Epica & Amaranthe

Here is the event page content for Epica & Amaranthe at La Riviera, Madrid:

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Epica & Amaranthe Live in Madrid – A Symphony of Power and Melody

Prepare yourselves for an unforgettable night of symphonic metal grandeur and electrifying modern metal as two titans of the European music scene, Epica and Amaranthe, descend upon the iconic La Riviera in Madrid. On Saturday, 31 January 2026, fans will converge for a spectacular double-headline performance that promises to be a highlight of the heavy music calendar. This is more than just a concert; it’s a sonic journey through the very best of what melodic and symphonic metal has to offer, delivered by bands at the zenith of their powers. Expect a night brimming with soaring vocals, intricate musicianship, colossal riffs, and a sheer, unadulterated energy that will leave the audience breathless and wanting more. This unique pairing brings together distinct yet complementary styles, promising a show that caters to both the seasoned symphonic metal aficionado and the adventurous modern metal enthusiast, creating a truly special and inclusive experience for all.

About Epica & Amaranthe

Epica: Hailing from the Netherlands, Epica have carved a formidable reputation as pioneers of symphonic metal. Formed in 2002 by Mark Jansen, the band masterfully blends heavy guitar riffs, orchestral arrangements, and the powerful operatic vocals of Simone Simons. Their music delves into profound lyrical themes, often exploring philosophy, nature, and societal issues, lending a depth and intellectual weight to their sound. Over two decades, Epica have released a string of critically acclaimed albums, including “The Phantom Agony,” “Consign to Oblivion,” “The Divine Conspiracy,” “Design Your Universe,” “Requiem for the Indifferent,” “The Quantum Enigma,” “The Holographic Principle,” and their latest offering, “Omega.” Their live performances are renowned for their grandeur, featuring elaborate stage production, a tight and dynamic band, and Simone Simons’ mesmerising stage presence. Hits like “Cry for the Moon,” “The Obsessive Devotion,” “Unleashed,” “Storm the Sorrow,” and “The Essence of Summer” have cemented their status as a must-see act for symphonic metal fans worldwide. Their commitment to artistic integrity and a consistently evolving sound has ensured their enduring appeal.

Amaranthe: Hailing from Sweden and Denmark, Amaranthe burst onto the scene with a unique and irresistible fusion of melodic metal, electronic dance music, and pop sensibilities. Formed in 2008, they have consistently pushed boundaries with their innovative approach, featuring a dynamic vocal trio: the soaring clean vocals of Elize Ryd, the aggressive growls of Nils Molin, and the infectious pop melodies of Mikael Sehlin. This distinctive vocal interplay, combined with driving guitar riffs, electrifying synths, and a relentless rhythmic backbone, creates a sound that is both heavy and incredibly catchy. Amaranthe’s discography includes highly successful albums such as “Amaranthe,” “The Nexus,” “Massive Addictive,” “Helix,” and “Manifest.” Their anthemic tracks, including fan favourites like “Hungry,” “Drop Dead Cynical,” “Amaranthine,” “True,” and “The Chosen Ones,” have garnered them a massive international following. Known for their high-energy stage shows, vibrant aesthetics, and an unwavering ability to craft infectious hooks, Amaranthe deliver a live experience that is exhilarating, uplifting, and utterly captivating, proving that metal can be both powerfully heavy and wonderfully accessible.

Venue Information

La Riviera is Madrid’s premier live music venue, a cornerstone of the city’s vibrant cultural landscape. Renowned for its excellent acoustics and intimate yet expansive atmosphere, it has hosted countless legendary artists across a diverse range of genres. Its central location makes it easily accessible, and its well-equipped facilities ensure a comfortable and memorable experience for all attendees. Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or attending for the first time, La Riviera provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of exceptional live music. For complete venue details, see our venue guide.

What to Expect

Prepare for an evening of unparalleled musical prowess and electrifying stagecraft. Both Epica and Amaranthe are celebrated for their captivating live performances, and this co-headline show is set to be no exception. Fans can anticipate a meticulously crafted setlist that showcases the very best of each band’s extensive and celebrated discographies.

