100 Best Symphonic Metal Bands
Heavy Metal With an Orchestral Twist
Symphonic metal music is a heavy metal subgenre that is characterized by its complex time signatures and orchestral arrangements. Bands in this genre are heavily influenced by classical music. This is what gives the genre its distinct sound.
The list below showcases a diverse number of symphonic metal bands, including symphonic black metal, symphonic power metal, symphonic death metal, and symphonic progressive metal bands. If you are a fan of this metal subgenre, you will have something to say. Feel free to express your views and opinions in the comments section.
Top 10 Symphonic Metal Bands
- Nightwish
- Epica
- Rhapsody of Fire
- Therion
- Avantasia
- Within Temptation
- Xandria
- Kamelot
- Delain
- After Forever
The Development of This Metal Subgenre
The development of symphonic metal began in the ‘80s, when a few bands in the gothic metal genre and early death metal genre started experimenting with sectional changes in metal compositions. This small, but vital musical revolution paved the way for the success of the subgenre. The band Therion is credited with having laid the foundation for the subgenre by incorporating classical compositional techniques and live orchestral elements in their music.
Believer, a thrash metal band from the United States, came up with a song called “Dies Irae.” This song, which appeared on the Sanity Obscure album, is considered one of the earliest symphonic metal songs. A number of symphonic metal bands influenced by power metal and progressive metal came to light by the mid '90s. Post 2000, a number of acts associated with the subgenre have emerged, featuring operatic vocals of classically trained female singers.
Best Symphonic Metal Bands #11–20
11. Leaves’ Eyes
12. ReVamp
13. Sirenia
14. Lacuna Coil
15. Tristania
16. Edenbridge
17. Sonata Arctica
18. Haggard
Recommended
19. Evanescence
20. Fleshgod Apocalypse
Symphonic Themes and Influences
In this genre, songs are often structured like orchestral compositions. Intricate keyboard passages, double bass drum parts, complex guitar solos, solid bass, and wide ranging vocals form this genre's identity.
This music takes listeners on a journey through dark fantasy and mythological folklore. These songs borrow heavily from many progressive bands. Many of these compositions are based on tales of mythology and feature operatic vocals. Like progressive metal, symphonic metal lyrics are highly conceptual. The musical structure and sound of these bands are often described as "epic."
Great Symphonic Heavy Metal Groups #21–40
21. Amberian Dawn
22. Symphony X
23. Visions of Atlantis
24. Dark Moor
25. Believer
26. Ayreon
27. Trans-Siberian Orchestra
28. Blind Guardian
29. Wintersun
30. Pathfinder
31. Serenity
32. Dol Ammad
33. Septicflesh
34. Diablo Swing Orchestra
35. Lacrimosa
36. Fairyland
37. Bal-Sagoth
38. Eternal Tears of Sorrow
39. Krypteria
40. Ancient Bards
Operatic Voices in Heavy Metal
A number of symphonic bands are fronted by female vocalists. These vocalists showcase the operatic vocals in epic, sweeping song arrangements. These singers and band are often referred to as "operatic symphonic metal." While high-pitched voices are a common feature in metal, it is not surprising to come across vocalists that perform signature death growls.
Bands in this genre are known for being musically diverse while remaining melodically consistent. The element of dirge and romanticism encompassed in these operatic ballads is truly phenomenal. Symphonic metal songs are known for their theatrical elements.
Best Artists in Symphonic Metal #41–60
41. Symfonia
42. Dimmu Borgir
43. Adagio
44. Stravaganzza
45. Angtoria
46. Stratovarious
47. Hollenthon
48. Pythia
49. Turisas
50. Powerwolf
51. Apocalyptica
52. Sons of Seasons
53. Phoenix Rising
54. Waltari
55. Angra
56. Twilight Force
57. Diabulus in Musica
58. Anorexia Nervosa
59. Thy Majestie
60. Lunatica
Classically Trained Female Singers in Metal
Symphonic metal singers are known for their wide vocal range. A number of bands feature operatic vocals that have become integral parts of the genre's development. Over the years, a number of symphonic bands have emerged that are led by classically trained female singers. This has led to the development of the operatic metal (or opera metal) subgenre. Notable female singers associated with symphonic and operatic metal are listed below.
