Image: Nightwish [Official Press Photo]
From newcomers to headliners of popular festivals, symphonic metal in any form is an epic affair. Maybe you've already taken a liking to this music and are looking for further inspiration, or maybe you're brand new to the world of metal? In any case, here you'll find the classics that you should definitely check out!
Symphonic metal, as the name suggests, is a subgenre of metal that draws inspiration from orchestras and classical music. In fact, it is sometimes called Opera Metal, because elements such as opera singing are also commonly used. Especially in the 2000s, the genre grew more and more, bands wowing audiences with the epic combination of melodic vocal parts, strings and hard electric guitars. We will introduce you to the most popular groups. Old classics are included, of course, but also younger newcomers who are discovering the genre as well. Let's go!
1. Nightwish
Nightwish are from Finland, formed back in 1996 and still making music today! They are one of the most successful and influential bands of the genre, which is mainly due to the great talent of the band members. Tuomas Holopainen is the founder of the band and is still responsible for the songwriting. Inspired by fantasy and nature, by film music and poets like Edgar Allen Poe, one lyric after another flows from his pen, giving Nightwish's music an imaginative and emotional depth. As Nightwish's first vocalist, Tarja Turunen left her mark on the entire genre of symphonic metal, as her operatic vocals were the perfect match for Holopainen's melodies. It was through her voice that he was inspired to take the music further in the direction of metal. Considered one of the band's best albums, Once (2004) has sold over 2 million copies today. In 2005, however, the band parted ways with Turunen and had to look for a new singer. With Anette Olzon they found a Swedish singer, who sang on the albums Dark Passion Play and Imaginaerum. But in 2012 there was another line-up change at the microphone and the Dutch singer Floor Jansen took over. With her, the band is still on the road today and in 2020 released the current album Human. :II: Nature.
About The Music Video For "Noise"
With the hashtag #AskNightwish fans could send the band questions about the music video of "Noise". Regarding the theme of the music video, Tuomas commented:
"Noise is a reminder. It's some food for thought. I see it more as an optimistic video than pessimistic. Especially the last 10 seconds of the video, when you see the beautiful forest and the landscape, it should fill you with hope the real world is still out there."
The video should therefore not be seen as a criticism towards technology and the internet, but as a warning concerning the "addiction" they can cause.
2. Within Temptation
Within Temptation from the Netherlands are also known in the Symphonic Metal scene. The band around singer Sharon den Adel is active since 1996 as well. With eight studio albums they already have a great musical history behind them and they are still inspired. Their most successful album is The Silent Force, which was released in 2004 and was certified platinum in several countries. Since their early days, Within Temptation have worked their way up to become a headliner, playing impressive shows at the M'era Luna Festival in Hildesheim, for example, time and again. Nightwish have also often played the headlining show on the same stage. Sharon den Adel always impresses with her powerful voice and really engages with the audience during the energetic songs. As an absolute fan favorite, the song "Ice Queen" has to be mentioned, where the singer's skills are proven once again. The band can also do quiet songs, but above all they can show full power, with album after album, be it The Heart of Everything, The Unforgiving or Hydra!
3. Epica
Epica are from the Netherlands as well. As you can tell, there's a pattern emerging there among symphonic bands. Here, the metal aspect really kicks in, with the melodic vocals of singer Simone Simons, the hard guitar riffs and the growls of Mark Jansen. Besides "Storm The Sorrow", "Abyss Of Time" and "Cry for the Moon" are also highly recommended tracks, with all that Symphonic Metal has to offer: Melodies, choirs, emotions and yet still action and heaviness. Over the years Epica have become one of the most well-known and successful Symphonic Metal bands worldwide. They are regular guests at renowned festivals such as Wacken Open Air and Graspop Metal Meeting. And they deliver live performances that are well worth seeing!
4. Tarja
We already wrote about Tarja above. The former Nightwish singer has remained active and continues to make music with the band named after her, "Tarja". Her unique voice can once again unfold in its own unique way. After all, the singer has been musically active since her youth. She also had classical singing lessons. Her vocal spectrum is remarkable and on the stage she seems to be her home.
One of her fans writes:
She was the devine voice of NW, but this song shows, that she did it also on her own. She's a phenomenon.
All that's left is to listen for yourself and be enchanted.
5. Beyond The Black
Next up is a younger band, Beyond the Black from Germany. Founded only in 2014, they have already become established in the scene, played several times at the Wacken Open Air and have worked their way up the lineup! No wonder, with one killer album after the other. With Songs of Love and Death, their debut was released in 2015. The charismatic performance of singer Jennifer Haben immediately draws you under its spell. With the music of Beyond the Black, you can go wild in front of the stage, sing along loudly in the car, but also enjoy listening to them in a relaxing way. The current album Beyond the Black with hits like "Free Me" and "Is There Anybody Out There?" was just released in 2023. In Germany, the record almost reached the first place in the album charts, where they are climbing higher and higher. It became number 2, which is already a proper reason to celebrate! So give it a go, maybe the band's next tour will come near you.
