Recently, Dutch metal titans EPICA unveiled their re-release »Design Your Universe [Gold Edition]« and today they confirm December 9, 2019 as release date of their upcoming book »The Essence Of Epica«.

»The Essence Of Epica« ist a unique, bespoke book by and about one of the world’s greatest symphonic metal bands. It has been lovingly compiled using rare and candid photographs, memorabilia and personal stories told by the band – Mark Jansen, Simone Simons, Coen Janssen, Ariën van Weesenbeek, Isaac Delahaye, Rob van der Loo – and former members Ad Sluijter and Yves Huts, with extra commentary from people who’ve worked closely with EPICA. Among the wealth of photographs included are baby photos, high school and college portraits, plus performance shots, and backstage scenes from the very early days all the way up to the present.

Each narrator tells the band’s story in the first person, beginning with their early life, teen years, key musical influences and details of how they met. They describe how EPICA formed, found success and through constant gigging around the world, became the global phenomenon that they are today.

»The Essence Of Epica« will be available in two versions:

– The “Classic” is a 224-page full colour hardback, filled with over 200 images with a cover specially designed by Stefan Heilemann.
– The “Signature” is the same hardback in a deluxe clamshell box, signed by the band, with three exclusive, original art prints created by Stefan Heilemann.

The book is published December 9, 2019.

»The Essence Of Epica« is only available for pre-order at epicabook.com.

»Design Your Universe [Gold Edition]« contains a remastered and remixed version of the album and a newly recorded acoustic bonus disc. The album and exclusive merchandise bundles are now available from http://smarturl.it/epica.

More on »Design Your Universe [Gold Edition]«:
‘Kingdom Of Heaven’ OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFlgT4dny4k
‘Martyr Of The Free Word (Acoustic Version)‘ OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV5SCcrAxC0
Behind The Music – Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ix63vZtQCWo
Behind The Music – Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inTGdcgJHuU
Behind The Music – Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXSGA0BW6QU
Behind The Music – Part 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUEtRt9bnCU

To coincide with this release, EPICA are performing a number of exclusive »Design Your Universe« 10th anniversary shows around the globe. The remaining tour dates read as follows:

»Design Your Universe« – 10th Anniversary Shows – Latin America
(30.10. RCH Santiago – Teatro Caupolicán) *POSTPONED*
02.11. CO Bogotá – Royal Center
03.11. CR San José – Pepper Disco Club

»Design Your Universe« – 10th Anniversary Shows – North America
03.01. CDN Montréal, QC – Théâtre Corona (w/ BLACKGUARD)
05.01. USA Los Angeles, CA – The Regent Theater
12.01. USA New York City, NY – Webster Hall

Tickets: www.epica.nl/tour