Why this
It's what I put on most. The songs are big, but they're arranged, so it doesn't turn into noise. Good for working. Good when the day runs long.
Symphonic metal
Heavy guitars with an orchestra behind them. These are the bands I listen to.
Delain
Dutch band. My favorite, especially the Charlotte-era albums.
- April RainOne of my favorite songs of all time. A great entry into Symphonic Metal for someone newly approaching the genre.
- BeneathFast-moving and intense song. I particularly love how the chorus is lead by the backing vocals.
- Come CloserSoft, beautiful song with high points and low points, sweeping the whole emotional spectrum.
Sirenia
Norwegian. The operatic vocals are some of the best in this style.
- The Path to DecayA story of gaining awareness of your surroundings, and the impact your environment has on your life.
- Winterborn 77A beautifuly told story of depression, sadness, and dreams. This song is packed full of symbolism and beauty.
- Seven Widows WeepListening to this feels like an epic played at sea. The vocals, chanting, and instrumentals do an excellent job of conveying emotion.
Edenbridge
Austrian, and heavier. Some of their songs run past ten minutes.
- Undying DevotionMy most played song of all time on Apple Music. A song of loss, reconciliation, and compromise in love.
- Skyline's EndA song about finding yourself and following your path. An assortment of fast and slow sections working off eachother.
- The Die Is Not CastAn epic, beautiful song containing a full arrangement of horns, strings, and heavy rock blended together beautifully.
Blackbriar
Dutch. Fairy-tale lyrics, strong vocals, a lot of love and loss.
- Until EternityA beautiful song about eternal love, finding eachother in inifinite lifetimes, and how death cannot stop love from thriving.
- SelkieA unique twist on the story of the selkie, a mythological creature that can transform from seal to human.
- Snow White and Rose RedA song about pure, non-romantic love and the bonds that form. Features vocals from Ulli Perhonen.
Within Temptation
The best-known band in the genre. Easier to get into than most of the others.
- Stand My GroundA song about perseverance and standing up for what's right even at the cost of your own well-being.
- The ReckoningThis anthem is about justice, endurance and fighting the good fight, both in war and personally.
- WirelessSharon's voice reaches beautiful high notes in this song about false idols, false sanctity and exploitation.
