After three long years, Epica have returned to Australian shores to offer up an Enigma. After the symphonic metal band’s performance at 170 Russel, the answer to the conundrum was clear: Epica are spectacular. Eager fans of all ages flocked to the venue, quickly filling it up.
With the task of warming the crown up, Voyager soon took to the stage. Hailing from the far away land of Perth, Western Australia, this progressive metal band unleashed a torrent of melodic riffs. With lighting that often cast them into silhouettes and Daniel Estrin’s crystal clear vocals, the band created an otherworldly atmosphere that blended perfectly with the prog they were dishing out. Imbued with intense and infectious energy, the band debuted their new single “Misery is only Company” along with a jaw dropping rendition of the internet classic “Sandstorm” by Darude.
By the time Epica arrived on stage, the crowd was bursting with excitement. Starting their 80 minute set with the first few tracks from their stellar album, The Quantum Enigma, the band had the venue enthralled. The venue lighting was spectacular; Simone Simons looked utterly angelic in the spotlight.
Click to see the full gallery by Mary Boukouvalas.The band played a lot of their newer songs, with tracks like “Unchain Utopia” and “The Essence of Silence” making up the bulk of the performance. Their classics were not neglected however, as “Cry for the Moon” had the entire audience following along with the ethereal anthem.
Keen to impress the European visitors, a bout of true blue patriotism erupted from the Melbourne crowd, as the crowd began to chant, “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi!” Coen Janssen began to play along with his portable keyboard, showcasing the band’s playfulness and interaction with the fans. Ariën Van Weesenbeek’s intense drum solo left the crowd in awe as he energetically blasted away. It took a while for a mosh pit to begin to form, as the crowd was intent on capturing the bewitching performance in front of them.
Epica have given their Australian fans an exceptional performance, leaving them wanting more. Luckily, the agonising wait for their next down under tour will be punctuated by the band’s upcoming album that is set to release later this year.
