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Symphonic metal is a cross-generic style designation for the symphonic subsets of heavy metal music subgenres. It is used to denote any metal band that makes use of symphonic or orchestral elements. The style features the heavy drums and guitars of metal with different elements of orchestral classical music, such as symphonic instruments ...
- Key Characteristics of Symphonic Metal
- Notable Symphonic Metal Bands
- The Evolution of Symphonic Metal
- Controversies and Criticisms
- Symphonic Metal in Popular Culture
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Orchestral Instrumentation
One of the defining characteristics of symphonic metal is its use of orchestral instrumentation. This can include everything from strings and brass to woodwinds and percussion. Many symphonic metal bands also incorporate choirs or operatic vocals, creating a truly grand and majestic sound.
Use of Operatic Vocals
Another hallmark of symphonic metal is its use of operatic vocals.Many symphonic metal vocalists have classically trained voices, and they use their range and power to create a dramatic and emotional impact. This can include everything from soaring high notes to haunting whispers.
Emphasis on Melody and Atmosphere
Finally, symphonic metal is characterized by its emphasis on melody and atmosphere.While other forms of metal may focus more on aggression and speed, symphonic metal is all about creating a sense of grandeur and awe. This is achieved through the use of orchestration, operatic vocals, and intricate arrangements that are designed to take the listener on an emotional journey.
Nightwish
One of the most famous and influential symphonic metal bands is Nightwish.Hailing from Finland, Nightwish has been around since the mid-1990s and has released a string of successful albums that have helped to define the genre. Their music is characterized by its use of orchestration, operatic vocals, and a strong emphasis on melody and atmosphere.
Epica
Another notable symphonic metal band is Epica, a Dutch group that has been active since the early 2000s. Epica’s music combines the grandeur of symphonic metal with the heaviness of death metal, creating a sound that is both epic and brutal. Their lyrics often deal with themes of spirituality, philosophy, and mythology.
Within Temptation
Finally, Within Temptation is a symphonic metal band from the Netherlands that has been around since the mid-1990s.Their music combines the grandeur of symphonic metal with the intensity of gothic metal, creating a sound that is both dark and beautiful. Their lyrics often deal with themes of love, loss, and redemption.
Early Pioneers of the Genre
Symphonic metal emerged in the mid-1990s, with bands like Therion and Nightwish being among the first to combine orchestral instrumentation with heavy metal. Therion’s album “Theli” (1996) is often cited as a key influence on the development of symphonic metal, as it featured a full choir and orchestral arrangements alongside heavy guitars and drums. Similarly, Nightwish’s album “Oceanborn” (1998) showcased the band’s unique blend of symphonic elements with heavy metal and helped to establish...
Symphonic Metal Subgenres
Today, symphonic metal has splintered into a variety of subgenres, each with its own unique sound and style. Some of the most notable subgenres of symphonic metal include: 1. Folk metal: This subgenre combines symphonic elements with traditional folk music from around the world. Bands like Eluveitie and Ensiferum are known for their use of traditional instruments like flutes, bagpipes, and hurdy-gurdies, as well as their incorporation of folk melodies and themes into their music. 1. Gothic me...
Influence on Other Genres of Music
Symphonic metal has also had an enormous influence on other genres of music. Many mainstream artists have incorporated symphonic elements into their work, including Metallica, who famously collaborated with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra on the album “S&M.” Nightwish’s former vocalist, Tarja Turunen, has also collaborated with classical musicians on a number of occasions, including a performance with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in London. Additionally, many classical composers have...
Criticisms of the Genre as Being Too Theatrical or Cheesy
One of the most common criticisms of symphonic metal is that it can be too theatrical or cheesy for some listeners. Critics argue that the grandiose orchestral arrangements and operatic vocals can come across as over-the-top or melodramaticand that the genre’s emphasis on melody and atmosphere can be seen as indulgent or self-indulgent. Furthermore, some critics argue that the use of orchestration and other symphonic elements can detract from the heaviness and intensity of the music, making i...
Defence of the Genre as a Form of Artistic Expression
Despite these criticisms, many fans and musicians argue that symphonic metal is a valid and important form of artistic expression. They point out that the genre’s use of orchestration and operatic vocals allows for a level of grandeur and emotional impact that is difficult to achieve with traditional heavy metal instrumentation. Moreover, they argue that symphonic metal offers a unique and powerful way to explore themes and ideas that might not be possible with other genres of music.Through t...
Use of Symphonic Metal in Movies and TV Shows
Symphonic metal has been featured in a number of movies and TV shows over the years, often as a way to create a sense of grandeur or intensity. One of the most notable examples is the movie “Underworld,” which features several songs by the band Lacuna Coil. Other movies that have featured symphonic metal include “Resident Evil: Apocalypse,” “Highlander: Endgame,” and “Queen of the Damned.” Symphonic metal has also been used in TV shows like “The Walking Dead,” “Supernatural,” and “Game of Thr...
Impact on Fashion and Merchandise
Symphonic metal has also had an impact on fashion and merchandise, inspiring a unique and distinctive aesthetic that is instantly recognizable to fans of the genre. Many symphonic metal bands have their own lines of merchandise, including t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories, which often feature striking artwork and designs that reflect the grandeur and majesty of the music. In addition, symphonic metal has also had an impact on fashion trends, particularly among female fans. Many symphonic met...
Fan Culture and Community
Finally, symphonic metal has a dedicated fan culture and community, with fans attending concerts and festivals all over the world and supporting their favourite bands through merchandise purchases and social media engagement. Fans of symphonic metal are known for their passion and dedication, and many have formed close bonds with fellow fans and with the bands themselves. Symphonic metal has also inspired a number of online communities and forums, where fans can connect with each other, share...
Symphonic metal may not be for everyone, but for those who appreciate the epic grandeur and power of heavy metal and classical music, it offers a unique and compelling listening experience. From its use of orchestral instrumentation and operatic vocals to its emphasis on melody and atmosphere, symphonic metal continues to push the boundaries of wha...
What is symphonic metal music? Symphonic metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that combines the elements of symphonic classical music with the aggressive and powerful sound of metal. The music typically features operatic vocals, complex orchestrations, and the use of instruments such as keyboards, guitars, and drums. Is symphonic metal real metal? Ye...
- Hywel Davies
- Fleshgod Apocalypse - Veleno (2019) They may dress like decomposing 18th-century composers, but these Italians’ definitive factor is their connection to light-speed tech-death.
- Arcturus - La Masquerade Infernale (1997) Of all the genre-mutilating variations birthed by black metal’s second wave during the late 90s, Arcturus’s second album, La Masquerade Infernale, was surely the most baffling.
- Rhapsody Of Fire - The Frozen Tears Of Angels (2010) Originally called Rhapsody, before being forced to change their name in 2006, the Italians reached their apogee of mixing power metal and orchestration with the third chapter of their Dark Secret Saga.
- Theatre of Tragedy - Velvet Darkness They Fear (1996) Arguably the most important of the European bands springing up in reaction to the romantic gothic doom innovations of My Dying Bride, this Norwegian septet’s seductive second album was steeped in the spirit of grandiloquent overdrive.
- Nightwish - Once. Was there even an ounce of doubt that a Nightwish with Tarja Turunen on vocals would take a top spot on this list? And interestingly enough, we have the final record that the band recorded with Tarja, 2004's "Once."
- Blind Guardian - A Night at the Opera. Over the years, Blind Guardian made their name synonymous with power metal and symphonic metal. And it's no wonder at all – just take a listen to their 7th studio album, "A Night at the Opera."
- Wintersun - Time I. Now getting nearer to the top of this list, we have Wintersun with their second album "Time I." With a guitar master and a wonderful vocalist Jari Mäenpää, you can't expect to have a weak record at all.
- Rhapsody - Symphony of Enchanted Lands. Back in the old days, when Rhapsody of Fire was Rhapsody, they marched on to define the exact characteristics of power metal.
- Therion – Secret Of The Runes (2001) Therion remain the original and – the purists would have you believe – the best of all the symphonic metal acts. Named in honour of Celtic Frost’s second album To Mega Therion, the Swedes have been led by multi-instrumentalist Christofer Johnsson since 1987.
- After Forever – Decipher (2001) The second album from this pioneering and much-missed Dutch outfit, who ran from 1995 to 2009, Decipher employed live classical instruments and a full choir to complement the stirring soprano delivery of Floor Jansen (now, of course, with Nightwish).
- Within Temptation – The Silent Force (2004) Although you’re likely to be distracted by the captivating strength of Sharon den Adel’s upfront vocal dynamism, Within Temptation’s symphonic aspirations reached their most querulously romantic apex on this goosebump-inducing masterwork of the form.
- Epica – The Quantum Enigma (2014) Formed by former After Forever guitarist Mark Jansen, Epica played a crucial part in the development of symphonic metal via a string of consistently impressive releases, but with The Quantum Enigma – their sixth studio record – the Dutch band raised the bar to a whole different level, hiring a live chamber choir and a string orchestra to enhance a collection of tunes that is uniformly strong.
May 23, 2024 · Origins of Symphonic Metal. Symphonic metal emerged in the mid-1990s, blending the aggressive guitar riffs and double bass drumming of heavy metal with the lush, cinematic elements of classical music. The genre owes much of its development to the European metal scene, particularly bands from Scandinavia and the Netherlands.
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Dec 31, 2023 · The concept has become known as “beauty and the beast.” (Epica are the leading example — see below.) Overall, symphonic metal is decidedly less dark and morbid than some other types of metal ...
