Dutch symphonic rockers EPICA released a video for the song 'This Is The Time' (found below) in early 2010, written for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The track was issued as a digital single on October 15th, 2010. The band issued the following statement with the release:

"The awareness that we should be more careful with the earth, increases every day. We should also try to live in closer harmony with nature. Epica is lyric-wise strongly connected to these themes and would like to devote themselves to this cause for a better world!"

WWF/ Jörgen van Beem commented: "WWF's mission is to stop the degradation of our planet's natural environment, and build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. A planet where people and nature can thrive together, in a stable environment, now, and for generations to come. For more than 40 years, WWF has been at the forefront in protecting the Amazon and are therefore enthusiastic that Epica decided to raise funds for the Brazilian forest programs of WWF, which ensure conservation and sustainable development throughout the world's largest rainforest."

According to an update from the band, Epica has raised 3,400 euros for the WWF and the Cerrado / Brazilian Savanna Project thus far with sales from the single.

Check out the video for 'This Is The Time' below:

Epica's new studio album will be released by Nuclear Blast on the March 9th, 2012. If you want to be the first to hear the new stuff be sure to get tickets to the release party in 013 (NL) on March 16th here."

The band's live schedule is now as follows:

January

12 - Metropool - Hengelo, The Netherlands
13 - Limburgzaal - Heerlen, The Netherlands

March

16 - 013 -Tilburg, The Netherlands

As previously reported, vocalist Simone Simons, who accompanied KAMELOT on their recent North American tour as a special guest, performed the lead vocals for 'Don't You Cry' when the band hit Mexico City. She performed the last verse in Spanish. Check out the footage below.

Simons also performed her trademark role on 'The Haunting' with stand-in vocalist Fabio Lione (RHAPSODY OF FIRE). That footage can also be viewed below: