Hey !
Today, we will talk about a metal genre that has divided (and continues to divide) rock and metal lovers: symphonic metal!
One of the genres I particularly like, although I got into it rather late.
| DISCLAIMER: This post is based on some of my knowledge and is backed up and supplemented by research done before its writing. You can find the sources at the bottom of the page. |
| Note: Bands/ artists I quote in the posts, I only mention them to give you an idea of the sounds you find in the different genres. But I want to be clear that over time it has become more and more complicated to do it with style blends and so on. In addition, my goal is not to categorize artists, but to present them to you so that you discover the different possibilities that there are in rock and metal. And even make you enjoy those genres. |
WHAT IS SYMPHONIC METAL ?
Symphonic metal appeared towards the end of the 90s in Europe (mostly from the north). It is a genre that brings together metal and lyrical orchestration.
But it is also a genre that is debated! And this for several reasons.
The first is that it divides music lovers. People listening to classical music/ opera find this genre too dark and too «extreme» for them. As for the “true” metal guys, it’s too soft and dull for them. In short, they don’t consider this genre as metal.
The second reason is that some consider it a subgenre of metal, while others speak of a genre of its own, where you can put all kinds of metal that use an orchestra or elements echoing symphonies.
There would then exist dozens of different symphonic metal: symphonic power metal, symphonic alternative metal, symphonic metalcore, symphonic trash metal and so on.
I’ll talk to you about my perspective on the point later in the post.
ORIGINS OF SYMPHONIC METAL
You can already listen to the mix of classical and metal music with Black Sabbath. But, personally, I do not consider this to be the origins of symphonic metal, more as an inspiration to what will follow.
A song considered the first being symphonic metal is the cover of Dies Irae by the trash metal band Believer.
This song will greatly influence the albums of Waltari Yeah! Yeah! Die! Die!, and Therion.
We can also find influences of death metal and gothic metal.
SYMPHONIC METAL CHARACTERISTICS
Music and instrumentation
Earlier, I already talked about the debate between «is symphonic metal a subgenre or a genre in its own right?».
From my point of view, which some also share, for a band to be qualified as symphonic metal there must be a large place dedicated to the orchestra/ symphony. A band that occasionally uses this element is not necessarily a symphonic metal band.
So for me, that’s one of the big features of the genre. Although, we distinguish the metal sound too.
The two combined form a feeling of power, and drama, to support an epic sound. This sound obviously comes from classical music, but also from the cinematic world. With the influence of great composers like Hans Zimmer or Danny Elfman.
Bands formation
We have the formation of a «basic» metal band:
- Guitarist(s)
- Bass player
- Drummer
- Keyboardist (very important in symphonic metal)
- Singer
But you can also find a whole orchestra with choirs.
However, some groups do without orchestra (because it has a cost), they use the synth or do it by computer to simulate the orchestra effect.
Singing
When we talk about symphonic metal, we can quickly make the link with singing. And especially lyrical singing.
Symphonic metal is famous for its (female) singers. But, in contrast with the singers with a more or less lyrical technique (because some just use their clear voices) is most of the time a singer who uses growls and other screams.
The singing of symphonic metal is often considered as «the Beauty and the Beast» with both techniques responding to each other.
If you want to learn more about singing techniques, I invite you to read this post!
Lyrics
In the themes addressed in the songs, we can find sci-fi (some are inspired by movies and science fiction books), mythology, or spirituality.
Shows
It has been said that symphonic metal music is powerful. But it’s not just that element that gives that impression. The visual of the shows strongly helps.
Shows have many lighting effects, pyrotechnics, and different staging.
These include many giant screens, fireworks, flamethrowers, smoke/confetti cannons and sometimes dancers and/or acrobats.
SYMPHONIC METAL BANDS/ARTISTS
The first two big bands of the genre, which appeared in the late 90s, are Within Temptation and Nightwish.
At the same time, other genres of artists emerged. Musicians have pushed their fascination with opera and rock/metal to the point of making their own rock operas/metal operas. These renowned musicians from the rock and metal world imagine and create these works and ask dozens of renowned rock and metal vocalists to sing their songs.
To name just two, there are Arjen Anthony Lucassen (Ayeron) and Tobias Sammet (Avantasia)
Following these artists, we can quote among others : : Vision of Atlantis, Xandria, Apocalyptica, Lacuna Coil, Kamelot, Sirenia, Eluveitie, Epica, Amaranthe, Rhapsody of Fire, Delain, Therion, Ad Infinitum, Edenbridge, Lunatica, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, ReVamp, After Forever, Beyond the Black ou Evanescence.
EVOLUTION
This genre took time to be recognized as such, and now it is one of the most popular genres! This is because it is more accessible and «commercial» than other genres of metal.
So no, symphonic metal has, on the contrary, evolved and also influences other existing metal genres.
That completes this post! Do not hesitate to love and share if you like.
You can also find all the caricatures of the blog right here!
I leave you with a playlist dedicated to the genre below.
See you soon!
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Sources :
Metal Music Archives – Symphonic Metal : https://www.metalmusicarchives.com/subgenre/symphonic-metal
Open Edition Journals – Le cas du metal symphonique, entre dégénérescence d’un art de l’extrême et exaltation du culte de la puissance – Jason Julliot : https://journals.openedition.org/criminocorpus/4127
Albert’s Beginner’s Guide to Symphonic Metal : https://symphonicmetal.mit.edu/
Metal Hammer – “We all want to leave a mark on the planet”: the epic story of the birth of Symphonic Metal – Rich Hobson : https://www.loudersound.com/features/symphonic-metal-nightwish-within-temptation-history
Rock Monsters Romania – The History Of Subgenres: Symphonic Metal – Radu Mihai : https://rockmonsters.wordpress.com/2018/06/24/the-history-of-subgenres-symphonic-metal/
