Recommended hard rock and heavy metal

[For Beginners] The Epic World of Symphonic Metal: A Collection of Popular and Classic Songs

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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!

[For Beginners] The Epic World of Symphonic Metal: A Roundup of Popular and Classic Songs (41–50)

ForgetfulnessMUTE TALE

MUTE TALE – “Forgetfulness”

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.

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[For Beginners] The Epic World of Symphonic Metal – Popular Tracks and Classic Anthems (51–60)

The Promise InsideSleeping Romance

Sleeping Romance – The Promise Inside [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

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.

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In the EndStream of Passion

STREAM OF PASSION – In the End (Official)

In the EndStream of Passion

Rather than a sense of weight, it’s a beautiful, wistful melody, sung tenderly by the vocalist, Marcela.

The mood is calm and doesn’t feel very uplifting, but the piano lines played on the keyboard beautifully elevate the piece, making it very satisfying to listen to.

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RuinsShade Empire

Shade Empire – Ruins (video edit version)

RuinsShade Empire

It opens with an epic, thrilling orchestral sound.

Then the brass-driven drum beat stirs the soul, and together with the strings, you’re drawn into a dark world.

The exotic melody in the latter half is also excellent.

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Walking On WaterTrond Holter

Jorn Lande & Trond Holter’s DRACULA “Swing Of Death” – Walking On Water

Walking On WaterTrond Holter

This is a track from the project album DRACULA “Swing Of Death” by Trond Holter and Jørn Lande.

Inspired by the story of Dracula, the work is modeled on the life of Vlad III.

Lande plays the role of Dracula, portraying his inner conflict and solitude.

Influenced by 1970s rock while incorporating a modern hard rock style, the song was released in Europe in January 2015 and in North America later that month.

The lyrics, told from Dracula’s perspective and centered on themes of power and domination, spark the listener’s imagination.

It’s a recommended track for power metal fans as well.

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Crying of the SunMETALWINGS

METALWINGS – Crying of the Sun [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Crying of the SunMETALWINGS

A Bulgarian band.

Judging by the members’ outfits in the music video, this is spirited epic symphonic metal.

They make great use of their male–female twin vocals, and the harmonies in the chorus are very beautiful.

The instrumental performance is solid as well.

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Arabian NightsNocturne Moonrise

Nocturne Moonrise 《 Arabian Nights 》 Official Music Video

Arabian NightsNocturne Moonrise

A Taiwanese band.

The keyboardist, the central figure of the group, has an exceptionally expressive tone.

It’s fun to listen to both the rapid runs and the captivating solos.

It’s easy to see why they’re often invited to support major melodic metal bands at their Taiwan shows.

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