Dutch female-fronted symphonic metallers Epica has been confirmed for the Metal Day Festival, set to take place April 4 at the Fencing Olympic Complex in Athens, Greece. Also scheduled to appear are Manowar, Rhapsody of Fire and Tiamat.

Epica will embark on a North American headlining tour in September. Support at the shows will come from the Austrian/American "epic metal" band Visions Of Atlantis.

Epica is currently recording its new album at Gate Studios in Wolfsburg, Germany. The CD, which is being produced by Sascha Paeth, will feature a session appearance by God Dethroned drummer Ariën van Weesenbeek. Epica has yet to name a full-time drummer following the departure of Jeroen Simons in 2006.

Epica's previously announced live DVD, which was filmed on May 4, 2006 at Paradiso in Amsterdam, Holland, has been delayed until later this year, according to a posting on the group's official web site. The band's latest album, "Consign to Oblivion", was recorded in early 2005 and features a guest contribution from Kamelot vocalist Roy Khan.