The albums that define
symphonic metal.
Our picks for where to start with symphonic metal — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top symphonic metal artists
Start with one of these.
The symphonic metal essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Epica
Epica VS Attack on Titan Songs
A dynamic fusion of symphonic metal and anime themes, blending orchestral grandeur with powerful vocals.
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Evanescence
Evanescence
Evanescence weaves haunting melodies and powerful riffs into a tapestry of emotional vulnerability and introspection.
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Evanescence
Fallen
Evanescence's 'Fallen' intertwines haunting melodies with powerful vocals, creating an ethereal yet heavy sonic landscape.
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Evanescence
Synthesis
A lush orchestral reimagining of Evanescence's signature sound, blending symphonic elements with haunting vocals.
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Evanescence
The Bitter Truth
Darkly melodic anthems blend orchestral elements with raw emotion, encapsulating a sense of struggle and resilience.
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Evanescence
The Open Door
A haunting blend of symphonic melodies and heavy guitar riffs that encapsulates emotional vulnerability.
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Apocalyptica
Cell-0
A cinematic blend of orchestral arrangements and heavy cello-driven melodies that evoke powerful emotions.
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Skillet
Dominion
A thunderous blend of hard rock and industrial influences layered with anthemic choruses and introspective lyrics.
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Therion
Les Fleurs du Mal
A lush blend of symphonic metal and classic French pop reimagined through operatic vocals and intricate arrangements.
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Yousei Teikoku
Gothic Lolita Agitator
A haunting blend of symphonic metal and dark wave wrapped in ethereal melodies and gothic aesthetics.
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Yousei Teikoku
Gothic Lolita Propaganda
A sweeping blend of gothic rock and symphonic metal, enveloped in dark, theatrical narratives.
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Yousei Teikoku
Metanoia
Ethereal harmonies entwine with haunting melodies, creating a darkly immersive symphonic landscape.
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Marco Hietala
Roses from the Deep
A darkly atmospheric blend of heavy metal and symphonic elements, underpinned by haunting melodies and powerful vocals.
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Marco Hietala
Mustan sydämen rovio
A haunting blend of symphonic metal and personal storytelling woven through dark, melodic soundscapes.
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Lacrimosa
Fassade
Ethereal melodies intertwine with somber arrangements, creating a haunting atmosphere that defines Lacrimosa's dark romanticism.
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Lacrimosa
Elodia
A symphonic blend of dark wave and gothic metal, weaving haunting melodies with orchestral depth.
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Epica
Requiem for the Indifferent
A grand tapestry of orchestral arrangements layered over powerful metal riffs and haunting vocal harmonies.
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Epica
The Holographic Principle
Epic orchestration intertwines with heavy guitar riffs, creating a grand soundscape that explores existential themes.
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Epica
Design Your Universe
Symphonic metal grandeur intertwines with orchestral arrangements and potent vocals, creating an epic sonic journey.
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Rhapsody of Fire
From Chaos to Eternity
Epic orchestral arrangements intertwine with thunderous guitar riffs and soaring vocals, creating a cinematic metal experience.
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Evanescence
Anywhere but Home
Evanescence's sound blends haunting melodies with a powerful symphonic rock edge, infused with gothic and industrial elements.
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Tarja Turunen
In the Raw
A powerful blend of symphonic metal and operatic vocals envelops the listener in dramatic storytelling.
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Apocalyptica
Apocalyptica
Cellos weave intricate melodies over heavy rhythms, merging classical music with the fervor of metal.
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Apocalyptica
7th Symphony
A grand fusion of classical cello and powerful metal, weaving intricate melodies with thunderous rhythms.
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