Gate
Cadet
With several music threads active lately I thought I'd dedicate a new one to my favorite genre of music: Symphonic Metal.
Essentially bands in this genre tend to have opera-trained singers (frequently female), very melodic sounds that blend perfectly with heavy drums and guitars, and professionally trained composers. They also very frequently focus on mythological and fantastical themes, telling stories rather than singing about the ubiquitous sex, drugs, and partying that other genres like to embrace. Finally, many of them hail from Scandinavia though more are now coming from elsewhere.
Nightwish
Nightwish is really the heart of the genre and is responsible for it's surge in popularity. Recently they fired their main singer, Tarja Turunen because she was becoming quite self-centered and capitalistic in her approach to music (she once cancelled a sold-out concert so she could practice for a personal project). Which is a real shame because she has an astounding voice. But, time shall tell what becomes of the band. The new singer will be announced in just a few days.
I'm lucky enough to be going to the very first concert they will have with their new singer this fall. It's going to be a nice small venue, I'm totally psyched about it.
Wishmaster
Wish I Had An Angel
Kamelot
American in origin, they are a great example of one of the bands with a operatic male singer. I'll be seeing these guys in concert in August.
March of Mephisto
The Haunting
Sonata Arctica
They draw inspiration from Nightwish, but they have a sound very much their own. Ranging from easy-going and melodic to seriously rockin' they have an astounding range of capabilities. I personally love Tony's (lead singer) accent.
Wolf and Raven (something on the harder side)
Sing In Silence (something in the middle)
- YouTube
Shamandalie (something from the softer side)
- YouTube
And finally, a few other bands in this genre that I highly recommend:
Leaves' Eyes -Video- Much of their music focuses on Nordic themes. The lead singer also puts out albums under her own name, Liv Kristine. (I'll be seeing this group in concert also)
Within Temptation -Video-
Therion -Video- They have been around for quite a long time and were really the founder of this genre, Nightwish just perfected it. They have a truly vast array of musical sounds- originally starting off as death metal and then evolving towards operatic singing and full orchestral compositions.
Epica -Video- They do a fair amount of the growling/grunting, which I don't personally like. However, much of their work doesn't have that and that portion I truly enjoy.
Essentially bands in this genre tend to have opera-trained singers (frequently female), very melodic sounds that blend perfectly with heavy drums and guitars, and professionally trained composers. They also very frequently focus on mythological and fantastical themes, telling stories rather than singing about the ubiquitous sex, drugs, and partying that other genres like to embrace. Finally, many of them hail from Scandinavia though more are now coming from elsewhere.
Nightwish
Nightwish is really the heart of the genre and is responsible for it's surge in popularity. Recently they fired their main singer, Tarja Turunen because she was becoming quite self-centered and capitalistic in her approach to music (she once cancelled a sold-out concert so she could practice for a personal project). Which is a real shame because she has an astounding voice. But, time shall tell what becomes of the band. The new singer will be announced in just a few days.
I'm lucky enough to be going to the very first concert they will have with their new singer this fall. It's going to be a nice small venue, I'm totally psyched about it.
Wishmaster
Kamelot
American in origin, they are a great example of one of the bands with a operatic male singer. I'll be seeing these guys in concert in August.
March of Mephisto
Sonata Arctica
They draw inspiration from Nightwish, but they have a sound very much their own. Ranging from easy-going and melodic to seriously rockin' they have an astounding range of capabilities. I personally love Tony's (lead singer) accent.
Wolf and Raven (something on the harder side)
- YouTube
Shamandalie (something from the softer side)
- YouTube
And finally, a few other bands in this genre that I highly recommend:
Leaves' Eyes -Video- Much of their music focuses on Nordic themes. The lead singer also puts out albums under her own name, Liv Kristine. (I'll be seeing this group in concert also)
Within Temptation -Video-
Therion -Video- They have been around for quite a long time and were really the founder of this genre, Nightwish just perfected it. They have a truly vast array of musical sounds- originally starting off as death metal and then evolving towards operatic singing and full orchestral compositions.
Epica -Video- They do a fair amount of the growling/grunting, which I don't personally like. However, much of their work doesn't have that and that portion I truly enjoy.
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