Epinikion – The Force of Nature

Formed in 2020, Epinikion are epic symphonic metallers hailing from The Netherlands. The band was started by two former athletes with no former musical background. It began as an ambitious project to write a rock opera album, which resulted in the critically acclaimed 2022 debut Inquisition. In 2023/24 the line-up was completed with addition of four more musicians, so this Dutch band is now a sextet comprised of; Kimberley Jongen (vocals), Maarten Jungschläger (lead guitar), Robert Tangerman (rhythm guitar), Renate de Boer (keyboard), Rutger Klijn (bass) and Michal Gis (drums).

From the very beginning the band’s sound featured heavy guitar riffs combined with subtle and progressive heavy influences, complimented with additional harmonic and bombastic orchestral lines. On this latest twelve-tracker opus The Force of Nature, their professional and powerful, yet emotive sound features a cinematic blend of powerful and melodic metal, matched with sweeping orchestral arrangements and deeply emotive vocals. Lyrically, The Force of Nature is an emotional journey that merges powerful anthems with personal and psychologically-rooted themes along with a nature in all its forms.

I consider all twelve tracks to be more or less equally strong and powerful, but if I am to pick my favourites it would be a song called “I Thought You Were on My Side” – being a power ballad featuring characteristic choir parts and an amazing guitar solo. Next key track in my opinion is “Run with the Wolves” – a beautiful ode to nature, celebrating the connection between humans and animals. It features this driving rhythm and masterful/heavy guitar work combined with a powerful rhythmic orchestra and the crystal-clear & mystical voice of Kimberley Jongen.

Mixed and mastered a fellow Dane Jacob Hansen at ‘Hansen Studios’ The Force of Nature results in a modern, clean and high-energy sound, and with a beautiful artwork from Giannis Nakos from ‘Remedy Art Design’, the album’s visuals and sound have been shaped with genius by true masters of their craft. The atmosphere is epic, theatrical, and immersive yet blended with some ominous and dark exciting moods and vibes.

Furthermore, The Force of Nature reflects the sextet’s conscious decision to dedicate their future to this band and see how far with this energetic, powerful and promising sophomore album they can go. I think that Epinikion is a blast of a successor to their 2022 debut Inquisition, and a major step in their rise to stardom. I have noted the band’s ability to balance bombastic orchestral lines with heavy riffs in a sophisticated manner.

The Force of Nature is highly recommended epic opus for fans of operatic and symphonic metal and bands like Nightwish, Within Temptation, Visions of Atlantis, Edenbridge, Epica, Magica and similar symphonic/power/prog genre heavyweights. For further insights into this highly ambitious Dutch band visit bandcamp and watch video for the single “The Force of Nature” below.