Symphonic metal facts for kids
Symphonic metal is a type of heavy metal music that mixes the powerful sound of metal with the grand, orchestral style of symphonic music. Think of it like a rock band playing with a full orchestra! This music often uses instruments you'd find in a classical orchestra, like violins, cellos, and even choirs, alongside electric guitars, bass, and drums. It creates a dramatic and epic sound.
Quick facts for kids Symphonic metal |
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| Stylistic origins | NWOBHM, symphonic rock, progressive metal, neo-classical metal, gothic metal, power metal, baroque rock, classical music. |
| Cultural origins | mid-late 1990s, Continental Europe (mainly Scandinavia and the Netherlands) (this regards symphonic metal proper; for symphonic variations on other styles of metal, especially extreme metal, the cultural origins are in late 1980s-early to mid 1990s in Switzerland and Scandinavia) |
| Typical instruments | Vocals − Guitar - Bass - Keyboards - Piano - Drums - Violin - other acoustic and electronic instruments - occasionally backing choirs |
| Fusion genres | |
| Symphonic power metal Symphonic gothic metal Symphonic black metal Cello metal |
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Contents
What is Symphonic Metal?
Symphonic metal is a unique blend of two very different music styles. It takes the strong, often fast, and guitar-driven sound of heavy metal. Then, it adds elements from classical music, like sweeping melodies and dramatic arrangements.
This combination makes the music sound very grand and powerful. It can feel like the soundtrack to an epic movie or a fantasy story. Bands often use keyboards to create orchestral sounds, or they might even perform with real orchestras and choirs.
How Did It Start?
Symphonic metal began to take shape in the mid to late 1990s. It mostly developed in countries in Continental Europe, especially in Scandinavia and the Netherlands.
However, the idea of mixing metal with classical sounds started even earlier. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, some extreme metal bands in Switzerland and Scandinavia began adding symphonic parts to their music. This helped pave the way for the full symphonic metal style.
Blending Sounds: Instruments
A symphonic metal band uses the typical instruments of a metal band:
- Vocals: Singers often use powerful, operatic voices.
- Electric Guitar: Provides the heavy riffs and solos.
- Bass Guitar: Gives the music its deep, rumbling foundation.
- Drums: Keeps the beat, often with fast and complex rhythms.
But what makes it "symphonic" are the extra instruments. These can include:
- Keyboards and Piano: Used to create sounds like strings, brass, and choirs.
- Violins and Cellos: Real string instruments add a rich, classical feel.
- Choirs: Groups of singers can add a powerful, epic sound.
Different Types of Symphonic Metal
Symphonic metal has mixed with other metal styles, creating interesting subgenres:
- Symphonic power metal: This style combines the fast, uplifting melodies of power metal with symphonic elements. It often has themes of fantasy and heroism.
- Symphonic gothic metal: It blends the dark, emotional atmosphere of gothic metal with orchestral sounds. This can create a dramatic and sometimes melancholic mood.
- Symphonic black metal: This type adds symphonic parts to the raw and intense sound of black metal. It often uses keyboards to create a cold or epic atmosphere.
- Cello metal: This is a unique style where cellos are a main instrument, often replacing guitars or playing alongside them. It gives the music a very distinct, classical sound.
Popular Bands You Might Know
Many bands have become well-known for their symphonic metal sound. Some of the most famous include:
- Nightwish
- Within Temptation
These bands have helped make symphonic metal popular, especially in parts of Europe. While it might not be as widely known everywhere, it has a dedicated group of fans around the world.
See also
In Spanish: Metal sinfónico para niños
