[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 Songs (41–50)
Sector A: UNDEADStéphan Forté
A French band.
The guitarist from Adagio’s solo project.
The songs are dark and progressive, just like what captivated listeners in Adagio.
That’s no surprise, since all the members are from Adagio except the drummer.
The gradually building song structures are superb.
JesterLyria
A Brazilian band.
What’s great about this song is how the deep bass resonates and it’s solidly heavy metal.
That heaviness creates a nice contrast with the catchy chorus.
ForgetfulnessMUTE TALE
A Greek band.
Their serene atmosphere perfectly suits a desolate, music-video-like morning in the forest.
The guitar tone has a somewhat retro charm.
The PV where a violin and a man who looks like he’s at a regrettable cosplay party log in is rather surreal.
The Promise InsideSleeping Romance
An Italian band.
Their songs progress in a sorrowful atmosphere that highlights the female vocals.
In the solo section, the focus shifts and the musicians’ technical prowess bursts forth, creating a dynamic contrast between calm and intensity in the composition.
You could call it highly intellectual gothic metal.
I Hold DominionXerath
It opens with a weighty, soundtrack-like orchestral section.
The high-intensity vocal screams—so extreme they make you worry about the singer’s throat—and the clean parts are both compelling.
There’s no sense of speed, but the accessible rhythm is captivating.
ComeAfter Forever
This is the band where Mark Jansen, now the guitarist of Epica, and Floor Jansen, now the vocalist of Nightwish, were active.
It’s a song that leaves you entranced by Floor’s beautiful operatic soprano.
You can also hear a high-quality choir.
I especially love how it closes with the piano at the end.
One Ring To Rule Them AllLuca Turilli’s Rhapsody
This is a band led by Luca Turilli, the former central figure of Rhapsody of Fire.
It’s an enjoyable track: the first half has a musical-theater feel with a touch of Disney-like charm, the middle section features both male and female vocals, and the latter half finishes with a rousing choir.