Simone Simons

Infobox musical artist
Name = Simone Simons


Img_capt = Simone Simons live in a concert
Img_size =
Landscape = no
Background = solo_singer
Birth_name = Simone Simons
Alias =
Born = Birth date and age|1985|1|17
Died =
Origin = Netherlands
Instrument = Vocals
Voice_type = Mezzo-soprano
Genre = Symphonic metal, Gothic metal
Occupation = Singer
Years_active = 2002 - present
Label = Transmission Records
British Plastic Head Distributions Ltd.
Nuclear Blast
Associated_acts = Epica
Ayreon
Equilibrio
URL = [http://www.simonesimons.nl simonesimons.nl]

Simone Simons (born Hoensbroek, January 17, 1985) is a Dutch mezzo-soprano singer who is the lead vocalist of symphonic metal ensemble Epica.

Biography

Simons has had an interest for music since she was ten years old, and after listening to the Nightwish album "Oceanborn" at the age of fifteen, she began taking classical singing lessons. She sang in a choir for a couple of months in 2002, joining Epica soon after. She was previously in a romantic relationship with Epica guitarist Mark Jansen and co-writes the band's lyrics with him. She is currently engaged to Oliver Palotai, keyboardist of the American power metal band KamelotFact|date=October 2007.Her favourite song to perform is "Reprendo mai più" by Emma Shapplin. [ [http://home.wanadoo.nl/seventh.son/simone.htm wanadoo.nl] ]

In January 2008, it was announced on Epica's website that Simone is suffering from MRSA. This has caused Epica to have to cancel many of their shows. In February, her condition was getting better, but she was not completely recovered. In March, Epica toured with Amanda Somerville, replacing Simons for their US tour [ [http://www.epica.nl Epica.nl] ] until May 11, 2008, when Simone performed again at their show in Bibelot, Dordrecht [ [http://www.epica.nl Epica.nl] ] .

Discography

With Epica

Albums

*"The Phantom Agony" (2003)
*"Consign to Oblivion" (2005)
*"The Score - An Epic Journey" (2005)
*"The Divine Conspiracy" (2007)

ingles

*"The Phantom Agony" (2003)
*"Feint" (2004)
*"Cry for the Moon" (2004)
*"Solitary Ground" (2005)
*"Quietus (Silent Reverie)" (2005)
*"Never Enough" (2007)
*"Chasing the Dragon" (2008)

DVDs

*"We Will Take You with Us" (2004)

Other releases

*"Cry for the Moon" (demo, 2003)
*"The Road to Paradiso" (book and compilation, 2006)

Guest appearances

*Aina - "Days of Rising Doom" (2003)
*Kamelot - "The Black Halo" in "The Haunting (Somewhere in Time)" and appears in its video (2005)
*Kamelot - "Ghost Opera" in "Blücher" and "Season's End" (2007)
*Kamelot - "One Cold Winter's Night"-live CD in "The Haunting (Somewhere in Time)" and appears in the concert DVD-during this song.
*Primal Fear - "New Religion" in "Everytime It Rains" (2007)
*Ayreon - "01011001" in "Web of Lies" (2008)
* - "Equilibrio" in "Act 1 - My Song of Creation", "Act 2 - Destiny Unveiled" and "Act 2 - God of Symmetry" (2008)

References

External links

* [http://www.simonesimons.nl Official Website]
*myspace|simone_simons
* [http://www.epica.nl/?page=band&show=members&sub=1 Profile at the official Epica site]