70000tons of Metal 2024 Artist Spotlight: Epica

Countdown to 2025: 34 Days

SOOOOOOON, the famous word for 70000tons of Metal cruisers know to love and hate. And one thing you learn is announcements are always unpredictable. After experiencing the 2024 edition to its fullest capability, we captured all sixty-two bands, bringing back our Artist Spotlight, our countdown to the 2025 voyage, leaving on January 30 in Miami, setting sail to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and returning on February 3, 2025. Round 12, the 2024 experience, took place from January 29 – February 2, sailing from Miami to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, on the Freedom of the Seas.

70000tons 2024 Round 12: ARTIST 20 of 62 Epica

Epica returned to the 70000tons of Metal cruise for their fourth appearance in 2024, following their performances in 2011, 2016, and 2020. With nine albums and a clear evolution since 2014’s The Quantum Enigma, Epica has solidified their place as one of the most powerful symphonic metal acts, thriving as a cohesive unit. Each member is a vital component of the band, and it’s difficult to imagine their success without the collective effort they bring. While many bands experience lineup changes, Epica’s strength lies in the unique synergy of their members, who together embody what makes them truly Epica.
Before diving into the latest updates from the band, let’s reflect on their 2024 appearance at 70000tons. Comparing their debut on the cruise in 2011 to their return in January 2024, it’s evident how much they’ve evolved. Each member has matured musically, Simone Simons perfected her now flawless vocals, their music has expanded and so has their fanbase.
We had the privilege of experiencing both of their incredible sets on the cruise. The first, held on Day 2, January 30, 2024, at 10:00 PM on the Pool Deck, was a special 10th-anniversary celebration of The Quantum Enigma. The second, on Day 4, February 1, 2024, closed out the Royal Theater at 10:30 PM. Both performances showcased Epica’s refined maturity, musical excellence, and the genuine camaraderie among the band members.
Epica continues to elevate their craft, delivering live performances that are nothing short of perfection. Each time they take the stage, they reaffirm their status as one of the most exceptional acts in symphonic metal.

What’s next for Epica?

First, let’s congratulate Simone Simons on releasing her debut solo album, Vermillion, which earned the top spot as a personal #1 album of 2024. As for Epica, what an outstanding year it has been for the band, once again raising the bar in their remarkable career.

In the final months of 2024, Epica performed sold-out The Symphonic Synergy sets, first in Amsterdam in September and then in Mexico City earlier this month. Looking ahead to 2025, fans have even more to anticipate. Late November, the band announced plans for exciting surprises in the new year, including the strong possibility of a new album. This speculation is supported by the release of their new single, “Arcana,” making it clear that fresh music is on the horizon.

There will likely be plenty more live gigs in 2025. Epica have already announced a Latin America tour with special guests Fleshgod Apocalypse, as well as their return to Hellfest in June. For more tour dates and updates, visit their official website.

What is the Artist Spotlight?

Well, it’s more than a review of their performance; as 70000tons goes, each band is a headliner, and we treat each one as such, giving them their own spread, discussing who they are and what they’ve been up to since the cruise. Each spotlight coincides with any updates from 70000tons organizers (if any), leading to days before setting sail. An extensive coverage like no other.

What does 70000tons 2025 look like?

There’s a reason why we want to keep going until we can’t. With at least 120 promised shows, bands performing twice within four days, including an All-Star Jam, Belly Flop Contest, Shore Excursions, meet and greets, clinics, workshops, pool girls and boys, hot tub mosh pits, cosplay madness, and much more. 2025, round 13 of 70000tons of Metal will bring cruisers back on the Independence of the Seas, setting sail on January 30 from Miami to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and returning to Miami on February 3, 2025. Tickets are available here. Also, check out the essential packing guide here.

70000tons 2025 Lineup [34 out of 60]:

Arcturus
Benighted
Beyond Creation
Candlemass
Crownshift
Decapitated
Delain
Emperor
Ex Deo
Finntroll
Flotsam & Jetsam
Hammerfall
Ihsahn
In Extremo
Kalmah
Krisiun
Majestica
Mork
Onslaught
Samael
Septicflesh
Sepultura
Sonata Arctica
Stratovarius
Subway to Sally
Swallow The Sun
Symphony X
Tankard
The Kovenant
The Zenith Passage
Trollfest
Trouble
Twilight Force
Unleash the Archers