bass. But what a track!! Wonderful! So glad you liked it. More Epica please!

Dude about 25 EPICA songs like this you have a lot of work !!!

I love when people who understand what they're hearing react to more advanced metal like Epica. Well done! As for the Cookie Monster vocals, just think of them the same as putting some distortion on a guitar to give it more character. More of a suitably savage and impassioned character, as if a monster winter storm was struggling to speak you. It wouldn't be right for it to speak in a meek and mild Mister Rogers voice, now would it! Well, there y' go! Metal is well served by some vocals delivered with a distinctively savage and monstrous character, and in this case contrasted with the clarity of Simone's lovely cleans. Beauty and the beast. It works.

Thanks Dr. Doug, that was worth the wait!

I love the contrast between the different vocal styles

One of the best Symphonic Metal songs of all! 🤘🤘

Highlights from this(very strong) album besides this song, Kingdom of heaven, Tides of Time, Burn to a Cinder, Unleashed! But the whole album is great, and be sure to check the acustic versions included with this Gold Edition, they are entirely new compositions aside from the metal version and Simone shines with all her glory vocally. And thank you to Jim(I think) who got this reacted to!

So happy Doug is reviewing Epica. This is one of my favorites songs

Great to see a pro reacting to a wonderful piece of art! If you like the concept of this album, check out its greatest highlight and one of Epica’s most epic masterpieces - Epica - Kingdom of Heaven part 1

Great video. I had the chance to see Epica live last Fall and they absolutely blew me away. I was already a fan, but I came away 10x the fan after that show.

Sancta Terra was second last track of the main set. design Your Universe was the next and final track of the main set so you have actually done consecutive tracks!

Interesting tidbit of info about the Latin: they regularly are helped in that department by Gjalt Lucassen. I believe he translates the English words (or maybe even Dutch) to Latin. And yes, Gjalt is Arjen Lucassen’s (Ayreon) brother.

Hi Doug, here is a recent live performance from earlier this year, absolutely stunning, no harsh vocals in this one, just Simone's incredibly beautiful voice 🙃 EPICA - Unleashed (Live At The AFAS Live)

Doug Epica is often far heavier and more complex music than the more “poppish” Nightwish, often even to some deathcore. You have not heard heavy from them yet. Harsh vocals is the identifier of metal from rock. Mark does it well and I love the interplay of so-called “beauty and the beast” back and forth between Simone and Mark it is a great synergy it just works damn well. If you ever become a metalhead you will really appreciate it. Also Epica and their grander walls of sound and more complex music and their name is well placed fairly often performs with orchestra and choirs as does within temptation for some reason Nightwish never does but their music is a bit more simple than Epica or within temptation. I am thankful for within temptation and Nightwish and visions of Atlantis symphonic metal bands for being my gateway to graduating up to Epica!!

I didn't like growling vocals for most of my life, since they started to make his way in metal way back in the 80s. But a couple of years ago, I discovered the band Amon Amarth, and somehow it clicked. Now I enjoy a good growl here and there in my playlists. Epica's last album Omega, its great.

This song is like a "Perfect Storm"!!! It starts nice and sunny like a morning sunrise, and then the storm clouds are starting to appear.....and BOOOM, instant chaos and mayhem ❤, there are some little breaks in that storm, but yeah...this songs message is what people need, like as the title of this song says : "Design Your Universe"!!! NWSU/FloorFan/Ayreonaut/Epican 🤘😎🤘.

It was a pleasure to be at the concert back then and I can't wait to see them again with full orchestra next September in Amsterdam!

Epica employ what's called "beauty and beast" vocals. Simone is the beauty and Mark is the beast.

Great reaction! I love this album so much. I think the point of Mark’s vocals is that it creates a kind of chaotic balance between him and Simone. It’s balance that comes from the opposite ends of a spectrum - a perfect duality.

Doug, you should definitely react to much more Epica! If you want a song without any harsh vocals then Unleashed (Live at the AFAS Live) from this same album. Beautiful song, beautiful melody and Simone sounds better than ever! The performance is from this year, so you will see and hear the latest Epica, though the song is old.

wish you and all goodwill people more Epica excellence ...

