A lot of things have happened since our last interview in June. What has been the best thing that has happened so far? Mark: The tour with Sonata Arctica was great, a great package with Ride The Sky, Epica and Sonata Arctica. Filled rooms, super groups and between the bands a good atmosphere.
The deal with Nuclear Blast was also a great time.
The 2008 began and already had a pretty tight schedule for January and February - but it was canceled most of the health of Simone. Has now been over a month since the last concert they did - what have you been doing ?
Mark: I've been writing some new music. We have been working on classical pieces we'll be playing on June 14 (the show with a classical orchestra.)
I've also been in the U.S. for 10 days.
And related to the previous question, we know you're not Simone, but how are you very close to it - How is your health? Mark: She will have to take some exams this week and that will show us whether she is infected or not. It is a very serious virus and can take a while, unfortunately. I've visited just before my trip to the United States and have enjoyed it, but she remains very concerned about the virus.
Well, the first and only single (cut from broadcast) to The Divine Conspiracy was released in August 2007. While we do not want to get many singles, releasing a single normally means a good opportunity for fans to hear a new song. Have you thought about releasing another single? Mark: No, I think a single is enough and there are no unreleased tracks anyway. We have already launched all. ;-)
During the North American tour, they played a version of "Living a Lie" only with Simone (replacing the male grunts) repeatedly. When will we have the opportunity to listen? Mark: To be honest, we've played the version-only because I still do not know my party memory. Since I have learned me, prefer to play the version with growling vocals. (Laughs) What
planned for the rest of the year (after the postponed tour of Holland in May-June)? When will the South American tour? Mark: First of all, we hope that Simone gets well soon. That is what is worrying about everything.
The idea and the plan is to go to South America later this year. South American fans have had to wait much longer. And we love playing there. :)
And now they have toured and played the album 'The Divine Conspiracy' completely live, what is your favorite song live? Mark: Fools of Damnation, contains many challenges and is a great song live.
have already done some special occasions with fireworks. Have you thought about carrying it outside the Netherlands? Mark: In the Netherlands we have a good access to some companies that can do that. Outside the Netherlands can be a bit risky, but of course we will do outside the Netherlands in the future.
In some of these performances have also played some special songs such as Death of a Dream and The Divine Conspiracy. Have you thought about playing some 'special song' or do something during the tour postponed Mexican / Colombian and / or the upcoming South American tour? Mark: Do not know the set yet. But we are always prepared to some surprises:)
One of the highlights of this year will surely show in Miskolc with live orchestra. Will it be filmed for DVD? It would be great! Mark: I hope we manage to save it. It will be a huge event, we must work hard at it, but we have already begun.
Let's try a few days before the festival with the orchestra. I'm already getting nervous (laughs).
Ariën joined the band officially in December, but have done some dates with him and even recorded the album with him. Do you think Ariën give something back to the sound of Epica? Mark: In The Divine Conspiracy we can hear what kind of influence has had on the band's sound. His skills with the battery are great, it's a dream come true to work with this guy!
A year ago they were working on The Divine Conspiracy. Now that the concept of 'The Embrace That Smothers' is finished, could you give us an idea about the lyrics or concept for the next album? Continue with 'A New Age Dawns'?
Mark: I have no idea yet. Musically, the new album is taking shape, but most of the letters I have no idea yet.
That's it! Thank you for taking your time. Could you say something to Epica-Fan and our visitors? Thank you very much, we are on tour and good luck! Mark: It's great to receive so much support from all our fans around the world during these difficult times, we will never forget that!
Extracted from:
http://www.epica-fan.com/
"After a couple of weeks off, everyone thought that the health of Simone improve. Desafoutunadamente the last test was positive and MRSA infection has yet to be completely stopped . Simone's health is improving but unfortunately not enough of time. We can not risk your health, and the pain of our hearts, we can not go to Mexico and Colombia again. Even two of our three shows in England have been canceled for this reason. Although it is impossible to make long trips. As you can imagine we are very bad, especially since our tour in Mexico and Colombia were postponed once before, but we hope they understand and respect our decision. You have our word that we will return as soon as possible. Unfortunately at this time we can not say when that will be it, but hope it will be before the end of this year, "
