Epica & Amaranthe

Here’s the event page content for Epica & Amaranthe at Barrowland, Glasgow:

Epica & Amaranthe Live at Glasgow’s Barrowland Ballroom

Get ready for a night of symphonic power and melodic metal mastery as Dutch titans Epica and Swedish modern metal innovators Amaranthe descend upon the iconic Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom on Wednesday, 21 January 2026. This co-headline spectacle promises an unforgettable evening for fans of epic, high-energy, and beautifully crafted heavy music. Rarely do two bands of this calibre, each with their own distinct yet complementary sound, join forces for a tour, making this a truly special occasion for the Scottish metal scene and beyond. Prepare to be swept away by soaring vocals, intricate musicianship, and a stage presence that will leave you breathless. This is more than just a concert; it’s a celebration of modern metal’s most dynamic and engaging artists.

About Epica & Amaranthe

Epica, hailing from the Netherlands, has carved a formidable reputation as one of the leading forces in symphonic metal since their formation in 2002. Led by the commanding presence and operatic vocal prowess of Simone Simons, the band masterfully blends intricate orchestral arrangements, powerful guitar riffs, and complex song structures with profound lyrical themes that often delve into philosophy, mythology, and social commentary. Their sound is characterised by its epic scope, emotional depth, and technical precision, making each album a meticulously crafted journey. Over their illustrious career, Epica has released nine studio albums, each demonstrating their evolution and unwavering commitment to their signature symphonic metal sound. Notable hits like “Cry for the Moon,” “The Phantom Agony,” “Storm the Sorrow,” and the more recent anthems such as “Omega” and “The Final Lullaby” showcase their consistent ability to deliver both immense power and breathtaking beauty. Their live performances are renowned for their grandeur, meticulous attention to detail, and the sheer force of their musicality, leaving audiences captivated by their sonic tapestry.

Emerging from Sweden in 2008, Amaranthe has redefined modern melodic metal with their unique, multifaceted approach. Spearheading their sound is a revolutionary vocal trinity: the soaring clean vocals of Elize Ryd, the powerful growls of Nils Molin, and the distinctive electronic-infused chants of Mikael Sehlin (though recent touring lineups may vary, the core concept remains). This innovative vocal dynamic, combined with the band’s mastery of incredibly catchy melodies, blistering guitar work from Olof Mörck, and a relentless, high-octane energy, has earned them a dedicated global following. Amaranthe seamlessly fuses elements of power metal, modern metal, and even pop sensibilities, creating a sound that is both accessible and undeniably heavy. Their discography boasts a string of successful albums, including “The Nexus,” “Massive Addictive,” “Helix,” and their latest offering “The Catalyst.” Chart-topping singles such as “Hungry,” “Drop Dead Cynical,” “That Song,” and “Strong Ammunition” exemplify their knack for crafting infectious hooks and unforgettable anthems that get crowds moving. On stage, Amaranthe delivers a dynamic and electrifying show, a true party atmosphere propelled by their infectious energy and diverse vocal talent.

Venue Information

The Barrowland Ballroom, affectionately known as “The Barrowlands,” is a legendary concert venue situated in Glasgow, Scotland. Renowned for its distinctive starry ceiling, intimate yet energetic atmosphere, and a history steeped in musical legacy, it has hosted countless iconic performances across all genres. The venue’s unique ambience and excellent acoustics make it a beloved spot for both artists and fans. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare for a night that will ignite your senses and leave you exhilarated. Both Epica and Amaranthe are celebrated for their phenomenal live performances, and this co-headline event promises a double dose of their signature magic.

