Simone Simons' solo debut will be released in August

Simone Simons, known as the voice behind the symphonic metal band Epica, announces her first solo album "Vermillion". In collaboration with Arjen Lucassen, the mastermind behind "Ayreon", the album promises to be an epic experience.

Simone Simons has made a significant impact on the metal scene in her more than twenty-year career with Epica. Her ability to reach emotional depths with her operatic voice will also play a central role in "Vermillion". The album, which will be released on August 23rd via Nuclear Blast Records, promises to be a milestone in her career - a universally moving album.

To celebrate the announcement of her solo debut, Simone has also released the music video for the first single "Aeterna". Described as the "big, epic opener to the album", the track is a powerful blend of Latin lyrics and a hint of oriental sounds. The video was directed by Patric Ullaeus, who visually realized the atmospheric nature of the song.

"'Aeterna' is not only a musical powerhouse, but also a thematic one," explain Simone and Arjen. The song takes the perspective of a star on the verge of going supernova and explores the deep connections in the universe. "Everything in the universe is connected, like a cosmic web of stardust," say the artists. The song reflects on our place in the universe and the connections that hold us all together, inspired by Carl Sagan's famous quote that we are all "made of stardust".

With "Vermillion", Simone Simons is at the beginning of an exciting new phase in her musical career, ready to thrill her fans and the metal community once again with her unique talent and visionary artistry.