Vocalist Simone Simons of Dutch symphonic metal band Epica is featured in a new 2-part video interview with FaceCulture.

In Part 1, Simone discusses her first ever gig, confidence, support from her parents, being a mother herself, women in metal, The Quantum Enigma, going into detail, orchestration, and Universal Death Squad.

In Part 2, she talks about a democratic process, heavy guitars, A Phantasmic Parade, technology, a surrealistic profession, and the band’s new album, The Holographic Principle.

Epic is set to unleash their new record, The Holographic Principle, this Friday (September 30th). To celebrate this special day, the band will be available to answer the fans' questions via Facebook Live.

Schedule as follows:

Coen: 2:30 - 3:30 PM, EST
Simone: 3:30 - 4:30 PM, EST
Mark: 4:30 - 5:30 PM, EST

Fans that pre-order The Holographic Principle now on iTunes will receive instant downloads of three brand new songs: "A Phantasmic Parade", "Universal Death Squad" and "Edge Of The Blade". Go to this location to pre-order.

The Holographic Principle was produced with Joost van der Broek at Sandlane Recording Facilities. Mixing was handled by Jacob Hansen (Volbeat, Destruction). The cover artwork for the new album was created by Stefan Heilemann.

Tracklisting:

“Eidola”
“Edge Of The Blade”
“A Phantasmic Parade”
“Universal Death Squad”
“Divide And Conquer”
“Beyond The Matrix”
“Once Upon A Nightmare”
“The Cosmic Algorithm”
“Ascension - Dream State Armageddon”
“Dancing In A Hurricane”
“Tear Down Your Walls”
“The Holographic Principle - A Profound Understanding Of Reality”

“Edge Of The Blade” video ;

“Universal Death Squad” lyric video:

To celebrate the release of Epica’s brand-new record fittingly, the band will be playing on their own Epic Metal Fest at the 013 in Tilburg, Netherlands on Saturday, October 1st. They invited Katatonia, their label mates Fleshgod Apocalypse and (also landsmen) Textures to take part in this special event.

Additionally, Stream Of Passion, The Agonist, Mayan, Myrath, Evil Invaders and last but not least Off The Cross will be attending Epica’s release show. On Saturday, October 15th the Brazilian edition of Epic Metal Fest will take place in Sao Paulo. Paradise Lost, Finntroll, Xandria and The Ocean will join Epica for this first edition. More info and tickets at this location.

Epica will return this fall for the North American Principle Tour in support of The Holographic Principle. Epica will be joined on this trek by Italian symphonic death metal kings Fleshgod Apocalypse, Russian Pagan warriors Arkona, and their good friends in The Agonist.

The first three dates will see Germany’s Xandria as a replacement for Arkona. Tour kick off will be on November 4th in Quebec City and will conclude December 3rd in Worcester, MA.

Epica’s front woman Simone Simons commented on the tour: “The time has finally come to visit North America again. We are super excited to show you guys our kick-ass new material of which we are extremely proud! We hope to welcome you all to experience The Holographic Principle extravaganza!”

Tour dates:

November (with Fleshgod Apocalypse, Xandria, The Agonist)
4 - Imperial Theater - Quebec City, QC
5 - Corona - Montreal, QC
6 - Phoenix Concert Hall - Toronto, ON

November (with Fleshgod Apocalypse, Arkona, The Agonist)
8 - Concord Music Hall - Chicago, IL
9 - Cabooze - Minneapolis, MN
11 - Saskatoon Event Center - Saskatoon, SK
12 - Marquee - Calgary, AB
13 - The Ranch - Edmonton, AB
15 - Vogue Theatre - Vancouver, BC
16 - Studio 7 - Seattle, WA
18 - Social Hall - San Francisco, CA
19 - The Regent - Los Angeles, CA
20 - Vinyl at Hard Rock Hotel - Las Vegas, NV
22 - Summit Music Hall - Denver, CO
23 - Granada Theater - Lawrence, KS
25 - Gas Monkey Live - Dallas, TX
26 - Empire Control Room - Austin, TX
28 - State Theater - St Petersburg, FL
29 - Masquerade - Atlanta, GA

December (with Fleshgod Apocalypse, Arkona, The Agonist)
1 - Soundstage Baltimore, MD
2 - Webster Hall - New York, NY
3 - Palladium - Worcester, MA

(Photo - Epica Facebook)