[For Beginners] The Epic World of Symphonic Metal: A Collection of Popular and Classic Songs
A vast sonic universe woven from the majesty of orchestral music and the intensity of heavy metal—that is symphonic metal.
Its distinctive musicality, born from the fusion of the elegance of classical music and the power of metal, has long captivated music fans.
The world conjured by beautiful female vocals, orchestral arrangements, and a weighty guitar sound has truly opened up a new horizon in music.
In this article, we’ll introduce essential masterpieces and pivotal tracks that have contributed to the genre’s development.
Even if you’ve never experienced the allure of symphonic metal, take this opportunity to peer into its grand world!
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[For Beginners] The Epic World of Symphonic Metal: A Roundup of Popular and Classic Tracks (1–10)
UnleashedEpica
Epica is a symphonic metal band that centers on the vocals of Simone Simons and enjoys great popularity in their home country of the Netherlands.
While many bands in this style of metal lean quite pop-oriented, I think the appeal of this band lies in how they also firmly retain metal’s original aggression.
Simone, who was inspired by Nightwish’s music to pursue this path—be sure to give her vocals a listen.
NightfallXandria
It’s pronounced “Xandria.” They have an extensive history, active since 1994, and are a long-running symphonic metal band from Germany.
This track is the lead song from their sixth album, Sacrificium, released in 2014, and it was also their first work after a new Dutch female vocalist joined.
Operatic vocals, tightly driving rhythms, and symphonic arrangements—all are delivered at a high level of quality.
Score To A New BeginningFairyland
A popular symphonic metal to power metal band from France with a fantastical aura suggested by their very name.
This track is the title song from their 2009 release Score to a New Beginning, and its magnificent symphonies combined with tight metal tones make you feel as if you’ve wandered into an RPG world.
Recommended for those who prefer a dramatic band ensemble over sheer speed and breakneck momentum.
[For Beginners] The Grand World of Symphonic Metal: A Collection of Popular and Classic Songs (11–20)
The ViolationFleshgod Apocalypse
Fleshgod Apocalypse from Italy is a band that pursues a unique form of symphonic death metal by adding a massive orchestral sound to technical death metal.
Among their tracks, this one made a shocking impact with an almost excessive incorporation of classical elements.
By boldly combining ultra-fast death metal with strings, they created a truly one-of-a-kind sound.
GatewaysDIMMU BORGIR
Dimmu Borgir is a Norwegian symphonic black metal band that boldly incorporated orchestral elements into black metal, creating a worldview reminiscent of a horror movie.
They are highly popular in Norway and have even performed before the king.
This track is from their 2010 album “Abrahadabra,” and it’s a fan favorite that encapsulates their appeal.
The Ghost And The ReaperThe Dark Element
A band formed around members with backgrounds in Nightwish and Sonata Arctica.
Naturally, their prowess is unquestionable: a tightly driven metal sound paired with a magnificent symphony, and soaring, top-tier melodies delivered by Anette Olzon, whose clear, accessible vocals are a pleasure to hear.
First, let’s listen to this track, the lead song from their debut album, The Dark Element!
Anthem of ValourIMPERIAL AGE
From an intro that feels like a movie soundtrack, this symphonic metal track kicks off with valiant vocals—if you’re into this style, you’ll find yourself raising your fist before you know it.
The band hails from Russia, and this song is featured on their debut album, Turn the Sun Off!, released in 2012.
Operatic choir, flowing violin timbres, galloping metal sound—it’s fantastic, like they’re delivering everything listeners could possibly want.