Great Female Opera Metal Singers
- Simone Simmons
- Tarja Turunen
- Sharon den Adel
- Floor Jansen
- Lori Lewis
- Vibeke Stene
- Manuela Kraller
- Liv Kristine
- Dianne van Giersbergen
- Ailyn
- Charlotte Wessels
- Melissa Ferlaak
- Anette Olzon
- Heidi Parviainen
- Amanda Somerville
- Lisa Middelhauve
- Alissa White-Gluz
- Elisa Martin
Recommended Symphonic Metal Groups #61–80
61. Dragonland
62. Carach Angren
63. Skillet
64. Dreamtale
65. Savatage
66. Kerion
67. Stream of Passion
68. Emperor
69. Versailles
70. Shade Empire
71. Virgin Steele
72. Almora
73. HB
74. Coronatus
75. Divinefire
76. Kingfisher Sky
77. Indica
78. Enslavement of Beauty
79. Hecate Enthroned
80. Veni Domine
Emergence of Crossover Bands
Over the years, the term "symphonic metal" has been used as an umbrella term to describe metal bands performing songs with orchestral or symphonic elements. A number of progressive metal bands and power metal bands that incorporate orchestral elements and neo-classical themes in their music also fall under this label.
Generically, the term is used with a number of crossover metal bands that have incorporated diverse orchestral forms in their music. In the late '90s, several avant-garde metal bands started being associated with the genre because of their incorporation of theatrical and classical song structures in their compositions. Over the years, a number of symphonic metal subgenres have emerged, garnering a cult following with metal fans.
Since its inception, symphonic metal has evolved a great deal. What's next for this diverse genre? Only time will tell, perhaps it will evolve and become more mainstream. No one truly knows. But, one thing's for sure, the genre isn't going away!
Killer Bands in Symphonic, Opera, and Orchestral Metal #81–100
81. Trail of Tears
82. Avalon
83. X Japan
84. Luca Turilli Band
85. Shadow Gallery
86. Graveworm
87. Ignea
88. Mechanical Poet
89. Hanging Doll
90. Galneryus
91. Cradle of Filth
92. ReinXeed (Majestica)
93. Katra
94. MoonSun
95. Freedom Call
96. Amaranthe
97. Opera IX
98. Summoning
99. Mayan
100. Suspyre
Other Notable Symphonic and Operatic Metal Bands
- Vesania
- Lyriel
- Beyond The Black
- Welicoruss
- Moi dix Mois
- Gloryhammer
- Whyzdom
- Meden Agan
- Imperia
- Spheric Universe Experience
- Vesperian Sorrow
- Angelical Tears
- Battlelore
- Sound Horizon
- Virgin Black
- Magni Animi Viri
- The Murder of My Sweet
- Valkyre
- Dimlight
- Savior Machine
- Nemesea
- Visionatica
- Moonspell
- Kobra and the Lotus
- Bare Infinity
- Eyes of Eden
- Scarleth
- Enemy of Reality
- Sound Horizon
- Limbonic Art
- Herjalf
- Perpetual Legacy
- Theatre of Tragedy
- Winds of Plague
- Dawn of Destiny
- Nightfall
- Lureaway
- Forest Stream
- Bendida
- Crimson Moonlight
- Gwyllion
- Temperance
- Sebastien
- Magica
- Lux Occulta
- Eternal Oath
- Arven
- Ice Nine Kills
- Dark Lunacy
- Sleeping Romance
- Manora
- Ex Libris
- Forgotten Tales
- DarkSun
- Walk in Darkness
- Imperial Vengeance
- Lyria
- Abigail Williams
- Magion
- Celesty
- Kells
- Atargatis
- Estatic Fear
- AfterTime