When I first started listening to Epica 20 years ago I really did not get into Marks growls, but over the years they have grown on me and I have grown to enjoy them as a great dark/dirty opposition to Simones more heavenly tones. They really do make the "beauty and the beast" aspect of the band come to life. Highly recommend Kingdom of Heaven pt 3 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-OV7KcV0VZmw.html (some growls) Unleashed ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-OV7KcV0VZmw.html (no growls) Once Upon A Nightmare ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oseRJV0iEJs.html (no growls)

Mark Jansen lives in a small town near my city, in Sicily. He is a great man and musician!

great reaction ....

in this song you can hear a real piece of music, this distinguishes it from many others

I think you might appreciate their song "The Holographic Principle", title track of their 7th studio album. For that song, I would recommend the following lyrics video ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-CYlQJ_t2iks.htmlsi=9wXPq-88uUX6y2sT

I Discovered EPICA back in 2009 They ate one of my all time favorite Symphonic Metal Bands. Great Reaction❤❤❤

Doug, think of the harsh vocals as point, counter point in design, the dichotomy gives strength in its difference. It took me a while to digest them too.

Marks Masters degree in psycology has clearly helped him write some very deep lyrics. Simone also writes amazing lyrics.

It's still one of my most memorable concerts i've visited. Listen also there omega live show from the corona period. Like skeleton key and abyss of time

you should listen Once Upon A Nightmare from Epica

Another great, informed and informative reaction This band will always be one of my favorites because of songs like this one, I'm glad you got back to it and you liked it so much - despite the harsh vocals, which I'm also not a huge fan but in this band I came to actually enjoy because they use them well. This album is actually my favorite from them Another song you can use from it is Unleashed which also has a live Retrospect version

My favorot band❤ i love their lyrics its deep and has a meaning. Ill see them in 2024 again🎉

Epica carries on the traditions of prog metal within their music and lyrics. I would highly recommend Kingdom of Heaven, parts 1 and 3 performed at the Omega Alive virtual concert. Some of the best music I've ever heard.

Epica - the best gothic/symphonic band.

I'm like that you are reading the lyrics as it goes. And of course, explaining composition. I am learning for your videos. Thank you! ✌️

Dude! You seriously need to listen to Ayreon's Electric Castle Live! Simone and many other awesome singers are in it!!! Also from my own experience: You REALLY can get used to these harsh vocals! It takes a while. It worked for me with listening to Arch Enemy and Jinjer. Both have female singers...

I actually attended this very concert. It was an amazing, impressive and enriching experience!

I recommend Epica’s “Sirens of Blood and Water” with guest vocals by Myrcur and Charlotte Wessels. Myrcur and Delain (Charlotte’s former band) are also worth a listen.

U are such an wonderful human being when u speak about people around the world, I got hit, u dont know me - u hit me with you´re amazing knowledge and words. Words that every human can take to heart and better themselves. All humans have a lotta room for improvment and better oneself, to better the people around you.

Abyss of Time ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-sTbk3SfUq9Q.html Beyond the Matrix ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ix_PpfputKY.html Rivers ft Apocalyptica ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-7imPLmvLyQA.html Are in heavy rotation on my playlist, I hope you will enjoy them too.

Simone is such an amazing singer!

Yeeeessssssssss doug, I knew you'd love epica. Pleeeeeeease react to Kingdom of Heavens, it's from the same album. But also must react to Cry for the Moon, that's from their first album and it is THE entry Epica song. But you should check out an old live performance, on the first album Simone was singing more operatic, from the second album onwards she started using her voice differently to mix a pop/rock feel with opera. So it's very interesting for you to see the difference

haleluia...finally

I have visited quite a few Epica concerts, this one is still one of the most impressive ones. You might want to check out "Beyond the Matrix" at AFAS when looking in to empowering songs.

This whole show is really great. The next studio album they put out was “The Quantum Enigma.” It’s a fantastic release & probably also worth an extended listening session. Some great material on it.

Please do more Epica !

more epica please.

As is the case with all amazing bands, there is plenty of great music to choose from. Epica is no different and just celebrated their 20th anniversary as a band. With Epica you'll have plenty of songs and themes to choose from.

🐕love epica

You should also check from that concert the renditions of Unleashed and Phantom agony. Both amazing

You only did one Epica reaction before this one? Then there are still so many great songs to check out! Like 'Consign to Oblivion' and 'Kingdom of Heaven'. Even for people not being into the death growls, it is very enjoyable. Probably because the growls are not too dominant, only when needed. To create contrast.

