Epica & Amaranthe

Here’s the event page content for Epica & Amaranthe at the Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam:

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Epica & Amaranthe: A Symphony of Power and Fury Unleashed at the Ziggo Dome

Prepare for an unparalleled spectacle as two titans of the symphonic and modern metal world, Epica and Amaranthe, descend upon Amsterdam’s iconic Ziggo Dome on Saturday, 7 February 2026. This is not merely a concert; it’s a convergence of epic proportions, a night where symphonic grandeur meets blistering modern energy, promising an unforgettable experience for every attendee. For the first time in a long time, fans will witness these two powerhouse bands share the stage for a co-headline tour, a collaboration that has been long-awaited and highly anticipated. The Ziggo Dome, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and immersive atmosphere, provides the perfect colossal canvas for the intricate artistry of Epica and the electrifying dynamism of Amaranthe. This is your chance to be part of a historic evening in the Dutch capital, a celebration of genre-defining music that will resonate long after the final note fades.

About Epica & Amaranthe

Epica: Masters of Symphonic Metal Grandeur

Hailing from the Netherlands, Epica have carved a formidable reputation as pioneers and undisputed leaders of the symphonic metal genre. Since their formation in 2002, the band, fronted by the captivating mezzo-soprano Simone Simons, has consistently pushed the boundaries of their craft, blending soaring operatic vocals with heavy, intricate guitar riffs, powerful drumming, and lush orchestral arrangements. Their music is known for its lyrical depth, often exploring profound themes of philosophy, emotion, and social commentary, all delivered with an undeniable sense of grandeur. Epica’s discography is a testament to their enduring creativity and musical evolution. Albums such as The Phantom Agony, Consign to Oblivion, The Divine Conspiracy, and their more recent critically acclaimed works like Omega, showcase a band that is unafraid to experiment while staying true to their symphonic metal roots. Notable hits that have cemented their status include the anthemic “Cry for the Moon,” the powerful “The Obsessive Devotion,” the sweeping “Unchain Utopia,” and the emotionally charged “The Skeleton Key.” Their live performances are renowned for their theatricality, meticulous production, and the sheer vocal prowess of Simone Simons, supported by the formidable musicianship of Mark Jansen, Coen Janssen, Ariën van Weesenbeek, Rob van der Loo, and Isaac Delahaye. Epica delivers a captivating journey through their extensive catalogue, leaving audiences spellbound by their sonic tapestry.

Amaranthe: The Epitome of Modern, Melodic Metal

Emerging from Gothenburg, Sweden, Amaranthe have rapidly become a sensation in the modern metal scene, captivating audiences worldwide with their unique fusion of electronic dance music, catchy pop melodies, and aggressive metal elements. What sets Amaranthe apart is their revolutionary vocal triumvirate: the powerful growls of Nils Molin, the soaring clean vocals of Elize Ryd, and the stunning high-pitched vocals of Mikael Sehlin. This dynamic vocal interplay, combined with the driving force of intricate guitar work from Olof Mörck, the solid rhythm section, and the pulsating electronic beats, creates a sound that is both incredibly diverse and undeniably addictive. Since their debut in 2011, Amaranthe have released a string of successful albums, including Amaranthe, The Nexus, Massive Addictive, and the chart-topping Manifest. Their infectious energy and genre-bending approach have garnered them a massive global fanbase. Anthems like “Hungry,” “Drop Dead Cynical,” “Amaranthine,” and the more recent hit “Strong” exemplify their ability to craft songs that are both headbangingly heavy and radio-friendly. Live, Amaranthe are an electrifying force, delivering high-octane performances filled with infectious energy, impressive stage presence, and a palpable sense of joy that is contagious. Their shows are a vibrant celebration of their diverse sound, guaranteed to get the crowd moving and singing along.

Venue Information

The Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam is a state-of-the-art arena, purpose-built for live music and renowned for its impressive acoustics and innovative design. This venue has hosted some of the biggest names in music and offers an unparalleled concert experience with its capacity for thousands of enthusiastic fans. Its central location and excellent public transport links make it easily accessible for both local and international visitors. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare for an evening that will ignite your senses and leave you breathless. This co-headline performance from Epica and Amaranthe promises a meticulously crafted sonic journey, showcasing the very best of both bands’ extensive and acclaimed repertoires. Expect a powerful sonic landscape where Epica’s symphonic grandeur meets Amaranthe’s electrifying modern metal.

