Symphonic metal is heavy metal music that has symphonic elements; that is, elements that are borrowed from other music genres (i.e. classical music, progressive rock) but usually with more keyboards or acoustic guitars and typically an operatic female lead vocalist.
When referring to bands from other genres, it refers to bands who use minor classical and operatic themes in their music similar to that found in the symphonic metal genre, to show they are more "symphonic" than other bands within their genre. Although many symphonic metal bands base their style solidly on classical music, few follow a theatrical, more epic approach to this genre by including or basing their style in Film Music or movie soundtracks. A popular example of this type of approach would be the works of the successful Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish.
Read more about Symphonic Metal: Musical Characteristics, Origins and Evolution
Famous quotes containing the word metal:
“And, indeed, is there not something holy about a great kitchen?... The scoured gleam of row upon row of metal vessels dangling from hooks or reposing on their shelves till needed with the air of so many chalices waiting for the celebration of the sacrament of food. And the range like an altar, yes, before which my mother bowed in perpetual homage, a fringe of sweat upon her upper lip and the fire glowing in her cheeks.”
—Angela Carter (1940–1992)