Camera and video editing by King Hazard.

We were lucky enough to sit down and talk about such things as the band’s evolution with frontwoman Simone Simons, who was ever so gracious with us. And her natural beauty and gentle, almost shy way, was a stark contrast to the catacombs, aka, dressing rooms, under the venue.

Among the other topics were Rob van der Loo’s contribution since joining the band, the significance of The Holographic Principle’s cover art, the theme of the album, the cinematic vibe, influences, and more.

Enjoy the video interview and…

Rock Hard \m/

Photos by King Hazard.

The Agonist played a status quo set, and Eluveitie, who played for an hour and a half, put on one hell of a performance. What’s amazing about them is their ability to play folk metal, replete with traditional instruments, without it coming off as cheesy; it’s still very much metal, and it’s great.

Epica always puts on a fantastic show. They’re professional and care deeply about their craft, so it’s rare that they stumble during a live performance, if ever. But on this night, the band might have performed from a higher level due to some outside influences. Their performance was hard, heavy, powerful, perfect, and emotional.

The emotional deliver, in large part, is owed to frontwoman Simone Simons, who might have had the biggest reason to get lost in the music and exorcise some emotions. Although the band’s official statement (see below) only says that Simons had to leave the tour after Montreal to head home for a family situation, the rumor circulating within the audience that night was that her father passed away. Regardless of the reason, family is important and our thoughts and sympathies go out to Simons, her family, and to the band.

And, just as Eluveitie before them, Epica played for the better part of two hours, burning through new songs and fan favorites. See the set list just below. In addition to Epica’s performance, the sound and lights were masterful, filling up the venue with perfect levels and zero hiccups. Thank you sound guy.

Epica Set List:

1. The Second Stone
2. The Essence of Silence
3. Sensorium
4. Unleashed
5. Martyr of the Free World
6. Cry for the Moon
7. Drum Solo
8. Storm the Sorrow
9. The Obsessive Devotion
10. Victims of Contingency
11. The Phantom Agony
Encore:
12. Sancta Terra
13. Unchain Utopia
14. Consign to Oblivion

Epica’s Official Statement Regarding Simone Simon:

Dear North American fans,
Luck has not been on our side as of late and it is with heavy hearts we share some unfortunate news.

Take care,
Epica

Rock Hard \m/

Credit: Steve Ladanyi/Yell! Magazine

Just as we did for Black History Month in February with our article 11 Blacks Who Kill It in Heavy Metal & Hard Rock, we’re honoring women during Women’s History Month with our tribute to 11 Women in Heavy Metal & Hard Rock Who Matter.

One thing was certain when we set out to make this list: we didn’t want any label-produced, cotton-candy, pink-bunny-rabbit women in heavy metal. Yes, we’re talking to you, Black Veil Brides (oh, wait, you’re dudes). We wanted real modern women who take their craft seriously, who are influencing other young women, and who are making an impact on the metal scene.

It’s truly amazing to see how far women in heavy metal – hell, in music in general – have come since the days of Janis Joplin, Grace Slick, Joan Jett, Vixen or Lita Ford. All of them are talented, but most assuredly exceptions to the conventions of their time. Truth be told, labels wanted hot chicks so that albums would sell. Just look what became of Heart when their label told Ann Wilson to lose weight. Perhaps due to the advent of the Internet and the digital era, women in heavy metal have more options to get heard than ever before.

Here is Yell! Magazine’s 11 Women in Heavy Metal & Hard Rock Who Matter:

No.11 Krysta Cameron

Iwrestledabearonce

Kicking the list off is Krysta Cameron of Iwrestledabearonce. The band is spastic, fast, heavy, creative, interesting, diverse, technical, chaotic, regulated, and led by Krysta Cameron on vocals. Her vocals masterfully range from death growls to metalcore screams to straight, Lisa Loeb-ish tones, but shush on that last point, since Krysta is actually influenced by Bjork, which you can hear as well.

If you’re one to judge looks, Iwrestledabearonce might at first appear to be some hipsters trying to be “ironic”; however, they’re just a bunch of nerds with too much talent having some fun, the kind of fun in which they interrupt a song to play the Inspector Gadget theme song.

Formed in 2007, Iwrestledabearonce has a self-titled EP (2007), and two albums on Century Media: It’s All Happening (2009) and Ruining it for Everyone (2011). Initially from Louisiana, the band now calls Alabama their home and has a big world to conquer. Let’s all give ‘em a big bear hug and wish ‘em well.

Stick around. We’ve barely begun this list of women in heavy metal and hard rock who matter…