Setlist Highlights: From Epica, brace yourself for the iconic anthems that have defined symphonic metal. Their setlist is expected to feature beloved tracks such as the epic “Cry for the Moon,” the poignant “The Obsessive Devotion,” and the powerful “The Phantom Agony.” Expect intricate instrumental passages, Simone Simons’ unparalleled vocal command soaring over the orchestral arrangements, and the thunderous power of their signature sound. The band is also likely to delve into material from their highly acclaimed recent albums, showcasing their continued musical evolution and their ability to craft complex, emotionally resonant pieces.

Amaranthe will undoubtedly bring their signature high-energy, genre-bending performance to the stage. Their setlist is anticipated to be a vibrant mix of their most infectious hits, including the crowd-pleasing “Hungry,” the adrenaline-pumping “Drop Dead Cynical,” and the incredibly popular “Strong.” The dynamic vocal interplay between Elize Ryd, Nils Molin, and Mikael Sehlin will be a focal point, demonstrating their unique vocal chemistry. Coupled with Olof Mörck’s blistering guitar solos and the band’s pulsating electronic beats, their performance will be a non-stop explosion of melodic metal.

Performance Style: Both bands are known for their exceptional stage presence and dedication to delivering a captivating live experience. Epica’s performance is characterized by its theatricality, often enhanced by impressive lighting designs and a palpable sense of epic storytelling. Simone Simons’ commanding stage presence, combined with the precision and power of the band’s musicianship, creates a mesmerising spectacle. Amaranthe, on the other hand, are a whirlwind of energy. Their shows are renowned for their infectious enthusiasm, vibrant stage personas, and their ability to get the entire audience moving and singing along. Expect a seamless transition between the two acts, with each band bringing their distinct yet complementary styles to the forefront. The synergy between these two powerhouses on stage is something truly special, and the Ziggo Dome will undoubtedly be vibrating with the combined force of their performances.

Duration: The total duration of the event, including both bands’ sets and any intervals, is expected to be approximately three to three and a half hours. This provides ample time for both Epica and Amaranthe to showcase a significant portion of their extensive discographies, ensuring a full and satisfying evening of exceptional live music.

FAQs

Q1: Will Epica and Amaranthe be performing full sets each, or is this a joint performance? This is a co-headline tour, meaning both Epica and Amaranthe will be performing their own full-length sets. They will not be merging into a single band for the performances. You can expect to experience the distinct power and artistry of each band individually.

Q2: How long is the typical setlist for Epica and Amaranthe? Given they are headlining, you can expect each band to perform for approximately 75-90 minutes. This allows them ample time to cover a wide range of their hit songs and fan favourites, delivering a comprehensive showcase of their musical journeys.

Q3: Is there a specific order in which the bands will perform? The running order will be confirmed closer to the event date and will be communicated via our official channels and on-site signage at the Ziggo Dome. Typically, for co-headline shows, the order can vary.

Q4: What type of music can I expect from Epica? Epica is renowned for their symphonic metal sound. This means you can expect a powerful blend of heavy guitar riffs, intricate orchestral arrangements, driving percussion, and the distinct, soaring mezzo-soprano vocals of Simone Simons. Their music often delves into complex lyrical themes and features epic, grand compositions.

Q5: What makes Amaranthe’s performance unique? Amaranthe is celebrated for their unique “modern metal” sound, which fuses electronic dance music, pop melodies, and aggressive metal elements. A key highlight of their performance is their three-vocalist approach, featuring the powerful growls of Nils Molin, the clean vocals of Elize Ryd, and the high-pitched vocals of Mikael Sehlin. Their live shows are known for their immense energy, infectious hooks, and vibrant stage presence.

Q6: Will there be any merchandise available at the venue? Yes, both Epica and Amaranthe will have official merchandise booths set up at the Ziggo Dome. This will be your opportunity to purchase band t-shirts, albums, posters, and other exclusive memorabilia. Please note that merchandise sales are typically cash and card.

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