Epica makes their return to North America in early May. We last saw them in America back in 2022 as they toured alongside Sabaton. That time, it was in support of their eighth studio album, Omega, which also happened to be the release right after 2017's Epica vs Attack on Titan Songs. Earlier in April the band released their ninth and latest album, Aspiral, and the upcoming tour is in support of it.

There's a nonzero chance they might play "Crimson Bow and Arrow," (I really want to hear it live, and I think it'd be a worthy selection for the "showcase concerts") because they did it for the four The Symphonic Synergy concerts in Amsterdam and Mexico City in 2024. In fact, Mexico is a big target for this tour, and they're going to a number of venues in that country.

This is more a Mexico tour than anything else, with the United States only getting scant three shows in New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. Mexico has nine dates spread around the country.

Starting in late June, they'll begin on a European tour. To finish off the year they'll be returning to our side of the pond, albeit in South America as they tour Brazil, Chile, and many other countries down there.

This tour marks the first dedicated concert performances for 2025. Epica did have a release event for Aspiral titled "The Epica Experience" where fans could meet the band, ask questions, and see a lot of the history that makes up Epica be it the instruments, costumes, stage props, and more, but that doesn't quite count.

Aspiral proves once again that Epica cannot miss their marks. Led by the singles "Cross the Divide" and "Arcana," the album grabs you and doesn't let you go. This album continues the "A New Age Dawns" saga that we last heard in 2009's Design Your Universe.

If you're an American fan, this is your only shot for the year, so take it.

And if you've never heard or seen Epica before, I definitely recommend at the very least checking out the Epica vs Attack on Titan mini-album. If that interests you, check out Aspiral, and if you're willing, make the jump to seeing them live. It might be a while til you get another chance.

North American tour dates as follows:

5/6/25 New York City, NY - Irving Plaza
5/8/25 Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
5/10/25 Los Angeles, CA - The Bellwether
5/11/25 Tijuana, MX - Foro Jai Alai
5/13/25 Monterrey, MX - Showcenter
5/15/25 Puebla, MX - Auditorio Explanada
5/16/25 Queretaro, MX - Foro Arpa
5/18/25 Merida, MX - Auditorio La Isla
5/20/25 Cancun, MX - Auditorio STOA
5/23/25 Leon, MX - Foro del Lago
5/24/25 San Luis Potosi, MX - Teatro Tangamanga
5/25/25 Guadalajara, MX - Teatro Studio Cavaret