Epica‘s singer Simone Simons will release her debut solo album, “Vermillion”, on August 23 via Nuclear Blast Records. The music video for the LP’s first single, “Aeterna”, which was co-written by Dutch songwriter, singer, musician, and record producer Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon) can be watched below.
Arjen is no stranger to Simone‘s soaring operatic voice, one that can stir even a gargoyle’s stone heart to tears. Together they have crafted a sonic universe that befits the influential figure she is. “Vermillion” emerges as a gargantuan goose-bump generator, a universally touching, stellar tour de force.
Simone Simons & Arjen Lucassen comment: “Aeterna is the big, epic opener of the album and it comes with this amazing video too, directed by Patric Ullaeus. It definitely sounds the closest to Epica and Ayreon, blending powerful Latin lyrics with a touch of an oriental feel. We’ve tried to strike a balance between the mighty, bombastic sounds and the more atmospheric parts. Since it’s the first track people will hear from this album, it’s super important to us and we’re really excited for people to hear it!“
“Aeterna takes the point of view of a star about to go supernova to explore how everything in the universe is interconnected, like a cosmic web made from stardust. It deals with our deep emotions, consciousness, and other mysteries of life that science still can’t fully explain. Essentially it’s a reflection on our place in the vast universe and the connections that bind us together, as we’re all, to quote Carl Sagan, “made of starstuff.”
Pre-order and pre-save “Vermillion” AT THIS LOCATION.
For more than 20 years, ever since she was a teenager, Simone has been spearheading the world of female-fronted metal. As a lead singer, icon, and role model for a whole generation of female metalheads, the Epica lead singer remains one of the most prominent key figures in all things metal. After eight albums and countless global tours with her band, Simons finally found the time to release her first solo album, “Vermillion”, showcasing her many different influences ranging from prog rock to film scores to metal to electronic elements.
Simone chose not to rush her solo project, opting instead to thoughtfully consider how she wanted to present herself. Enter stage right Arjen Lucassen. Her musical partner and longtime collaborator is no stranger to her soaring operatic voice. While many would use their solo effort as a radical, even provocative departure from everything they stood for, Simone remains true to her love for epic melodies, huge choruses, and monumental, intelligent music.
“Vermillion” track-listing:
1. Aeterna
2. In Love We Rust
3. Cradle To The Grave (Featuring Alissa White-Gluz)
4. Fight Or Flight
5. Weight Of My World
6. Vermillion Dreams
7. The Core
8. Dystopia
9. R.E.D.
10. Dark Night Of The Soul