Setlist Highlights: Expect a carefully curated selection of fan favourites and powerful anthems from both bands. Epica will undoubtedly transport you with their epic symphonic journeys, likely featuring beloved tracks like “Cry for the Moon,” “The Obsessive Devotion,” and potent cuts from their latest albums, showcasing Simone Simons’ extraordinary vocal range and the band’s intricate musicality. Amaranthe, on the other hand, will bring their signature blend of infectious energy and modern metal prowess, with guaranteed crowd-pleasers such as “Hungry,” “Drop Dead Cynical,” and tracks from their most recent work designed to get you on your feet and singing along. The setlists will be crafted to provide a diverse and engaging experience, balancing moments of grandeur and reflection with pure, unadulterated mosh pit energy.

Performance Style: Epica’s performance is a grand spectacle. Their stage presence is commanding, with Simone Simons exuding grace and power as she navigates the complex vocal lines. The band members are all virtuosos in their own right, delivering tight, precise performances that capture the full sonic breadth of their studio recordings. Expect moments of pure orchestral majesty intertwined with crushing guitar riffs and thunderous drumming. Amaranthe’s live show is a high-octane, joyous explosion of modern metal. Their stage presence is vibrant and engaging, with a palpable chemistry between the members. They are known for their infectious energy, encouraging audience participation and creating a truly electric atmosphere. The interplay between the different vocalists, even with potential lineup adjustments, ensures a dynamic and engaging vocal performance that is a hallmark of their sound.

Duration: The entire event, including both bands’ sets and any potential intermissions, is expected to last approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. Each band will deliver a substantial headline-worthy set, ensuring that you get your fill of both Epica’s symphonic grandeur and Amaranthe’s modern metal anthems.

FAQs

Q1: Will Epica and Amaranthe be performing full headline sets, or will this be a shorter joint performance? A1: You can expect both Epica and Amaranthe to deliver full, extensive headline-quality sets. This is a co-headline tour, meaning each band will have ample time to showcase their extensive catalogue and captivate the audience with their individual musical journeys.

Q2: What is the typical setlist length for Epica and Amaranthe on their recent tours? A2: Historically, both bands have delivered setlists of around 75-90 minutes when headlining. This allows them to cover a broad range of their discography, from early classics to their latest material. Given this is a co-headline, you can anticipate a robust and satisfying performance from each.

Q3: Are Epica and Amaranthe known for any specific stage props or visual effects? A3: Epica often incorporates elaborate stage setups and lighting to enhance the epic and symphonic nature of their music, creating a grand visual experience that complements their sound. Amaranthe, while perhaps less focused on overt theatricality, delivers a visually dynamic performance through their high-energy stage presence, vibrant lighting, and the engaging interaction between their vocalists and the band.

Q4: How would you describe the vocal styles of Epica and Amaranthe for someone unfamiliar with them? A4: Epica is fronted by Simone Simons, whose voice is a defining feature. She possesses a powerful operatic mezzo-soprano, delivering soaring, classically-influenced melodies that are integral to the band’s symphonic metal sound. Amaranthe is renowned for its unique triple-vocal attack. Elize Ryd provides clear, melodic, and often anthemic clean vocals, while Nils Molin delivers powerful and dynamic clean vocals, and Mikael Sehlin (or other vocalists in the current lineup) contributes impressive guttural growls and aggressive vocalizations, alongside distinctive chanted melodies.

Q5: What is the typical age rating for Epica and Amaranthe concerts, and is there any content that might be sensitive? A5: Epica and Amaranthe concerts are generally suitable for a wide audience, typically rated 14+ or 16+ depending on the venue’s specific policy. While their music often tackles serious lyrical themes such as war, politics, and personal struggles, their live performances do not typically contain excessive explicit content. The intensity of the music and the mosh pit energy might be more suited to older teenagers and adults.

Q6: Are there likely to be any special guests or collaborations during Epica or Amaranthe’s sets at Barrowland? A6: While surprise guest appearances can never be entirely ruled out in live music, it is highly unlikely that either Epica or Amaranthe will feature significant special guests from outside their own bands during their individual sets on this tour. Their focus is on delivering their powerful, signature performances. However, the true “special guest” on this night will be the incredible synergy of having two exceptional bands sharing the same stage.