Sahara Dust was the original incarnation of the popular symphonic metal act Epica, under which name the band released their first demo Cry for the Moon in 2002. The band was formed by guitarist/vocalist Mark Jansen following his exit from After Forever. While a few different members passed through Sahara Dust's ranks at the start of their career in 2002 including a different lead vocalist Helena Iren Michaelsen (Imperia) the final line-up before changing their name to Epica was the same as featured on Epica's early releases; Mark Jansen (vocals, guitars), Simone Simons (vocals), Ad Sluijter (guitars), Yves Huts (bass), Coen Janssen (keyboards) and Jeroen Simons (drums). Sahara Dust officially became Epica in 2003, at which point they released their debut album The Phantom Agony. - Biography by adg211288 (October 2014).