With the release of their second album, The Force of Nature, Epinikion enter a new chapter. Vocalist Kimberley Jongen, who joined the band in 2024, spoke with us about the album, her experience stepping into the band, and the musical inspirations that guide her.

Read our review for The Force of Nature here.

Reuel

Hello Kimberley! I’m very happy to chat with you. How are you doing?

Kimberley

I’m doing very well, thank you! 🙂

Reuel

Your new album, The Force of Nature, has recently been released! How are you feeling about the way it was received by your fans?

Kimberley

We are really happy with the response we are receiving from fans and press alike so far! The reactions are very positive, and sometimes it’s a little overwhelming in the best way!

Reuel

How would you describe the general theme and concept of the album to people hearing about it for the first time?

Kimberley

There is no concept for this album as with the previous one, but it has a general theme, and that is nature in all its forms, human nature, and how we deal with things in life, the good and the bad.

Reuel

Releasing an album is no doubt a huge milestone for any musician, but also challenging. What was your favorite and least favorite part of working with your bandmates on The Force of Nature?

Kimberley

This was my first ever album to work on, so it was all new to me, and I loved everything about it! There really wasn’t a negative experience. I found the songwriting process very interesting to be a part of and learned a lot about how to implement different singing styles from it. The studio sessions were also very cool, Erwin Hermsen from Toneshed really made it a very good and relaxed experience for me. I think that is very important, because as a singer, you’re really putting yourself out there and you have to tap into all these different emotions to sing, so it’s really great to have someone that puts you at ease on the other side of the studio wall.

Reuel

This is your first album as vocalist of Epinikion, but it’s their second. Did you feel any pressure to “fit in” with what already existed, or were you encouraged to put your touch on it?

Kimberley

None at all. Robert and Renate really put a lot of trust in me when they accepted me into the band, and really encouraged me to find my own way with the existing songs. The same went for the new album, and I love that I’m given the liberty to explore the vocal lines and make them my own.

Reuel

What musicians can you credit as the ones who inspired you, as a person and an artist?

Kimberley

Madonna is the one I have to credit as the one that made me discover I could sing as a child. When it comes to voices in metal, Simone Simons, Tarja, Liv Kristine, and Floor Jansen definitely influenced me.

Reuel

What are your feelings about the way women are represented in music today, and what do you think can be done to promote more inclusivity and support for female musicians?

Kimberley

For me, everything has been very positive! Everyone has been very kind and respectful. I do think it would have been different if I had entered the scene twenty years ago. Things were definitely different then, and there were a lot less bands that were fronted by a woman. Nowadays, there is plenty to choose from so I think we women really stepped out there, and each in their own way. I think it’s important we support each other and lift each other up most of all.

Reuel

Thank you for your time, Kimberley, and for this interview! Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Kimberley

Thank you for the interview! And to those reading this, please listen to our album “The Force of Nature” and let us know what you think of it! We love to hear from you!