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In early 2002, Mark Jansen left After Forever due to creative differences. He then began looking for musicians who would work towards a more classical/symphonic type of music project; this was initially named "Sahara Dust"[1]. In late 2002, the band courted Helena Michaelsen[1] (from Trail of Tears) as its frontwoman, but shortly after she was replaced by the then unknown mezzo-soprano Simone Simons, who was Jansen's girlfriend at the time. The band's line-up was completed by guitarist Ad Sluijter, drummer Jeroen Simons, bassist Yves Huts, and keyboard player Coen Janssen. The name was later changed to Epica, inspired by Kamelot's eponymous album.

Epica then assembled a choir (made up of two men and four women) and a string orchestra (three violins, two violas, two cellos and an upright bass) to play along with them. Still under the name Sahara Dust, they produced a two-song demo entitled Cry for the Moon in 2002. As a result, they were signed to Transmission Records.

Six years later we have the fourth studio release from the band. Design Your Universe, the new studio album from Holland's symphonic
metal band EPICA, has debuted on the Billboard Heatseekers chart at #12
and the Top Hard Music Albums chart at #47 for first-week sales in
excess of 2,000 copies.

In this exclusive interview Mark Jansen talks about all things Epica.

Plus, we announce our new sponsor Grim Days! Listen to the podcast for a coupon code to get some Grim Days clothing under the tree this Christmas!