For Epica, expect a journey through their symphonic metal masterpieces. Simone Simons’ vocal performance will undoubtedly be a highlight, her operatic prowess delivering breathtaking melodies that soar over complex orchestral arrangements and crushing guitar work. Mark Jansen’s distinctive guttural vocals will provide a powerful counterpoint, creating the signature Epica dynamic. The band’s performance style is known for its precision, power, and unwavering professionalism. Expect intricate instrumental passages, grand choral sections, and a palpable sense of gravitas in their presentation. Their setlist will likely feature beloved anthems like “Cry for the Moon,” “The Obsessive Devotion,” and “Unleashed,” alongside more recent fan favourites. The sheer scale of their symphonic sound, translated live, is an experience that resonates deeply, creating moments of both intense energy and profound emotion.

Amaranthe will bring their signature blend of high-octane modern metal and infectious electronic-infused melodies to the stage. The dynamic interplay between Elize Ryd’s angelic vocals, Nils Molin’s powerful growls, and Mikael Sehlin’s catchy pop sensibilities will be on full display. Their performance is characterised by an explosion of energy, vibrant stage presence, and an infectious enthusiasm that is impossible to resist. Prepare for a set packed with anthemic choruses that will have the entire venue singing along. Tracks like “Hungry,” “Drop Dead Cynical,” and “The Chosen Ones” are guaranteed crowd-pleasers, delivering a powerful punch of heavy riffs, driving rhythms, and euphoric synth lines. Their show is a celebration of pure musical joy, offering a kaleidoscope of sounds and a relentlessly positive energy.

The combined duration of the concert will be substantial, offering ample time to immerse yourselves in the distinct yet complementary styles of these two extraordinary bands. Each act will deliver a full, headlining-worthy set, ensuring that attendees receive a comprehensive and deeply satisfying musical experience. This is not a night for the faint-hearted; prepare for a marathon of melodic metal excellence that will leave you exhilarated.

FAQs

Q1: Will Epica and Amaranthe be performing together on stage at the same time, or will they have separate sets? A: Epica and Amaranthe will be performing separate, full headline sets. This co-headline format allows each band to showcase their extensive material and deliver their signature live experience to the Madrid audience.

Q2: What is the typical length of an Epica live set? A: Epica’s live sets are generally quite extensive, often lasting between 75 and 90 minutes. They aim to deliver a comprehensive performance that covers a wide range of their discography, from their early classics to their latest material.

Q3: How would you describe Amaranthe’s performance style compared to Epica’s? A: While both bands deliver high-energy performances, their styles are distinct. Epica’s performance leans towards a grand, symphonic spectacle with a strong emphasis on orchestral elements and Simone Simons’ operatic vocals. Amaranthe’s shows are characterised by an explosive blend of modern metal, electronic dance music, and pop, with a focus on infectious melodies, high-energy stage presence, and the unique vocal interplay of their trio.

Q4: Can I expect to hear older hits as well as new material from Epica? A: Absolutely. Epica are known for balancing their setlists, often including beloved classics that fans have cherished for years alongside material from their most recent albums, ensuring a well-rounded and satisfying experience for all their fans.

Q5: Is there a particular age restriction for this event at La Riviera? A: Typically, La Riviera has a minimum age requirement of 18 years for most concerts. We recommend checking the official La Riviera website or contacting them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding age restrictions for this specific event.

Q6: Given the dual nature of Amaranthe’s vocalists (clean and growls), how does this translate to their live performances? A: Amaranthe’s vocalists work seamlessly together live. Elize Ryd handles the soaring clean melodies, Mikael Sehlin delivers the infectious pop hooks, and Nils Molin provides the powerful guttural growls, creating the dynamic and multi-layered vocal sound that is a hallmark of their music. The interplay between them is a key element of their exhilarating live show.

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