Epica , led by Simone Simons (vocals) and Mark Jansen (guitar), one of the biggest names in symphonic metal worldwide, is preparing to release its ninth studio album, titled Aspiral . The album will be released on April 11th by Reigning Phoenix Music and features 11 new tracks and a concept inspired by the art of Polish artist Stanisław Szukalski .
The Dutch band celebrates over 20 years of career, totaling more than 400 million streams in their catalog. Recognized for their fusion of orchestral elements, operatic vocals, and heavy riffs, the band is responsible for classics such as "Cry for the Moon" and "Sensorium".
Brazil holds a special place in the band's history—it's the second country where Epica is most listened to in the world. They've already played 35 shows in the country, including their own festival, Epic Metal Fest , held exclusively in Brazil and the Netherlands. In September, the group returns to Brazilian stages with performances in Porto Alegre, Curitiba, Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, and São Paulo. Tickets are already available.
In an exclusive interview with Wikimetal , vocalist Simone Simons shared details about the creative process behind Aspiral , the spiritual inspirations behind the lyrics, her expectations for the upcoming Brazilian tour, and much more.
Check out the full interview:
Release of the new album Aspiral
Wikimetal: It's a great honor to speak with you on behalf of Wikimetal. The new album, Aspiral , will be released this Friday, the 11th. What are your expectations for the release?
Simone: So excited! We're counting down the days. We worked so hard on this album, and it's always a special moment when we can finally share it with the world.
WM: Aspiral has been described as the most spiritual album of the band's career. How did this idea come about and how was it channeled musically and lyrically?
Simone: Each album is like a portrait of the moment we're in—as a band, as people, and as part of the world. We've been with Epica for 23 years and we've been through a lot. Music is like a diary, and we always deal with spiritual and philosophical themes. I believe Aspiral is truly our most spiritual album to date, but that's always been part of the band's essence.
The end of The New Age Dawn
WM: This work concludes The New Age Dawn . What does this narrative represent for you?
Simone: This saga was created by Mark and has been present since our first album. Now, with the ninth album, we have nine parts to the story. It's like a cycle coming to a close. The main idea is the evolution of consciousness in chaotic times. We need to unite, see beyond individualism, and build a better future, especially for new generations.
WM: Do you have a favorite song on this new album?
Simone: It's difficult to choose — it's like choosing between children! But one of my favorites is "The Great Saga of Existence." It concludes the New Age Dawn and perfectly represents what Epica is all about: complexity, orchestral parts, powerful riffs, choir, beautiful melodies… A true journey.
Singles already released
WM: And what about “Arcana ”? It has a very mystical and symbolic atmosphere. How did it take this form?
Simone: It was inspired by a tarot reading I did during a tour with Rob. I found it interesting and felt connected to the cards at that moment in my life. That inspired me to write the lyrics. We even created our own tarot deck, the Epica Aspiral Oracle. The song has this mysterious and melancholic vibe that perfectly matched the theme.
WM: The single “TIME” represents Transformation, Integration, Metamorphosis, and Evolution. Which of these words best represents the band's current moment?
Simone: Evolution. Each album, tour, and collaboration makes us grow. With A Spiral , we wanted to take a new step. We explored new sonic elements without losing Epica's identity. After the EP The Alchemy Project , we felt even more inspired to experiment and evolve.
WM: You also invested in writing camps for this album. How was that experience?
Simone: We did this for the first time on Omega , but it was just one session. On Aspiral , we did three, in isolated locations, with everyone in the band and the producer Joost . Creating together, in the same space, was much more inspiring than exchanging files remotely. The connection was instant, and the process was much more creative.
Epica in Brazil in September
WM: Epica returns to Brazil in September. How is the preparation for this tour going?
Simone: We are very happy to be back. Brazil has incredible fans and a unique energy. We played at Summer Breeze last year , but it was just one show. Now we're back with a full tour, which is wonderful.
WM: Will there be any songs from the new album on the setlist? Is there any song you're especially excited to sing here?
Simone: Absolutely! We're going to promote Aspiral , so lots of new songs will be included.
But we know that fans also love Epica's classics — so it will be a balanced mix of new material and old hits.
WM: Any special return to the setlist like “Storm the Sorrow” was on Summer Breeze? That was a big surprise for me!
Simone: Yes, we're playing with Cristina from Lacuna Coil ! I don't know the final setlist yet.
We start the tour in May in the US and Mexico, then come the summer festivals. From there, we'll adjust the setlist. For sure, when we get to Brazil, we'll have an incredible repertoire that will make many fans happy.
Epica and its connection to Brazil
WM: Any Brazilian city that brings back special memories?
Simone: I love São Paulo, of course, but Curitiba holds a special place in my heart. The place is beautiful, and I have a dear friend who lives there. I'm always happy to go back.
WM: What makes concerts in Brazil different?
Simone: The fans' passion. The energy, the warmth, the enthusiasm… it's something you don't find everywhere. Brazilians are very welcoming and intense — that makes everything more special.
WM: Regarding playing at Summer Breeze Brazil, what was that experience like? It was quite different from a show in a closed club, right?
Simone: I like both — festivals and clubs have their qualities. But Summer Breeze was really special. I was jet-lagged — I arrived the day before, woke up at 3 am on the day of the show! But it was a lot of fun. I loved the atmosphere, the food, the cheese bread… and of course, the caipirinhas!
Now we're back to club shows, which are more intimate. This alternation keeps everything interesting and fun.
The first time in Brazil
WM: Do you remember the first time you came to Brazil?
Simone: Yes, I remember! It was over 15 years ago, and we were greeted by hundreds of fans at the airport. It was surreal. Since then, Brazil has always held a special place in our journey. I can't wait for September!
Solo Career and Epica
WM: Has your solo career brought new inspiration to Epica?
Simone: Without a doubt. I went straight from recording my Vermillion to writing camp . Working with Arjen made me explore new vocal paths, and I brought all of that to Aspiral . I was in a very creative moment, which greatly influenced the album.
WM: To conclude, would you like to leave a message for your Brazilian fans?
Simone: Thank you so much for all the love and support as always! We're so excited to return to Brazil and I hope you love Aspiral as much as we do. See you soon!
READ ALSO: Epica: New album 'Aspiral' arrives in April; listen to new single “Cross the Divide”
