EPICA

February 7 – Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam | With Epica as headliner, supported by Amaranthe and Charlotte Wessels, the Ziggo Dome hosted a carefully curated evening within the symphonic and modern metal spectrum. The line-up was strategically sound: three internationally recognized acts, each with a distinct musical identity, yet aligned closely enough to appeal to a shared audience demographic. Pictures by Rick Lablans

The programming demonstrated clear structure and progression. Charlotte Wessels opened with an atmospheric and artistic set, Amaranthe elevated the tempo with high-energy modern metal, and Epica concluded the night with a large-scale symphonic production. The result was a well-balanced build-up in both intensity and audience engagement.

Charlotte Wessels

Charlotte Wessels set the tone for the evening with a performance rooted in atmosphere, lyrical depth, and musical precision. Her stage presence was understated yet confident, allowing the strength of the material to take center stage.

From a business perspective, her inclusion added credibility and artistic diversity to the bill. While her production was more modest compared to the headliner, it aligned effectively with her brand positioning: authentic, intimate, and musically refined. She successfully engaged the audience early in the evening, creating a solid foundation for the acts that followed.

Amaranthe

Amaranthe delivered a tightly executed, high-impact performance characterized by strong vocal interplay and polished production. Their triple-vocal dynamic translated well to the arena setting, and the band maintained a consistent level of intensity throughout their set.

Commercially, Amaranthe’s role in the line-up was clear: energize the crowd and broaden the evening’s appeal. Their accessible hooks and dynamic stage presence resonated strongly with the audience, driving engagement and maintaining momentum. The band demonstrated a professional and efficient stage operation, reflecting a well-established touring model.

As headliner, Epica delivered a performance that combined musical complexity with large-scale production. Orchestral elements, visual effects, and a cohesive stage design elevated the show beyond a standard metal concert into a full-scale production.

Simone Simons’ commanding vocal performance anchored the evening, supported by tight musicianship and a well-balanced sound mix. The band’s experience in large venues was evident in both pacing and execution.

From a strategic standpoint, Epica reinforced its brand authority within the symphonic metal genre. The production value justified their headliner status and aligned with the expectations of an arena audience. The show functioned not only as entertainment but as a strong brand statement, positioning Epica as a leading export act within the Dutch and international metal market.