{"id":8013,"date":"2021-06-15T09:38:03","date_gmt":"2021-06-15T07:38:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kessel-tamerus.nl\/Esthers_Blog\/?p=8013"},"modified":"2024-06-16T15:54:00","modified_gmt":"2024-06-16T13:54:00","slug":"%cf%89mega-alive-was-a-spectacular-and-dazzling-live-stream-show-from-epica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kessel-tamerus.nl\/Esthers_Blog\/rock\/%cf%89mega-alive-was-a-spectacular-and-dazzling-live-stream-show-from-epica\/","title":{"rendered":"‘\u03a9mega Alive’ was a spectacular and dazzling “live” stream show from Epica"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Als je deze recensie liever in het Nederlands leest, kun je hier klikken<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

At the end of February the album \u03a9mega was released, a release tour is of course not yet possible. Still, Epica wanted to play these songs for their Epicans (that’s how Epica fans are called). That’s why keyboardist Coen Janssen came up with ‘\u03a9mega Alive’. This online audiovisual spectacle is Epica’s grandest show ever. This livestream took place on June 12. The show started with a countdown, a ticking clock and mysterious sounds. During a real liveshow, you can feel the tension building up in the venue or on the field. But at home, alone or with a small group, these fifteen minutes lasted too long. When the last minute was ticking away, a video started with “Alpha – Anteludium”. Right at the switch to the rousing ‘Abyss of Time – Countdown to Singularity’ Epica came into the picture, they were playing on a gigantic stage. Drummer Ari\u00ebn Van Weesenbeek, bassist Rob Van Der Loo and Coen played on a heightened platform. Guitarist Mark Jansen played cool grunts. The volume was of course less than during a concert, but many Epicans will have turned up the volume. That was possible because the sound (provided by Joost van den Broek) was very good. Therefore Simone Simons’ beautiful, clear vocals came into their own. Not only the sound was good, the quality of the visuals was also excellent. Show elements such as fire and dancers created a dazzling opening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Fire breathing dancer<\/strong>
At the start of ‘The Skeleton Key’ you saw ladies with a German wheel rolling across the stage, this fits perfectly with the lyrics. Despite not being physically present, you needed an extra pair of eyes. Because of the drone images you occasionally got a nice overview from above. The children’s choir was really present. Of course Isaac Delahaye also played some cool guitar work.
Everything was pre-recorded, which could not be otherwise with such a grand show. The element of fire came back in several songs. Dancers dancing with fire and a fire breathing dancer provided even more spectacle. At a real liveshow, of course, you see every now and then a “half” band member onscreen, which was also the case here. Sometimes it was unavoidable, at other times it was a shame because the rest was so perfect. Between songs there were cinematic images of a girl (Zoey Bracke) and\/or Simone. Everything was in harmony with the dazzling show. Still, you probably missed the “vibe” of a real live show, like the warm words from Simone to the audience. The band members played full of energy. Coen was not standing still at all, his keyboard was on a rotating base, so he could “show”. That showing he did, of course, also with his wireless curveboard.
‘Kingdom of Heaven Part 1 and Part 3’ were impressive, with added choral singing. During ‘Rivers’ there was a real choir, this a cappella version really came in. ‘Once Upon A Nightmare’ tied in nicely with this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rain of fire<\/strong>
After this, Epica went back to the album \u03a9mega for a moment with the rousing ‘Freedom The Wolves Within’. For the first time, the way of dancing perhaps fit a little less, especially with the music video in mind. Images of past and present ran together nicely in ‘Cry For The Moon’, a song from their early days, and still loved by the audience. For the first time Simone was talking to the fans, she said “We love you, for ever and ever”, this matched the lyrics perfectly. The transition to “Beyond The Matrix” did not go well. Again there were plenty of show elements. Among others by Coen was ‘running around’ with his keyboard console on wheels. There were flag throwers, and there were “shots of fire”. The song ended overwhelmingly in “a rain of fire”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Omega- Sovereign Of The Sun Spheres<\/strong>
This was a great contrast to the subdued start of ‘Omega- Sovereign Of The Sun Spheres’. When the metal joined in, the air acrobats continued their elegant, slow movements. The cool grunts and the other metal elements were a nice contrast to the symphonic elements and the choir. The dancers came back with fire, fireworks were added. You could feel the build-up to the end of the concert was coming. But suddenly, far too suddenly, it was over. Without a word of goodbye, not even an blowing kiss or wave of goodbye , the credits appeared. This felt a bit wry, but otherwise this was definitely a very swirling “live” stream. Certain show or stunt elements happened so fast that you barely saw them, these could have been a little more prominent on screen. There were a few minor imperfections in the flashy montage, still, it would be great if this mega production would appear on DVD. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n