EPICA To Support SONATA ARCTICA On European Tour

Dutch female-fronted symphonic metal band EPICA has been confirmed as the support act for SONATA ARCTICA on their upcoming European tour. The dates are as follows:

Nov. 01 - Rockefeller - Oslo, Norway
Nov. 03 - Lisebergshallen - Göteborg, Sweden
Nov. 04 - Mejeriet - Lund, Sweden
Nov. 05 - Markthalle - Hamburg, Germany
Nov. 07 - Live Music Hall - Cologne, Germany
Nov. 08 - LKA-Longhorn - Stuttgart, Germany
Nov. 09 - Z7 - Pratteln, Switzerland
Nov. 10 - All Kart Halle - Kaufbeuren, Germany
Nov. 12 - Carling Academy - London, UK
Nov. 13 - Elysée Montmartre - Paris, France
Nov. 14 - Transbordeur - Lyon, France
Nov. 16 - Heineken - Madrid, Spain
Nov. 17 - Razzmatazz II - Barcelona, Spain
Nov. 19 - Alcatraz - Milano, Italy
Nov. 20 - Petöfi Hall - Budapest, Hungary
Nov. 21 - Planet Music - Vienna, Austria
Nov. 23 - Garage - Saarbrücken, Germany
Nov. 24 - Hof Ter Lo - Antwerp, Belgium
Nov. 25 - 013 - Tilburg, The Netherlands

EPICA has set "The Divine Conspiracy" as the title of its new album, due August/September via Nuclear Blast Records. The CD, which is currently being mixed by Sascha Paeth, will feature a session appearance by GOD DETHRONED drummer Ariën van Weesenbeek. EPICA has yet to name a full-time drummer following the departure of Jeroen Simons in 2006.

Formed by guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Mark Jansen (ex-AFTER FOREVER) in 2002, EPICA has so far released three albums, among them a full-length soundtrack in the vein of Hollywood composers Hans Zimmer and Danny Elfman. The Dutch metallers have already played in 24 countries, and have completed successful tours in Europe, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and the USA.

EPICA will embark on a North American headlining tour in September. Support at the shows will come from the Austrian/American "epic metal" band VISIONS OF ATLANTIS.

EPICA's previously announced live DVD, which was filmed on May 4, 2006 at Paradiso in Amsterdam, Holland, has been delayed until later this year, according to a posting on the group's official web site. The band's latest album, "Consign to Oblivion", was recorded in early 2005 and features a guest contribution from KAMELOT vocalist Roy Khan.