Man, I apparently cannot get my Thursdays together this month. New plan: write them on Wednesday.
Are you familiar with symphonic metal? It is a fantastic genre of music, especially if you write fantasy like I do. If you’re someone who can listen to music when writing (with lyrics or no, both are readily available in this genre), then you should definitely look into it. It has all the things I like about metal (heavy bass, somewhat tribal drums) without the growling and screaming that some other metal genres feel the need to incorporate. Plus, as the name implies, oftentimes you have a full symphony present performing.
Add to that the fact that some songs have fantastical lyrics, and it’s great plotbunny fodder.
It’s closely related to power metal and epic metal. I’m not quite sure what the defining lines are between the genres.
I thought I’d provide you some bands to look at if this sounds like something that appeals to you. I came across the genre purely by accident, and it has been the best random thing to come into my life.
Symphonic bands to look into (almost all of these are European bands; for some reason we don’t put out a lot of this genre here in the states) – I’ve included a song for each for easy exploring:
1. Within Temptation – Our Solemn Hour
2. Sonata Arctica – Flag in the Ground
3. Nightwish – (two different vocalists, so you get two songs) End of All Hope, Escapist
4. Dreamtale – Lucid Times
5. Amaranthe – Amaranthine
6. Van Canto – (a capella metal) Water, Fire, Heaven, Earth
7. Symphony X – Out of the Ashes
8. Rhapsody of Fire – Emerald Sword
9. Xandria – Sisters of the Light
10. Bare Infinity – Always Forever
What do you think, Squiders? What’s your favorite genre of writing music? Any symphonic metal band recommendations?
