Published: May 12, 2026 · 11:57 AM EDT
The Dutch symphonic metal band unveil a live performance recorded during their sold-out headline show in Amsterdam
Epica have released a live performance video for “Cross The Divide (Live at Ziggo Dome Amsterdam)”, recorded during the band’s sold-out headline concert at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam earlier this year.
The performance captures one of the largest headline shows in the band’s history, performed in front of approximately 10,000 attendees during the touring cycle surrounding the group’s latest studio album “Aspiral”.
Originally appearing as the opening track of “Aspiral”, “Cross The Divide” combines the symphonic arrangements, orchestral dynamics, progressive structures, and heavier modern metal elements that continue defining the Dutch band’s sound after more than two decades of activity.
The newly released performance presents the scale of Epica’s current live production while documenting the atmosphere of the sold-out Amsterdam concert.
The live version of “Cross The Divide” expands the cinematic direction associated with the studio recording through large-scale staging, synchronized lighting, and the band’s orchestral approach to symphonic metal performance.
The track remains one of the central songs connected to the “Aspiral” era and serves as an introduction to the thematic and musical framework developed throughout the album.
Released as the band’s ninth studio album, “Aspiral” continues the conceptual and progressive direction explored across recent Epica releases while introducing themes inspired by the work of Polish sculptor Stanis?aw Szukalski.
According to the band, the title derives from a 1965 bronze sculpture created by Szukalski, symbolizing cycles of destruction, rebuilding, renewal, and spiritual evolution.
The album additionally reflects the collaborative creative process developed during recent years following the release of “Omega”, the experimental EP “The Alchemy Project”, large-scale orchestral performances, and extensive international touring activity.
The rollout surrounding “Aspiral” was previously documented by Rockum through EPICA Announce New Album 'Aspiral' & Share Video For 'Cross The Divide' and EPICA Premieres Official Lyric Video For Metanoia.
“ASPIRAL” TRACKLIST
01. Cross the Divide
02. Arcana
03. Darkness Dies in Light (A New Age Dawns, Part VII)
04. Obsidian Heart
05. Fight to Survive – The Overview Effect
06. Metanoia (A New Age Dawns, Part VIII)
07. T.I.M.E.
08. Apparition
09. Eye of the Storm
10. The Grand Saga of Existence (A New Age Dawns, Part IX)
11. Aspiral
TOUR DATES
EPICA TOUR DATES
07.06.26 — Trondheim Rocks — Trondheim, Norway
13.06.26 — Z! Live Rock — Zamora, Spain
29.06.26 — Middenvijver Park — Antwerp, Belgium (with Iron Maiden)
17.07.26 — John Smith Rock Festival — Laukaa, Finland
23.07.26 — Hills of Rock — Plovdiv, Bulgaria (with Sabaton & Savatage)
25.07.26 — Release Athens — Athens, Greece (with Sabaton & Savatage)
14.09.26 — Liquidroom — Tokyo, Japan
15.09.26 — Bigcat — Osaka, Japan
17.09.26 — TBA — Shenzhen, China
18.09.26 — TBA — Guangzhou, China
20.09.26 — TBA — Beijing, China
22.09.26 — TBA — Shanghai, China
29.01.27 — Royal Theatre Carré — Amsterdam, Netherlands (Sold Out)
30.01.27 — Royal Theatre Carré — Amsterdam, Netherlands (Sold Out)
31.01.27 — Royal Theatre Carré — Amsterdam, Netherlands (Sold Out)
Formed in the Netherlands in 2002, Epica have become one of the defining names connected to modern symphonic metal through a combination of orchestral composition, progressive arrangements, philosophical themes, and large-scale live productions.
Across the years, the band expanded its international reach through collaborations, orchestral performances, festival appearances, and touring activity alongside artists including Metallica.
Recent projects such as “The Alchemy Project” additionally showcased collaborations involving artists connected to Fleshgod Apocalypse, Myrkur, and Uriah Heep.
LINEUP
Simone Simons — vocals
Mark Jansen — guitar, vocals
Isaac Delahaye — guitar
Coen Janssen — keyboards
Rob van der Loo — bass
Ariën van Weesenbeek — drums
Beyond the studio version of “Cross The Divide,” Epica continue expanding the large-scale live dimension of the “Aspiral” era while reinforcing the orchestral and cinematic identity that has shaped the band’s evolution within symphonic metal.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
Photo credit: Tim Tronckoe
Watch 'Cross The Divide (Live At Ziggo Dome Amsterdam)' below:
