The Dutch symphonic metal band EPICA was founded by guitarist and vocalist Mark Jansen after his departure from his previous group AFTER FOREVOR. Known worldwide for their incredible contributions to the genre, EPICA bring symphonic metal mastery and brutal death metal influences to the masses with a hypnotic yet pulverizing effect.   EPICA released their latest studio album "Omega" in February 2021 and are still riding high off the LP's magnitude and epic songwriting delivered by the one-two punch of Jansen and co-vocalist Simone Simons.  The band are also quickly approaching their 20th anniversary as a group with some very exciting plans for fans of EPICA this coming September, which Mark discusses in the podcast. Also, Loaded Radio's Johnny Rude joins Scott Penfold for the second portion of the show to discuss the week that was in hard rock and heavy metal.