Dr. Music Records
6 February 2026
Symphonic Metal
Line-Up:
Kimberley Jongen: Vocals
Maarten Jungschläger: Lead Guitar
Robert Tangerman: Rhythm Guitar
Renate de Boer: Keyboard
Rutger Klijn: Bass Michal Gis: Drums
Tracklist:
1. The Moon, The Sun And The Stars
2. The Force Of Nature
3. Lessons In Life (Are For Fre
4. Come Into My Wor
5. Your Ultimate Joy
6. I Thought You Were On My Side
7. Don’t Wake Up The Dead
8. Monsters In My He
9. Two Hearts
10. Run With The Wolves
11. What Goes Up Must Come Down
12. Eyes Will Glow
This is a band performing at their peak. With their second release, ‘The Force Of Nature’, Epinikion (seriously, couldn’t a more pronounceable name have been chosen?) make their return.
The album kicks off with ‘The Moon, The Sun and the Stars’, a beautiful orchestral introduction, before shifting into higher gear with the title track. Thunderous drum fills and guitar riffs explode before Kimberley Jongen’s stunning voice guides us through the emotional landscape of humanity and nature’s wild, interconnected forces.
Jacob Hansen (known for his work with Delain, Epica, Volbeat) handled the production, which instantly pushes the album toward an 8/10 rating. Jacob refuses to let subpar work emerge from his studio—he demands every band he collaborates with delivers excellence and more.
First conceived in 2020 (sympathy goes to any band launching that year, though Epinikion deserves recognition for persevering and emerging from the pandemic even stronger), what began as a rock opera concept has transformed into something truly remarkable. The new album features vocalist Kimberley Jongen, guitarist Robert Tangerman, keyboard player Renate de Boer, lead guitarist Maarten Jungschläger, bassist Rutger Klijn, and drummer Michal Gis, propelling the band’s sound well beyond their debut into a commanding, melodious sonic landscape.
Songwriter Renate de Boer’s personal stories and experiences form the foundation of the twelve tracks on ‘The Force Of Nature’. Her psychology background offers profound understanding of the human psyche and the choices people confront.
The title track, also the first single, explodes with the kind of vitality a band with ten-plus years of experience should possess. This is genuinely exceptional material. The song focuses on a determined character boldly proclaiming they’re leaving their troubled past behind and will no longer allow others to manipulate them. That sentiment likely resonates with many of us, offering something meaningful to consider.
‘Your Ultimate Joy’ will provide comfort to many listeners. The lyrics address a poisonous relationship where mutual respect has vanished, and the mistreatment and cruel behavior must finally stop—not typical subject matter, admittedly. Yet dynamic guitar work, forceful drumming, and tension-laden arrangements make the inner turmoil palpable in every musical moment.
Across the remaining tracks, majestic vocals, sweeping instrumental breaks, booming rhythms, and lyrics encouraging listeners to shed negativity and embrace responsibility for humanity—instead of surrendering to materialistic and consumerist influences—make this an essential album to experience.
Ratings: 9/10
Reviewed by Adrian Hextall
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