Epinikion – Force Of Nature

Epinikion
Force Of Nature
Out: 6^th February 2026
Playing time: 58:40

I really liked 2022 debut of Epinikion, ‘Inquisition’. The band was originally founded as a Rock Opera project by guitarist Robert Tangerman and keyboard player Renate de Boer. And these two are also the only constants in the band. All the other musicians joined in 2023 and 2024 respectively. The debut was a concept album. And there is also a common thread running through ‘The Force Of Nature’. The twelve tracks on ‘The Force Of Nature’ are based on stories and experiences of songwriter Renate de Boer, who, as a psychologist, brings deep insights into the human soul and decisions to bear. So, let’s now allow the forces of nature and conflicts to wash over us.

Right at the start, the Dutch band ventures out into space. But despite its meaningful title, ‘The Moon, The Sun And The Stars’ is merely a two-minute epic intro. This makes the title track ‘The Force Of Nature’ the first ‘real song’ on the album. In it, new singer Kimberley Jongen immediately demonstrates her skills. And she is every bit as good as her predecessor. She easily holds her own against the double bass thunderstorm and the heavy guitars. It is a phenomenon that one can always discover new great singers from this Benelux country. In ‘Lessons In Life (Are For Free)’ she initially shows her fragile, contemplative side. But then guitar riffs and drums blast out of the speakers. Immediately, the vocals become more powerful. Everything is underpinned by epic keyboard carpets. Guitar melodies introduce ‘Come Into My World’. The bombast is toned down a bit. The sound is very lively. Live, this will certainly be a sing-along song for the fans. ‘Your Ultimate Joy’ starts ballad-like with synth strings. These can still be heard later on, even when the rhythm section kicks in heavily. Kimberley is also convincing in the high vocal passages. However, she mostly sings in a slightly lower mezzo-soprano. As in previous songs, there is a melodic guitar solo. ‘I Thought You Were On My Side’ is a soulful ballad. Here you can really appreciate Kimberley Jongen’s vocals. She is accompanied by acoustic guitars, strings and an electric piano. Later, drums and the concentrated power of the guitars kick in. There are also epic choruses. A door creaks, a creepy voice can be heard briefly, but epic keyboards, among others, dominate the mid-tempo anthem ‘Don’t Wake Up The Dead’.  The nine-minute monumental work ‘Monsters In My Head’ is introduced by (synth) brass, followed by bombastic orchestration, and initially spreads a calm atmosphere. But here, too, hard riffs and thunderous drums can be heard. Thanks to the varied melody and rhythm, it never gets boring despite its length. Kimberley Jongen once again masters the high notes perfectly without any shrill sections. In places, she merely breathes into the microphone. ‘Two Hearts’ is the second contemplative ballad. Strings, orchestrations and subtle drumming accompany the singer. The transition to the catchy Rock song ‘Run With The Wolves’ is also calm at first, before the lead and rhythm guitars really take off. After a ballad-like introduction, things get hard and rocking later on in ‘What Goes Up Must Come Down’. Drummer Michal Gis drives his fellow musicians forward with his double bass attacks. Both guitarists and the singer keep up with the fast tempo in places. The finale, ‘Eyes Will Glow’, is a little calmer again. Kimberley sings alternately with a beguiling voice and a dark timbre.

With ‘Force Of Nature’, Epinikion perform at a similarly high level as on their previous album. The numerous line-up changes have not detracted from the quality. And I like the album cover much better. Both masterminds – the married couple Renate de Boer and Robert Tangerman – have done a great job. Epinikion hold the flag of Symphonic Metal well and high.

Epinikion – The Force of Nature: https://youtu.be/2_kPfXj824Y?si=vbVsp7Je9zqKXt7C

Lineup:

Kimberley Jongen – Vocals
Maarten Jungschläger – Lead Guitar
Robert Tangerman – Rhythm Guitar
Renate de Boer – Keyboard
Rutger Klijn – Bass
Michal Gis – Drums

Track list:

• The Moon, The Sun And The Stars
• The Force Of Nature
• Lessons In Life (Are For Free)
• Come Into My World
• Your Ultimate Joy
• I Thought You Were On My Side
• Don’t Wake Up The Dead
• Monsters In My Head
• Two Hearts
• Run With The Wolves
• What Goes Up Must Come Down
• Eyes Will Glow