Simone Simons (born Hoensbroek, January 17, 1985) is a Dutch mezzo-soprano singer who is the lead vocalist of symphonic metal band Epica.

Biography

Simons has had an interest for music since she was ten years old, and after listening to the Nightwish album Oceanborn at the age of fifteen, she began taking classical singing lessons. She sang in a choir for a couple of months in 2002, joining Epica soon after. She was previously in a romantic relationship with Epica guitarist Mark Jansen and co-writes the band's lyrics with him. Her boyfriend is Oliver Palotai, keyboardist of the American power metal band Kamelot, a band for which she has provided guest vocals on two occasions, as well as appeared with on stage several times. Her favourite song to perform is "Reprendo mai più" by Emma Shapplin.
In January 2008, it was announced on Epica's website that Simone is suffering from MRSA. This has caused Epica to have to cancel many of their shows. In February, her condition was getting better, but she was not completely recovered. In March, Epica toured with Amanda Somerville, replacing Simons for their US tour until May 11, 2008, when Simone performed again at their show in Bibelot, Dordrecht.

Discography

With Epica

Albums

The Phantom Agony (2003)
Consign to Oblivion (2005)
The Score - An Epic Journey (2005)
The Divine Conspiracy (2007)
Design Your Universe (2009)

Singles

"The Phantom Agony" (2003)
"Feint" (2004)
"Cry for the Moon" (2004)
"Solitary Ground" (2005)
"Quietus (Silent Reverie)" (2005)
"Never Enough" (2007)
"Chasing the Dragon" (200

DVDs

We Will Take You with Us (2004)

Other releases

Cry for the Moon (demo, 2003)
The Road to Paradiso (book and compilation, 2006)

Guest appearances

Aina - Days of Rising Doom (2003)
Kamelot - The Black Halo in "The Haunting (Somewhere in Time)" and appears in its video (2005)
Kamelot - Ghost Opera in "Blücher" and "Season's End" (2007)
Kamelot - One Cold Winter's Night-live CD in "The Haunting (Somewhere in Time)" and appears in the concert DVD-during this song.
Primal Fear - New Religion in "Everytime It Rains" (2007)
Ayreon - 01011001 in "Web of Lies" (200
Xystus & US Concert - Equilibrio in "Act 1 - My Song of Creation", "Act 2 - Destiny Unveiled" and "Act 2 - God of Symmetry" (200
Sons of Seasons - Gods of Vermin in "Fallen Family" and "Wintersmith" (2009)