‘I strive to become better with each art piece that I create. ‘Vermillion’ has broadened my musical horizon even further.”
- Simone Simons
For more than 20 years, ever since she was a teenager, Simone Simons has been spearheading the world of female fronted metal. As a lead singer, icon, and role model for a whole generation of female metalheads, the Epica lead singer remains one of the most prominent key figures in all things metal. After eight albums and countless global tours with her band, Simone Simons finally found the time to release her first solo album – a moment 15 years in the making! Her breathtaking debut 'Vermillion' is a stunning feat chronicling her storied past as well as her rise to fame, and showcasing her many different influences ranging from prog rock to film scores to metal to electronic elements.
Of the timing for her eagerly awaited foray into the realms of a solo career, the Dutch singer says with a disarming grin: "Epica has my priority and I always have the liberty to do other musical projects besides my career in Epica. Yet, I never had the time to dive into a project to this extent."
Some endeavors require patience and time, and rightly so. Simone chose not to rush her solo project, opting instead to thoughtfully consider how she wanted to present herself. Enter stage right Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon). Her musical partner and longtime collaborator is no stranger to her soaring operatic voice. Together they have crafted a sonic universe that befits the influential figure she is. And while many would use their solo effort as a radical, even provocative departure from everything they stood for, Simone remains true to her love for epic melodies, huge choruses and monumental, intelligent music.
“Metal has my heart, and Arjen too”, Simone laughs. “I fell in love with Ayreon’s music when I was 16. It was always a dream of mine to work with Arjen. Many years and even more features in Ayreon later, I contacted Arjen saying that I would love to write a whole album with him. This must have been around five to six years ago. We talked to each other every once in a while but were both swamped and couldn’t commit to such a project. Now, the timing was right for both of us. Our busy schedules had an opening for this project to come to fruition. ‘Vermillion’ was born.”
You could have expected many things from Simone Simons’ first solo effort. But 'Vermillion' emerges as a gargantuan goose-bump generator, a universally touching, stellar tour de force. From the magnum opus 'Aeterna' to the subtle Pink Floyd vibe of 'In Love We Rust' to the heavy industrial edge of 'Cradle To The Grave', this album is an unforgettable, evocative, bedazzling journey more than anything else, a stunning jewel in Simone’s crown of achievements. “It is a very sincere and at times heart-wrenching album,” Simone nods. “I think that if we give people goosebumps, make them bang their heads and maybe shed a tear, we have succeeded. Arjen and I combined forces and brought out the best in both of each other.” We can thank Simone for taking her time to get to this point, because the long wait for this moment has truly been worthwhile.
Limited crystal clear vinyl pressing
Tracklisting
Side A:
1. Aeterna (feat Ayreon)
2. In Love We Rust (feat Ayreon)
3. Cradle To The Grave (feat Ayreon, Alyssa White-Gluz)
4. Fight Or Flight (feat Ayreon)
5. The Weight Of My World (feat Ayreon)
Side B:
6. Vermillion Dreams (feat Ayreon)
7. The Core (feat Ayreon)
8. Dystopia (feat Ayreon)
9. R.E.D (feat Ayreon)
10. Dark Night Of The Soul (feat Ayreon)
