Published: June 20, 2026
Performance recorded at Epica's sold-out Ziggo Dome concert in Amsterdam documents a major moment in the Aspiral album cycle
EPICA have released a live video for "Sirens - Of Blood And Water", featuring guest appearances by Alissa White-Gluz, Elize Ryd, and Charlotte Wessels.
The performance was recorded earlier this year during the band's sold-out headline concert at Amsterdam's Ziggo Dome, where more than 10,000 fans attended what became the largest headline show of Epica's career to date.
Captured during the same concert was "Cross The Divide (Live At Ziggo Dome Amsterdam)", another live release from the band's current album cycle. Rockum previously covered that performance in the article Epica Release 'Cross The Divide (Live At Ziggo Dome Amsterdam)' From 'Aspiral', documenting another chapter of the historic Ziggo Dome show.
The live version of "Sirens - Of Blood And Water" reunites four vocalists whose careers have become closely associated with modern symphonic and melodic metal. Alongside Simone Simons, the performance features Alissa White-Gluz, Elize Ryd, and Charlotte Wessels, recreating the collaborative spirit of the studio recording in front of a live audience.
The release follows the conclusion of Epica's extensive Arcane Dimensions Tour, which supported the band's latest studio album across multiple territories earlier this year.
The current album cycle began in January 2025 when EPICA announced Aspiral, their ninth studio album. Rockum covered the announcement in the feature EPICA Announce New Album 'Aspiral' & Share Video For 'Cross The Divide', documenting the album's concept, artwork, and first single.
Released in 2025, Aspiral drew inspiration from the work of Polish artist and sculptor Stanisaw Szukalski. Bassist Rob van der Loo became interested in Szukalski's work after watching the documentary Struggle – The Life And Lost Art Of Stanislav Szukalski during the Covid lockdown period, an idea that eventually evolved into the conceptual foundation of the album.
The album title derives from a bronze sculpture created by Szukalski in 1965. According to the band, the work symbolizes renewal, inspiration, and continuous growth, themes that became central to the development of the record.
Among the songs featured on Aspiral is "Metanoia", which received its own lyric video during the album campaign. Rockum also covered that release in the article EPICA Premieres Official Lyric Video For Metanoia, documenting another stage in the promotion of the album.
ASPIRAL TRACK LISTING
Cross The Divide
Arcana
Darkness Dies In Light (A New Age Dawns, Part VII)
Obsidian Heart
Fight To Survive – The Overview Effect
Metanoia (A New Age Dawns, Part VIII)
T.I.M.E.
Apparition
Eye Of The Storm
The Grand Saga Of Existence (A New Age Dawns, Part IX)
Aspiral
EPICA TOUR DATES
29.06.26 | Middenvijver Park | Antwerp, BE (with Iron Maiden)
17.07.26 | John Smith Rock Festival | Laukaa, FI
23.07.26 | Hills Of Rock | Plovdiv, BG (with Sabaton & Savatage)
25.07.26 | Release Athens | Athens, GR (with Sabaton & Savatage)
14.09.26 | Liquidroom | Tokyo, JP
15.09.26 | Bigcat | Osaka, JP
17.09.26 | B10 Live | Shenzhen, CN
18.09.26 | Sound Of Republic | Guangzhou, CN
20.09.26 | Beijing, CN
22.09.26 | Modern Sky Lab | Shanghai, CN
29.01.27 | Royal Theatre Carré | Amsterdam, NL (Sold Out)
30.01.27 | Royal Theatre Carré | Amsterdam, NL (Sold Out)
31.01.27 | Royal Theatre Carré | Amsterdam, NL (Sold Out)
For more than two decades, EPICA have remained active within the symphonic metal scene, combining orchestral arrangements, progressive influences, and conceptual songwriting throughout a catalog that spans nine studio albums.
Recorded during the band's largest headline concert to date, "Sirens - Of Blood And Water (Live At Ziggo Dome Amsterdam)" captures a significant moment in the ongoing Aspiral album cycle while documenting a collaboration between four vocalists from across the modern symphonic metal landscape.
Written by Gino Alache – Music Journalist
Photo credit: Tim Tronckoe
Watch the live video for "Sirens - Of Blood And Water (Live At Ziggo Dome Amsterdam)" below.
