About the band

Epinikion is an epic symphonic metal band from the Netherlands, founded in 2020 by Renate de Boer on keys and Robert Tangerman on guitar. What started out as a project with an ambitious rock opera album, has long since evolved into a spectacular and entertaining live act.

After Robert and Renate had ended their top sport careers, Robert came up with the idea to do something in music. The combination of his electric guitar and Renate’s classical piano almost naturally led to the choice for symphonic metal music. As a result of the passion and sports mentality of Robert and Renate, the band evolved rapidly. It gave rise to the need for professional music production. 

From the very beginning Epinikion combined heavy guitar riffs with subtle progressive and heavy metal influences, completed with harmonic and bombastic orchestral lines. The typical Epinikion sound is described as ‘epic, cinematic with captivating melodic lines. Refreshing symphonic metal with a personal twist’.

Epinikion is a ‘hymne for the winner’. In Ancient Greece the heroic stories of athletes were sung in an epinikion after their victories at major events. A fitting band name for musicians rising from the ashes of their former sports careers, as reflected by the phoenix in the band’s logo.  

The debut album Inquisition was met with critical acclaim from all over the world, and the positive reviews led to a need to bring the music to a live audience, initially with session musicians for the first shows. In 2023 Kimberley Jongen joined the band on vocals, followed by Maarten Jungschläger on lead guitar, and Rutger Klijn on bass. In 2024 Michal Gis joined on drums to complete the permanent lineup, bringing together a group of talented and like minded people.

Ambitious as they are, Epinikion is ready to further evolve their sound. Music for a second album is already in the works, building on the foundations laid down with Inquisition. Epinikion’s unique story continues…

Epinikion is

Kimberley Jongen

Kimberley Jongen | Vocals

Birthday: 11 October

Musical influences: Madonna, Epica, Nightwish, Delain, Within Temptation, Kamelot, Linkin Park, MIYAVI, Head Phones President, VAMPS, HYDE, OLIVIA, Johannes Brahms, Edvard Grieg, Michael Jackson

Robert Tangerman | Rhythm guitar

Birthday: 17 February

Musical Influences: Iron Maiden, Epica, Judas Priest, Bon Jovi, Hans Zimmer, Kamelot, Randy Rhoads, Megadeth, Trivium, Ayreon
Robert Tangerman
Renate de Boer

Renate de Boer | Keys

Birthday: 3 October

Musical influences: George Gershwin, Edvard Grieg, ABBA, Kamelot, Prince, Dead can Dance, Hans Zimmer, Jean-Michel Jarre, and many 70s and 80s rock- and metal bands.

Maarten Jungschlager | Lead guitar

Birthday: 16 March

Musical Influences: James Hetfield, Dave Mustaine, Jeff Hanneman, Gojira, Nevermore, Sepultura, Slayer, Darkane, Children of Bodom, Cradle of Filth
Maarten Jungschlager
Rutger Klijn

Rutger Klijn | Bass guitar

Birthday: 16 May

Musical Influences: Primus, Marcus Miller, Tesseract, The Aristocrats, Attention Deficit, King Crimson, Liquid Tension Experiment, Moonspell, Type O Negative, Emperor, Anathema, Polyphia

Michal Gis | Drums

Birthday: 20 September

Musical Influences: The Rev, Mario Duplantier, Joey Jordison, Mike Protnoy, Eloy Casagrande, Sepultura, Chad Smith, Chris Adler, Lars Ulrich, Vinnie Paul, Trivium, Brooks Wackerman, Dave Lombardo, Neil Peart, Amon Amarth
Michal Gis

Discography