The haunting vocals of Simone Simons and raw growls of founder Mark Jansen give Epica's sound an unusually expansive and grandiose quality. Intricately constructed compositions are paired with philosophical musings on subjects as varied as science, global geopolitics and religion. Cinematic in its scope, their sound leans towards Neue Deutsche Härte as angry riffs, dark lyrics and operatic female vocals intertwine with spellbinding results.