Symphonic Metal

Symphonic metal is a difficult genre to pin down. Most, if not all, styles of metal (or music in general) can easily have the 'symphonic' title bestowed upon it somewhere, as long as symphonic or orchestral elements are utilized in an otherwise unexpected formula. Does simply making use of non-guitar stringed instruments define an entire genre?

Symphonic metal, sometimes known as orchestral metal, operatic metal, or (in more specific cases) "cello metal," is at its core a style of metal that takes major influences from the instrumentation of Western classical music. It has its roots in symphonic rock, progressive rock, and the epic grandeur of 1990s power metal, though has since become equally as affixed to the conventions of gothic metal as well, sometimes to the point of lumping the genre terms together synonymously. Despite this misconception, symphonic metal can just as easily be applied to extreme metal subgenres like death metal and black metal. Vocals are a key element to symphonic metal, with bands often utilizing what's called as a "beauty and the beast" vocal style, with an operatic female vocalist juxtaposed against a more gruff male vocalist. Choirs are also commonly used.

In the early 1990s, symphonic metal was a power metal offshoot. Bands like X Japan, Angra, Kamelot, Royal Hunt, Thundercross, Nightwish, and arguably most famously Rhapsody all solidified the orchestra as a valuable tool in their metal quests. But where power metal bands were using symphonies to accentuate their grandiosity, gothic metal bands like Lacrimosa and Estatic Fear were using it to cloak the listener in an enveloping gloom, a darkness akin to that of doom metal. Also of note was the death metal band Therion, which began to heavily rely on symphonic and orchestral elements as well. As the decade progressed, symphonic black metal began to arise, taking hold as its own animal. Bands like Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, Emperor, Arcturus, Summoning, and Diabolical Masquerade took notes from the symphonic gothic metal immediately preceding them, and used the darkness of the orchestra to create an icy, windblown sonic landscape.

Recommended '90s symphonic metal:
1. Emperor - In the Nightside Eclipse (1994)
2. Therion - Theli (1996)
3. Nightwish - Oceanborn (1998)
4. Rhapsody - Symphony of Enchanted Lands (1998)
5. Summoning - Stronghold (1999)

In the 2000s, all four of these main branches of symphonic metal continued to spread. The core sound of symphonic metal began to bloom in this era, with bands like Nightwish leading the charge for operatic metal superstars such as Within Temptation, Epica, and Delain. The power metal of Rhapsody continues onward, as well as newcomers like Dark Moor, Cain's Offering, and Shaman. Symphonic gothic metal saw the appearance of Sirenia and After Forever. Therion had since moved away from their initial death metal sound, but bands like Hollenthon, Septicflesh, Eternal Tears of Sorrow, and Fleshgod Apocalypse quickly move in to take up the symphonic death metal torch. Symphonic black metal continued to thrive as well, with major contributions from artists like Sigh, Anorexia Nervosa, and the established greats of Dimmu Borgir and Cradle of Filth. Arcturus moved away from the black metal sound in favor of a progressive metal and avant-garde metal-oriented style. Also of note is the surge of symphonic elements in folk metal music, such as that of Turisas.

Recommended '00s symphonic metal listening:
1. Rhapsody - Dawn of Victory (2000)
2. Therion - Secret of the Runes (2001)
3. Arcturus - The Sham Mirrors (2002)
4. Nightwish - Once (2004)
5. Septicflesh - Communion (2008)

As far as the 2010s go, it seems as though most of the fundamental four of the symphonic metal genre crossovers have only continued to improve upon themselves. First off, symphonic death metal is (in my opinion) the strongest of the main four to begin with, and Septicflesh's constant pouring out of quality material is a beautiful representation of why this sound just works so well. Symphonic power metal came back in a big way as well, with plenty of new blood in the form of Dragonland, Orion's Reign, Orden Ogan, Ancient Bards, Gloryhammer, Light Bringer, and Pathfinder, to name a few. Symphonic black metal continues to thrive with bands such as Carach Angren, Shade Empire, Aquilus, and Caladan Brood. Symphonic gothic metal, however, seems to have fallen by the wayside, becoming more and more enveloped in the prevailing "pure" symphonic style of Epica, Lacuna Coil and Within Temptation, who have since incorporated alternative metal aspects into their sound. Speaking of alternative metal, the brief fluttering success of Apocalyptica (the band with the label "cello metal") also saw for a surge in symphonic metal in the mainstream eye. Symphonic progressive metal like Myrath and Wilderun, as well as symphonic folk metal like Equilibrium and Wintersun, both have solidified themselves as powerful forces in the symphonic metal system by now as well.

Recommended '10s symphonic metal listening:
1. Septicflesh - The Great Mass (2011)
2. Dragonland - Under the Grey Banner (2011)
3. Carach Angren - Where the Corpses Sink Forever (2012)
4. Epica - The Quantum Enigma (2014)
5. Wilderun - Veil of Imagination (2019)

Overall, symphonic metal has established itself as its own animal within the metal scene, but it does so in an almost viral way; weaving itself in and out of other pre-existing metal genres, and leaving its mark with a grand presence that few styles of metal can equal. From its subtle haunting choirs to its full-fledged orchestras, symphonic metal will continue to innovate and integrate into the cracks and crevices of the metal world for years to come.

Note: Hey all! Sorry this is a bit of a shorter one, but it's finals week... I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy out there, good luck to those finishing up their semesters, and thank you for reading!