Symphonic Metal

Symphonic Metal burst onto the scene in the latter half of the 1990s, primarily in Europe, when musicians decided that heavy guitars needed a bit more drama, preferably supplied by a full orchestra and a metric tonne of operatic vocals. It sounds like heavy metal got an orchestral makeover, complete with sweeping strings and choirs, as if Wagner decided to throw a wild party with Metallica in attendance. It's quite the spectacle, with fans often lamenting that one simply cannot hold a decent mosh pit whilst clutching a glass of chardonnay.