Much can be said about Dutch epic symphonic metalers Epinikion, but their story certainly is unique. Hailing from the Netherlands, former athletes Renate de Boer and Robert Tangerman initially started an ambitious project to write a rock opera album. With no musical background to speak of, but with incredible talent, inspiration, and sheer will, the critically acclaimed debut Inquisition came to life.
Epinikion is a ‘hymne for the winner’. In Ancient Greece the heroic stories of athletes were sung in an epinikion after their victories at major events. A fitting band name for musicians rising from the ashes of their former sports careers, as reflected by the phoenix in the band’s logo.
With Kimberley Jongen, Maarten Jungschläger, and Rutger Klijn joining in 2023, and Michal Gis completing the line-up in 2024, the band set its basis for a second album, with recordings being completed in 2025.
From the very beginning Epinikion combined heavy guitar riffs with subtle progressive and heavy metal influences, complimented with harmonic and bombastic orchestral lines. With their new music, the band takes it a step further, blending each bandmember’s musical influences and creativity into a unique and refreshing sound.
Epinikion is ready to unleash their upcoming album The Force of Nature upon the world. Mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen, and featuring artwork from Giannis Nakos, the album reflects the band’s conscious decision to commit and go big, and it promises to be a blast of a successor to their debut…
Music style: Epic symphonic metal.
“Hans Zimmer on steroids” — that’s how our music has been described. We create epic symphonic metal that merges cinematic orchestration with the raw power of heavy guitar riffs. Our sound bridges the worlds of classic heavy metal with a touch of the aggression of Trivium and Machine Head. All this is carefully woven into classical orchestral lines, resulting in the typical Epinikion sound.
For fans of: Epica, Kamelot, Nightwish, Delain, After Forever, Within Temptation, Serenity, Xandria, Rhapsody of Fire, Two Steps From Hell, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Symphony X…
The Moon, the Sun and the Stars is a nice symphonic introduction: going from softly and gently to filled with pathos and with a heavier sound.
The Force of Nature is a powerful track filled with emotions and a great sound. The drummer is hammering hard, whilst Kimberley’s voice is the force of nature. Be yourself, bet he force of nature as it always wins! It’s a powerful song that will make it on stage and might even become a fan favourite track!
Lessons in Life(Are for Free): you can build it all up by yourself as your fate is not carved in stone. Do it yourself is the main message!
Come into My World sounds like an invitation, has good vibes and lead by an angelic voice. I like the tempo and the global sound. I’m sure this will be a banger on stage!
Your Ultimate Joy sounds like a classic symphonic metal track with a high tempo and a lot of pathos.
I Thought You Were on My Side builds up slowly, hitting high notes. Towards the end the song gets a more emotional side, almost Kate Bush minded.
Don’t Wake Up the Dead sounds sweet, but has sharp edges, guitars on fire and hammering drums with a perfect symphonic background!
Monsters in My Head starts slowly, burst out and sounds first as if it’s going to be an instrumental track. Once Kimberley starts to sing with her angelic vioce I feel the track really started. The end is magical & beautiful!
Two Hearts sounds a bit softer, has something angelic whilst the symphonic touches a strong chord. The guitar play is excellent whilst Kimberley also gets her moments to show off her great vocal powers!
Run with the Wolves sounds like a regular symphonic metal track mixed with gentle folk influences and great backings!
What Goes Up Must Come Down is a powerful symphonic metal track that will lit the crowd on fire.
Eyes Will Glow is setting the place on fire with rambling guitars, drums that are hitting it hard and a great symphonic sound whilst Kimberley seems to be the master of the game!
Conclusion: this band is getting better, working hard to create a sound of their own! On top Kimberley really does a great job. I’m happy to debute with this one as my first review of the year!
Line-Up:
Robert Tangerman: guitar
Renate de Boer: keyboards
Rutger Klijn: bassguitar
Maarten Jungschläger: guitar
Kimberley Jongen: vocals
Michal Gis: drums
Website: https://www.epinikion.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epnikionofficial
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/epinikion
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@epinikionofficial
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0FHF75T6WOmmObCawST8tv?si=2iSlCSqvR7-2iOc7SW5lMQ
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/epinikion
EPK: https://www.epinikion.org/epk
Metal archives: https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Epinikion/3540494669
