Symphonic Metal Day Date in the current year: November 14, 2024

Symphonic metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that uses elements of orchestral classical music such as keyboard orchestration, symphonic instruments, choirs, and sometimes even a full orchestra. Many musicians in symphonic metal bands have formal training in music theory or are classically trained vocalists, but this is not a requirement.

Symphonic metal combines the raw energy of heavy metal with the grandeur of classical music. Known for its dramatic orchestrations and rich, layered sound, the genre has resonated with audiences around the world. Symphonic metal combines heavy guitar riffs and fast-paced drumming with orchestral elements and powerful classical or choral vocals to create a truly unique experience. Symphonic metal songs are often atmospheric and sometimes incorporate mythological or fantasy themes.

Among the first rock bands to incorporate orchestral elements into their performances were Deep Purple, the Nice, Black Sabbath, the Electric Light Orchestra, Celtic Frost, and Believer. However, they mostly experimented with the orchestral sound without fully committing to it. Symphonic metal as we know it today began to take shape in the mid-1990s in Scandinavia, Finland, and the Netherlands.

One of the first symphonic metal bands was Therion, a Swedish band founded in 1987 by Christopher Johnsson. Originally a death metal band whose main influences were Slayer and Metallica, Therion began incorporating orchestral elements into it is style in the mid-1990s.

Other pioneers of the symphonic metal genre were the Finnish band Nightwish, the Italian band Rhapsody of Fire (then known simply as Rhapsody), and the Dutch band Within Temptation, all of whom released their debut albums in 1997. Nightwish and Within Temptation shared two key elements associated with symphonic metal: heavy use of classically-inspired keyboard playing and powerful female lead vocals.

Over time, several types of symphonic metal have developed, such as symphonic black metal (Carach Angren, Cradle of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, Emperor), symphonic power metal (Blind Guardian, Epica, Kamelot, Nightwish, Rhapsody of Fire, Twilight Force), symphonic gothic metal (Alter Forever, Leaves’ Eyes, Theatre of Tragedy, Saviour Machine, Within Temptation), and symphonic death metal (Children of Bodom, Eternal Tears of Sorrow, Ex Deo, Fleshgod Apocalypse, MaYaN, Septicflesh).

The origins of Symphonic Metal Day are unclear, but don’t let that stop you from celebrating the holiday. You can listen to your favorite symphonic metal bands or discover new ones, create a symphonic metal playlist and share it with friends, buy some band merch, host a listening party, attend a symphonic metal concert in your area, and post about the holiday on social media using the hashtag #SymphonicMetalDay to spread the word.