Epinikion

With the release of their second album, The Force of Nature, Dutch epic symphonic metal band Epinikion has clearly earned its place in the upper echelons of the symphonic metal landscape. Mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen and featuring artwork by Giannis Nakos, the album reflects the band’s ability to create their own unique sound within this genre and appeal to a wide audience. This hasn’t gone unnoticed by both the press and fans. Reviews praise the album for its production, songwriting, and the band’s development. The songs, with themes rooted in psychology and nature in all its forms, take the listener on a breathtaking journey. Dutch former athletes Renate de Boer and Robert Tangerman co-wrote the first album and were so unknown that they collaborated with session musicians to record it. The album’s story is essentially a rock opera, shaped by the songs that depict its scenes. A great adventure for both musicians, who worked on the album with great perseverance. This is how the critically acclaimed debut album “Inquisition” came to life. After extensive searching, Robert and Renate found members willing to invest in Epinikion as permanent members, establishing the band as a cohesive team after its inception as a session musician project. With Kimberley Jongen, Maarten Jungschläger, Rutger Klijn, and Michal Gis as members, the band laid the foundation for a second album, the recording of which was completed in 2025. From the outset, Epinikion combined heavy guitar riffs with subtle progressive and heavy metal influences, complemented by harmonic and bombastic orchestral lines. With their new music, the band takes things a step further, fusing each member’s musical influences and creativity into a unique and refreshing sound. Epinikion means ‘hymn for the winner’, and it’s an ancient Greek victory ode or song of triumph composed to honor a victor in athletic competitions. A fitting name for a band that strives to give their ultimate best at every turn and is built upon the sports mentality of its founders. The phoenix rising up symbolizes the rise from the ashes of athletes to musicians. Epinikion is aiming to bring The Force of Nature to stages all over Europe and played shows in Czech Republic and Poland after the album’s release. More shows in the Netherlands, Belgium, and France are planned, and more countries are sure to follow!