A little FYI concerning the previous blog

I mentioned symphonic metal in the above blog and then realized that most people probably don't know what it is. Without copying and pasting a definition I shall attempt my own description of said genre. Like all metal there are guitars, bass, drums, and a singer or two or three or six depending on the band. What makes the genre different is that there is the incorporation of orchestrated pieces throughout the album. These bands often start off with keyboard orchestra simulations, but often use synthesized strings. Eventually, many of these bands are able to afford full orchestras either for recordings or live shows. Often they will use only parts of orchestras for recordings as to cut down on costs, and if they don't do even that they will overdub enough keyboard simulations to make it sound as if they recorded with a full live orchestra. Also, but not always, there are some bands that incorporate classical influences into their writings.

It is a common misconception that this genre is exclusive to upbeat, female fronted bands with singers who attempt to sing classically, but in reality only a few singers actually know how to sing in such a way. This misconception came about due to Nightwish, the first female fronted symphonic power metal* band that became popular, with a singer who actually studied classical singing in college. Many bands came before them in the early 90s that mixed symphonic with other genres such as black metal, which has a plethora of subgenres.

*power metal: not quite sure of the exact origins, but it is safe to say that Ronnie James Dio and Iron Maiden are amongst the originators of the genre. Often it consists of fast, upbeat music, but as of late has become somewhat more complex as many artists mix it with progressive metal. Notable bands in the genre consist of Stratovarius, Helloween, Sonata Arctica, Hammerfall, and Blind Guardian.