Thumbs up for that Giger poster behind you! :)

I love Epica! While I am not a fan of harsh vocals, I appreciate Epica's smart, strategic, and thougthful way of using them. Another band's use of harsh vocals I appreciate is Amaranthe, along with their ability to showcase how fun metal can be. Since you have not reacted to them, here's the deal, the band is a mix of metal, pop, and dance, and there are 3 vocalists, Elyse Ryd - clean pop vocals, Nils Nolan - clean hard rock vocals, and Mikael Sehlin - harsh metal vocals. Their latest CD is The Catalyst, and one of the latest additions of fan favorites is Damnation Flame, (all 3 singers), and another is Outer Dimensions (just Elyse and Nils singing). Hope you check them out, and like them.

thanks Doug for you very tenacious analysis. i am so glad that the real musical person is so amused by symphonic metal.🤟

EPICA is beautiful METAL 🤘 unlike the music of the 80’s the hair metal 🤘 it’s a cut above WOW !!!! Every song has a meaning 😊

DUDE EPICA OMEGA CD 💿 WILL BLOW YOUR MIND 🤯!!!!! Check it out !!!!

Tides of time is my first funeral song, one of the best songs ever,from my favourite album.

Great analisis , u should do The Phantom Agony

I'm glad ur on this Epica journey... I recommend Kingdom of Heaven part 3... it's by far one of there best songs

“It’s epic… It’s EPICA.” Nice to see you head banging to my favourite band, Doug. I particularly enjoy their performance of Consign to Oblivion at The Paradiso with Jan-Chris de Koeije whose vocals are much deeper than Mark Jansen’s.

🤘😎🤘

You should check out Therion's "Live Gothic" and choose a song from it. They, as a live band, are one of the best symphonic Scandinavian bands out there.

yayyy Epica 🥰🎶 IMO studio tracks should be listened to first to have a base to go off of

An amazing song, by an incredible band. I prefer when you review the studio version of songs, because a lot can be lost in a live setting. Thanks for reviewing this fantastic, epic song.

The whole album is worth a listen!

Doug, for Metal Monday I recommend "Divine Fury" by the band Silver Talon. They only have one album out and are the best power metal to come along in years, IMO.

Great reaction again Doug, as allways, and you know what? I used to be like you, not a big fan of the harsh vocals, but i discovered you can't ignore great bands like epica, opeth, and many others great bands like that because of the harsh vocals, and i learned to appreciate them now. They kinda grow on you. It's a skill like any other vocal skill to me now..

Thank you!

The guitarist isnt called Mark Jansen, but ‘Mark Jansen (not related)’. Thats what everyone seems to call him here on youtube.

I always imagine.. human being doesn't create itself, so as beings we need to seek the source of creation, which is God. In that matter, I think that once one believe in God (the creator), it is also presumed that God will take control of that person's life. Also I believe in biblical God, and I think that a sincere prayer like 'God, let me known if you really love me' is necessary, so human can prove the depths of Creator's love and guidance.

I am an Atheist, the thoughts of bands like Epica do speak to me. I grew up around Catholics and certainly dont hate that. But I find so much beauty in the world without religion. This sort of music speaks to me, not only because of its content, but also because it speaks to my own "faith". But, I would never use this music to speak down to those who are religious.

Have you all ready reacted to Ayreon with the song Valley of the Queens? You are gonna love it.

Epica 2nd only to Nightwish for this sort of stuff, Within Temptation close behind.

Growls are some of the best parts

Completely agree regarding the grunting vocals, several genres of otherwise great music ruined by the lack of a vocalist that can actually sing. Overall a really great song that's gone straight onto the playlist.

I am BEGGING you PLEASE react to The Orchestral Medley and The Divine Conspiracy from the same show and tell us all about it! PLEASE!!!!

Merci !

You have to react to their Kingdom of heaven part 3!!!

The timing 4:43 😂

If you enjoyed this I highly recommend Magic of a Wizards Dream by Rhapsody of Fire featuring Sir Christopher Lee!

Beginning reminds me partly of "Tristram" from Diablo soundtrack. That's a piece I'd like to see a reaction to btw

Maybe some early Within Temptation sometime

Sometime you should try the three part of Kingdom of Heaven.

Listen to consign to oblivion

Epica has developed so much in recent years and they are still climbing. I love this band. They are so much fun to watch live.

i dont know about yall but this gave me a very Spanish flamenco vibe in the beginning.

Ipsum te reperies in yourself will discover Potire mundorum the power of the worlds Potire omnis mundi the power of all the world.

You'll get used to the cookie monster stuff eventually. Lamb of God was the gateway for me.

Her name is actually pronounced Simone (pronounced See-moh-nah) Simons (as in, sigh-mons)

Doug, you need to appreciate harsh vocals, -

Sounds like nightwish. I don’t care for the Cookie Monster vocals either but love the music.

Do this group have any tracks without the death metal vocals?

Hi Doug i was wondering if you could listen and give your thoughts on lady fantasy by camel, love your content keep it up

Not a great fan of the growl vocals, but overall Epica is good. I currently own two albums, Devine Conspiracy and Omega, and thinking about a third the Collaboration album released last year.