epica live

I count myself as one of the many that were saddened at the demise of After Forever back in 2009, and likewise was keen to find out what would follow on in thier wake. When I found out that vocalist Floor Jansen's new band ReVamp were to support Epica on the UK leg of their Design Your Universe global trek, naturally I jumped at the chance to see this astonishingly gifted vocalist in a fresh scenario, having initially been impressed by the general vibe of theirr self titled debut. Despite the billing, this tour struck me as more of a double headliner, with a joint pedigree that boasted among the finest of the so called 'female fronted' metal genre. A win- win situation, then!

For me though, this evening ReVamp had the edge over Epica, for several reasons... for one - there was a hunger and fire in the performance that comes from a band that is brand new and has something to prove - and i found as their set progressed, just how much their material benefitted from a live setting. I was also impressed by how quickly this band appear to have gelled as a live unit. They didn't just look or sound like a named singer and her backing band; and they didn't rely on past glories either - there was no After Forever material aired tonight - and believe me, they didn't need to. From the aggressive bombast of opener Here's My Hell onwards, we were treated to a righteous spectacle of intent, showcasing perfectly in each song the remarkable and ever surprisingly versatile talents of the aformentioned Ms Jansen, whether it be gentle and melodic, as seen in the instantly memorable ballad Sweet Curse, the straight ahead metal stomp of Million, or even more surprisingly - the melo-death delivery of Disdain, which had our Floor growling in a fashion that would give the Angela Gossow's of this world a run for thier money. Each song was greeted by increasingly more entusiastic cheers, and by set closers Head Up High and Digcraced, the audience assembled here were eating out of Revamp's hands. I expect when they return to these shores, it will be as headliners.

After a surprisingly short changover period, it was Epica's turn to wow us with thier flamboyant histrionics. I've always liked Epica - they have become very adept at balancing the fine line between the sublime and the rediculous without falling from the tightrope - and the ecstatic reaction that greets them illustrates perfectly how far they've come in the popularity stakes. They are a headliner in every sense of the word - but I can't help but think that the quality of thier support act may have taken something away from their performance tonight.

However, the performance is drumskin tight , and sounds amazing. Opener 'esign to Surrender sounds paricularly potent, and truly shows how heavy this band can be. A great start, which is maintained for the most part, mixing older material such as Sensorium with newer ones such as the furious Martyr of the Free World all lapped up enthusiastically by the Nottingham hordes.

Cry for the Moon has the entire place singing word for word, and the atmosphere is fantastic. Unfortunately, I felt they dropped the ball when it came to The Imperial March (of Star wars fame) which I thought was a little too self indulgent, considering the wealth of material they have crafted thus far. However, Epi-classics such as Mother of Light restored the momentum admirably, and vocalist Simone Simons is singing beautifully; a great foil for Mark Jansen's feral screeches. Upon the arrival of set closers Obsessive Devotion and Kingdom of Heaven it becomes clear from the audience reaction that Epica are fast becoming leaders of their sub genre. I would agree wholeheartedly if it wasn't for ReVamp matching their firepower so fervently this evening. I guess time will tell.

by Rod Boston