Some years back when I had my “musical awakening”, I was introduced to the term “symphonic metal.” Now I had heard symphonies. And I had heard metal (without, in those earlier years, appreciating it). And when I heard the term “symphonic metal” I thought it had to be remarkably pretentious.
Then I actually listened to some:
Of course, Nightwish isn’t the only symphonic metal band out there by far.
In a review of the next one the reviewer criticized Liv for “bombast” and her use of “operatic registers.” However, those were the very things I love about her vocals:
Then there’s this group:
(joined by Tarja, formerly of Nightwish here)
Epica is also not to be missed:
Some might disagree with categorizing Delain as Symphonic Metal but I’ll put them here because they are just that good:
And that, I think, is enough for this time around.
The Writer in Black 