Dutch symphonic metal giants, Epica, have recorded their eighth album at Sandlane Recording Facilities in the Netherlands. In April, Mark Jansen was not able to travel to the Netherlands due to the COVID-19 travel restrictions. So he recorded his vocal parts in his home studio. Meanwhile, in Sandlane Recording Facilities, Coen Janssen and producer Joost van den Broek were supervising the recordings of the backing vocals for Epica #8.

In this episode, you get a behind-the-scenes look at how Mark, the choir, and the backing vocals were recorded.

Previous studio vlogs can be seen below:

Epica have been forced to postpone to their Design Your Universe 10th Anniversary Latin American Tour due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation to December 2021.

As the band will be releasing their new album beginning of 2021, the band will be performing their first Evening With Epica shows with an extended setlist consisting songs from Design Your Universe, their upcoming album and other classics.

Vocalist Simone Simons comments: ”We are all gutted that we have to postpone our shows once more, but there is nothing can do about it, other than to be extra patient. An evening with Epica will make the long wait worthwhile. We simply can't wait to see you all again! Take care and stay safe!' “

Purchased tickets for these shows will stay valid!

The Epic Apocalypse Tour featuring Dutch symphonic titans Epica and Finnish cello masters Apocalyptica, with support by Helsinki prog metallers Wheel, has also been postponed till Spring 2021.

Simone Simons comments: "As we were awaiting our tour with Apocalyptica with great anticipation, we are now forced to have a little bit more patience. This might not come as a surprise, as you have all seen our colleagues in the music business rescheduling their tours as well. We have decided that it is the best thing to do during these uncertain times. We want to give you the best possible experience and value your health deeply. We will be back full force and can't wait to see all your faces again when you hear our new music live for the first time.  Everybody stay strong and be patient, your waiting will be worthwhile."

Resheduled tour dates are as follows:

March
1 - Berlin, Germany - Columbiahalle
2 - Leipzig, Germany - Haus Auensee
3 - Hannover, Germany - Capitol0
5 - Zurich, Switzerland - Komplex
6 - Munich, Germany - Tonhalle
7 - Milan, Italy - Fabrique  
8 - Lausanne, Switzerland - Metropole
10 - Budapest, Hungary - Barba Negra
11 - Vienna, Austria - Gasometer
12 - Brno, Czech Republic - Hala Vodova
13 - Warsaw, Poland - Progresja
14 - Gdansk, Poland - B90
17 - Hamburg, Germany - Docks
18 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Amager Bio
20 - Stockholm, Sweden - Berns
21 - Oslo, Norway - Sentrum

April
1 - Helsinki, Finland - Ice Hall
7 - Lisbon, Portugal - Coliseum
8 - Madrid, Spain - La Riviera
9 - Murcia, Spain - Gamma
11 - Barcelona, Spain - Razzmatazz
12 - Toulouse, France - Bikini
13 - Paris, France - Zenith
14 - Brussel, Belgium - Ancienne Belgique
16 - Nottingham, UK - Rock City *NEW*
17 - Glasgow, UK - O2 Academy
18 - Bristol, UK -  O2 Academy
20 - Cologne, Germany - Carlswerk Victoria
21 - Ludwigsburg, Germany - MHP arena
22 - Wiesbaden, Germany - Schlachthof
24 - Luxembourg - Den Atelier
25 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - AFAS Live
27 - London, UK - Roundhouse
28 - Manchester, UK - Academy