Epica’s Simone Simons has been spearheading the world of female fronted metal. Enter stage right Arjen Lucassen (Ayreon). Her musical partner and longtime collaborator is no stranger to her soaring operatic voice, one that can stir even a gargoyle’s stone heart to tears. Together they have crafted a sonic universe that befits the influential figure she is. “Vermillion” emerges as a gargantuan goose-bump generator, a universally touching, stellar tour de force.