I always loved the work Arjen Lucassen and Simone Simons have done together. A “solo” record has been a goal for Simons for quite a while, but finally in 2024, this was made a reality.

“Vermillion” starts off strong with “Aeterna”. The intro of the song reminds me of some kind of techno track before the drums and other instruments kick in. The melody has Arabic influences and the slow pace of the guitar riffs and drums give it a doomy kind of vibe. It’s somewhat of a weird mix, but it works, as some of the lyrics in Latin, sung by a choir, make the song appear big.

For me, the next song on the record, “In Love We Rust” is the one with the most impact. I can feel how Simone Simons put so much emotion in performing this. For example the line “Every day is a brand new war” where she emphasizes the word day, just hits a spot. This combined with the airy, typical Ayreon style keys and the great guitar solo make the song one that will be stuck in your mind for quite a while.

For “Cradle To The Grave”, Simons called in the aid of Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy). Especially the parts where they sing in harmony are great. We all know that White-Gluz can growl, but I’m glad her clear singing is used as well. “Fight or Flight” brings back memories of Ambeon and Stream of Passion with their typical guitar sound, where “Weight of My World” makes me think of Ayreon with the progressive riffs and keys. It’s also the only song that has German and Dutch lyrics in it, a strange and fresh addition.

“The Core” and “R.E.D.” are the heavier tracks on “Vermillion”. “R.E.D.” features the growls of fellow Epica member Mark Janssen. This song has also been released as a single, just as “Aeterna”, “In Love We Rust” and “Cradle To The Grave”. The album has been mixed by the incredible Joost van den Broek, who has never erred in recent productions he has been involved with.

All in all, “Vermillion” is a great record. The combination of Arjen Lucassen as creative and musical mastermind and Simone Simons’ lyrics and voice make the album work. My main issue would be that it might be a bit too much Arjen Lucassen. 

Now don’t get me wrong, I love the sound he brings to all the music he produces, yet since that sound is so typical, “Vermillion” sounds more like an Arjen Lucassen side project, than Simone Simons’ debut solo record. It’s true that she wrote all the lyrics and that gives the album a personal touch, yet I would have loved it even better if she somehow would get more of her personal style and sound in.

Rating: 8/10

Release Date: August 23rd 2024
Label: Nuclear Blast

Writer: Michael

Tracklist:

1. “Aeterna”
2. “In Love We Rust”
3. “Cradle to the Grave” (featuring Alissa White-Gluz)
4. “Fight or Flight”
5. “Weight of My World”
6. “Vermillion Dreams”
7. “The Core” (featuring Mark Jansen)
8. “Dystopia”
9. “R.E.D.” (featuring Mark Jansen)
10. “Dark Night of the Soul”