symphonic metal Concerts

Find upcoming concerts of popular symphonic metal touring artists.

Symphonic metal is a genre of music that combines heavy metal with orchestral elements of symphonic music. It emerged in the late 1990s and has since gained a dedicated fanbase worldwide. Symphonic metal is known for its powerful vocals, symphonic arrangements, and a fusion of classical and metal instrumentation. Symphonic metal groups sometimes have singers with classical training, leading to nicknames like opera metal or operatic metal. Well-known bands in this genre include Therion from Sweden, Nightwish from Finland, Xandria from Germany, Rhapsody of Fire from Italy, Lorna Shore from the United States, and Epica and Within Temptation from the Netherlands. These bands emphasize aspects found in movie soundtracks, along with the more common classical elements used in the genre.

MUSICALITY

Like we've said before, Symphonic metal features a blend of heavy metal's aggressive guitars, drums, and basslines with the melodic elements of symphonic music.

The genre embraces both clean and operatic vocals,, as well as growled or screamed vocals typically associated with metal. Symphonic metal compositions showcase complex song structures, shifts, and arrangements, creating a cinematic experience for listeners and concert attendees.

It's common to have a female lead singer, typically a soprano. Gothic metal often includes male vocalists with baritone or bass-baritone voices. While growling, death-metal-style vocals can be present, they're not as common as in other metal subgenres, with Mark Jansen in Epica being a notable exception. Additionally, backing vocals, sometimes performed by a choral ensemble or a full choir, may be used.

THEMES

Lyrically, symphonic metal covers a wide range of themes, including mythology, fantasy, folklore, introspection, and personal empowerment. The lyrics often tell stories, delve into emotional depths, and explore existential questions. The genre frequently draws inspiration from literature, history, and mythological tales to craft its narratives.

Symphonic metal can convey a sense of power, resilience, and transcendence, with themes of inner strength, overcoming adversity, and embracing individuality. It also explores darker themes such as despair, loss, and the human condition. The lyrics often evoke vivid imagery and create a sense of escapism for listeners.

FAMOUS ARTISTS

Symphonic metal has seen the rise of many influential bands and artists who have made significant contributions to the genre. Some notable symphonic metal artists include not only the ones we've mentioned before, but also Delain, Kamelot, and Saviour Machine.

The use of orchestral elements in rock started early on with bands like Deep Purple, who performed "Concerto for Group and Orchestra" at the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The Moody Blues did a similar thing with "Days of Future Passed." 

Black Sabbath joined in with "Spiral Architect," while Electric Light Orchestra experimented with heavier arrangements in songs like "Ma Ma Ma Belle." The roots of symphonic metal can be traced back to early death metal and gothic metal bands, including Celtic Frost, who used symphonic elements in "To Mega Therion" and Into "Pandemonium."

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