Extreme metal fans have been awaiting the new CD from Epica and their wait will be over this month as Epica will be releasing their new disc “We Will Take You With Us”. Epica mixes King Diamond’s growling vocals by Mark Jansen with the heavenly voice of an angel named Simone Simons. The band pounds out music in the vein of Kamelot and Nightwish.

Their symphonic power metal will make any Philharmonic Orchestra green with envy. This is the third studio release by Epica and the best to date. If you haven’t heard Epica, they bring forth a unique genre of music. The vocals by Simone are operatic, mellow, and have great range. Then you have Mark Jansen - adding the deep dark vocals of black metal. Jensen is not heard on every track but adds dimension at certain times.

While listening to most of the songs, it is like listening to music from the Medieval times. “The Phantom Agony” is an excellent song somewhat reminding me of the 'Umpa Lumpa Song' in ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ but with a symphony power metal vibe.

The keyboards by Coen Janssen are some of the best that you will ever hear. “Feint” is the most memorable song on the CD. The ballad starts off with melodic slow piano and sounds like a church choir - similar to Amy Lee (Evanescence). Simone really shines on “Feint” and “Run for a fall” shows off her diverse voice. What can you say about the hit song “Memory” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway show, ‘CATS’? Simone does an exquisite rendition that will metal the hearts of the evil ones!

I highly recommend this CD.