| Epica | Doornroosje-Nijmegen | Dec 18, 2003 |
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As a progressive rock fan I always enjoy going to a dream metal or progressive metal concert. Not only because of the music, but foremost because of the expressive stage performances and the dynamic audience. These gigs form a nice change from the usually very static progressive rock concerts. Epica playing in my hometown Nijmegen is an opportunity I could not let pass. This Dutch metal band took a brave decision by touring The Netherlands as main act. I was therefor pleasantly surprised by the amount of people that showed up tonight. The venue was filled nicely. Morning At nine o’clock support act Morning entered the stage. I had not heard any music of this Dutch dream metal band until tonight. Usually I’m not very fond of supporting acts. I think a lot of people initially shared this feeling. Nevertheless, as the set of Morning progressed the audience clearly got more into the music. This band has some way to go in terms of technique but it’s nice to see how they create interesting songs with simple structures and easy chords. The presentation of the band showed just how much these young musicians are dedicated to the music they are making. Especially singer Saskia van Heugten and drummer Mauro Pi are great fun watching. Tonight’s setlist was well thought through and worked out great. Starting off with a straight on metal track grabbed the audience attention. From there on Morning interchanged the more progressive tracks with heavier work. The response of the audience grew with each song. Personally I prefer the more progressive songs; during these songs Stijn Bannier’s synthesizer and his brother Pol’s bass played a more important role. I had some doubts as the band announced that they were going to cover Queens “The Show Must Go On”, but I have to admit that their interpretation suited the band well. Epica It was after two or three songs that it struck me that the contrast between the different band members was enormous. Jansen, Simons and keyboard player Coen Janssen obviously gave about everything they had, musically as well as in their presentation. The guitar player and bass player on the other hand seemed to play strictly dutiful. I hardly discovered any sign of expression whatsoever. Only during some of the heavier parts, these guys gave sign of life. Worst of all there was hardly any interaction with the other members of the band. Another major disappointment was Jeroen Smits drumming; he is the least talented musician of the band. The crowd started very enthusiastic. Epica’s sound engineer (as well as his Morning colleague) did a great job. Although the music was pretty loud, it was very very clear. A weak moment in the set list was the keyboard solo, played far too early in the set. After that the attention of the audience declined. So much in fact, that it remained very quiet after the last track of the set was played. I’m aware that this review is not that positive concerning Epica. It might well be that I was expecting too much, or that the band, or at least some of the members, simply had an off day, I don’t know. The only thing that I do know is that this band can do much better. More interaction, more inspiration and a better balanced set. There wasn’t that much wrong with the music, it was just that I expect more from a concert. It is not only about the music. My advice: do go and see Epica when they’re in the neighbourhood, get yourself a spot on the left side in front of the stage, closest to Jansen/Simons and focus on the music.
(Review: Geert Oldenmenger |
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© Rockezine.com Dec 18, 2003, viewed 1090 times since 666
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