Epica

Artist:  Epica
Origin:  Reuver, Limburg, Netherlands
Genre:  Heavy Metal, Symphonic Metal, Progressive Metal, Neo-Classical Metal

Original line-up:

Helena Iren Michaelsen:  Lead Vocals
Mark Janssen:  Rhythm Guitar
Coen Janssen:  Keyboards, Synthesizer, Piano
Yves Huts:  Bass
Ad Sluijter:  Guitars
Jeroen Simons:  Drums

Epica is a Dutch Symphonic Metal Band from Reuver, Limburg, Netherlands, founded by Mark Janssen (Guitar) after his departure from After Forever.  They are known for their Symphonic Sound and the use of Female Vocals, and their songs largely deal with Philosophical Topics, including Science, Politics, Society, Culture, History, Religion, and World Events!.

Title:  The Holographic Principle (2 CD Digipak - Limited Edition)  (2016)
Genre:  Heavy Metal, Symphonic Metal, Progressive Metal, Neo-Classical Metal
Label:  Nuclear Blast
Rating:   *****

Tracks:

Disc 1:  The Holographic Principle:

 1.  Eidola  (2:39)
 2.  Edge Of The Blade  (4:35)
 3.  A Phantasmic Parade  (4:36)
 4.  Universal Death Squad  (6:39)
 5.  Divide And Conquer  (7:48)
 6.  Beyond The Matrix  (6:26)
 7.  Once Upon A Nightmare  (7:08)
 8.  The Cosic Algorithm  (4:54)
 9.  Ascension - Dream State Armageddon  (5:16)
10. Dancing In A Hurricane  (5:26)
11. Tear Down Your Walls  (5:03)
12. The Holographic Principle - A Profound Understanding Of Reality  (11:36)

Disc 2:  The Acoustic Prinicple:

 1.  Beyond The Good, The Bad And The Ugly  (4:30)
 2.  Dancing In A Gypsy Camp  (4:28)
 3.  Immortal Melancholy  (3:14)
 4.  The Funky Algorithm  (3:30)
 5  Universal Love Squad  (3:45)

Personnel:

Mark Janssen:  Death Grunts, Orchestral Arrangements
Coen Janssen:  Keyboards, Piano, Synthesizer, Orchestral and Choir Arrangements, Glockenspiel, Xylophone, Additional Tubular Bells.
Simone Simons:  Lead & Backing Vocals, Soprano
Isaac Delahaye:  Lead & Rhythm Guitar, Orchestral Arrangements, Mandolin, Balalaika, Bouzouki, Additional Ukulele
Rob Van Der Loo:  Bass
Arien Van Weesenbeek:  Drums, Timpani, Spoken Words on Track 9

Additional Musicians:

Linda Janssen, Marcela Bovio:  Backing Vocals (All Standard Tracks)
Cato Janssen:  Child's Voice on Track 1
Paul Babikian:  Elven King's Voice on Track 7
PA'dam Chamber Choir
Ben Mathot, Ian De Jong, Sabine Poiesz, Floortje Beljon, Loes Dooren, Vera Van Der Bie, Marieke De Bruijn:  Violin
Mark Mulder, Fran Goossens:  Viola
Rene Van Munster, Genevieve Verhage, Eilidh Martin:  Cello
Jurgen Van Nijnatten, Marnix Coster:  Trumpet
Henk Veldt, Alex Thyssen:  French Horn
Paul Langerman, Lennart De Winter:  Trombone
Jeroen Goossens:  Flute, Piccolo, Bassoon
Thijs Dapper:  Oboe, Oboe D'amore
Jack Pisters:  Sitar

The Holographic Principle is the seventh studio album by Epica, was released on September 30, 2016 by Nuclear Blast, in 2 CD Digipak, with Bonus CD includes 5 Tracks Acoustic Live!.  The World Finest Symphonic Metal Band!.