Is this the best relaxing road trip Spotify playlist?
November 14, 2022
Sid Mellowdy – Cheeta
November 18, 2022Symphonic metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that combines the heaviness of metal with the beauty of classical music. It first gained popularity in the early 1990s, and has since become one of the most popular genres of metal music. If you’re a fan of both metal and classical music, then creating the perfect symphonic metal playlist is a must. Here’s how to do it:
1. The Different Types of Symphonic Metal
There are many different types of symphonic metal, each with its own unique sound. The most popular subgenres include power metal, epic metal, gothic metal, doom metal, and black metal.
2. The Best Bands in Each Symphonic Metal Subgenre
There are many great symphonic metal bands out there, but some stand out above the rest. In power metal, Blind Guardian is widely considered to be the best band. In epic metal, Manowar is the undisputed king. Lacuna Coil is the reigning queen of gothicmetal, while Therion reigns supreme in doommetal. And finally, Dimmu Borgir is considered by many to be the best blackmetal band in existence.
3. The Best Songs in Each Symphonic Metal Subgenre
Now that you know some of the best bands in each symphonic subgenre, it’s time to choose some songs for your playlist.
The Different Types of Symphonic Metal.
Power metal is a subgenre of symphonic metal that combines the heavy guitars and double-bass drums of metal with the soaring melodies of classical music. The result is a sound that is both powerful and epic, with songs often reaching over ten minutes in length. Some of the best-known power metal bands include Blind Guardian, Manowar, and DragonForce.
Epic Metal.
Epic metal is a subgenre of symphonic metal that takes the grandiose sound of power metal and adds in elements of folk music, giving the genre a more “medieval” feel. Bands like Rhapsody (of Fire) and Elvenking are known for their epic sound, which often features lyrics about dragons, wizards, and other fantasy creatures.
Gothic Metal.
Gothic metal is a subgenre of symphonic metal that combines the heaviness of metal with the dark atmosphere of gothic rock. Bands like Lacuna Coil and Nightwish are known for their gothic sound, which often features female vocals and lyrics about love, death, and despair.
Doom Metal.
Doom metal is a subgenre of symphonic metal that focuses on creating a dark and oppressive atmosphere through slow and heavy riffs. Bands like Therion and Funeral Dress are known for their doom-laden sound, which can be both beautiful and unsettling at the same time.
Black Metal.
Black metal is a subgenre of symphonic metal that takes the darkness of doom metal one step further, adding in elements of punk rock to create a fast-paced and aggressive sound. Bands like Dimmu Borgir and Cradle Of Filth are known for their blackened sound, which often features satanic lyrics and blasphemous imagery.
The Best Bands in Each Symphonic Metal Subgenre.
Blind Guardian is one of the most well-known and respected bands in the power metal genre. Hailing from Germany, they have been making music since the mid-1980s and have released 12 studio albums, with their latest being 2016’s “Beyond the Red Mirror”. They are widely considered to be one of the best power metal bands of all time, and their influence can be heard in many modern bands.
Some of their most popular songs include “The Bard’s Song (In the Forest)”, “Mirror Mirror”, and “Into the Storm”.
Epic Metal – Manowar.
Manowar is an American epic metal band that was formed in 1980. They are known for their over-the-top displays of machismo and their anthemic, fist-pumping songs about battle and glory. They are also known for their lengthy song titles and album titles, such as 1992’s “The Triumph of Steel” and 2007’s “Gods of War”.
Some of their most popular songs include “Defender”, “Warriors of the World United”, and “Battle Hymns”.
Gothic Metal – Lacuna Coil.
Lacuna Coil is an Italian gothic metal band that was formed in 1994. They are one of the most successful gothic metal bands, with a string of hits throughout their career including 2006’s “Karmacode” which debuted at number 4 on the US Billboard charts. Their music combines elements of gothic rock, gothic metal, and symphonic metal, with beautiful yet haunting melodies sung by lead singer Cristina Scabbia.
Some of their most popular songs include “Enjoy the Silence”, “Our Truth”, and “Heaven’s a Lie”.
Doom Metal – Therion.
Therion is a Swedish doom metal band that was formed in 1987. They are one of the most well-known and respected bands in the genre, and have released 16 studio albums, with their latest being 2016’s “Les Fleurs du Mal”. Their music is heavily influenced by classical music, and they often use choirs and orchestras in their recordings.
Some of their most popular songs include “To Mega Therion”, “The Rise of Sodom and Gomorrah”, and “Son of the Sun”.
Black Metal – Dimmu Borgir.
Dimmu Borgir is a Norwegian black metal band that was formed in 1993. They are one of the most successful black metal bands, with a string of hits throughout their career including 2001’s “Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia” which debuted at number 1 on the Norwegian charts. Their music combines elements of symphonic metal and black metal, with grandiose arrangements and dark lyrics sung in guttural growls.
Some of their most popular songs include “Mourning Palace”, “In Death’s Embrace”, and “Progenies of the Great Apocalypse”.
The Best Songs in Each Symphonic Metal Subgenre.
Blind Guardian is a German power metal band formed in 1984. They are often credited as one of the seminal and most influential bands in the power metal and speed metal subgenres. “The Bard’s Song (In the Forest)” is a song by Blind Guardian, appearing on their second studio album, Somewhere Far Beyond. The song is an adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien’s poem “Sing All Ye Joyful” from The Hobbit. It is one of the band’s most popular songs, and has been covered by many other artists.
Epic Metal – “Defender” by Manowar.
Manowar is an American heavy metal band from New York City, formed in 1980. The group is known for its lyrical themes of mythology and fantasy, and its image as “the ultimate heavy metal band”. “Defender” is a song by Manowar, released on their fourth studio album, Sign of the Hammer. The song was inspired by the movie Conan the Barbarian, and tells the story of Conan defending his people from an invading army. It is one of Manowar’s most popular songs, and has been covered by many other artists.
Gothic Metal – “Enjoy the Silence” by Lacuna Coil.
Lacuna Coil is an Italian gothic metal band from Milan, formed in 1994. The band’s sound has been described as a cross between gothic rock and heavy metal, with their lyrical themes ranging from love and loss to death and rebirth. “Enjoy the Silence” is a song by Lacuna Coil, appearing on their third studio album, Comalies. The song was inspired by the work of poet Rainer Maria Rilke, and deals with the theme of finding beauty in silence amidst chaos and noise. It is one of Lacuna Coil’s most popular songs, and has been covered by many other artists.
Doom Metal – “To Mega Therion” by Therion.
Therion is a Swedish symphonic metal band founded in 1987 by Christofer Johnsson. The band’s music combines elements of heavy metal, classical music, and opera. “To Mega Therion” is a song by Therion, appearing on their second studio album, Of Darkness… It is one of the band’s most popular songs, and has been covered by many other artists.
Black Metal – “Mourning Palace” by Dimmu Borgir.
Dimmu Borgir is a Norwegian black metal band from Oslo, formed in 1993. The band’s name is derived from Icelandic volcanoes Dimmuborgir. “Mourning Palace” is a song by Dimmu Borgir, appearing on their third studio album, Enthrone Darkness Triumphant. The song deals with the theme of loss and mourning, and is one of the band’s most popular songs.
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of metal music, then you know that there are many different subgenres to choose from. Symphonic metal is one of the most popular and diverse genres, with something to offer for everyone. In this blog post, we’ve looked at the different types of symphonic metal and some of the best bands and songs in each subgenre. We hope this has helped you create the perfect Spotify playlist for your next listening session!
