I was
introduced to symphonic metal in 2007 by my dad. At the time it came as quite
the shock to me since up until then I'd never hear my father listen to
rock music, let alone metal. But after hearing the music for the first time it
all started to the make sense. The music combines the traditional metal
instruments like electric guitars and heavy drums with classical instruments
like strings and brass. The way in which melodies and harmonies are build up
and the combination of choirs with a (usually) female lead singer give the feel
of an operatic piece. My father was hooked, and so was I.
My
favourite symphonic metal band is the Dutch band Epica (for whatever reason we
Dutch are great at making symphonic metal). Although the band already exists
since 2002 it wasn't until 2009 that I discovered their music with the songs Unleashed and Martyr of the Free Word. Especially that last one excellently showcases
the duality between the animalistic grunting of Mark Jansen and the almost
heavenly sounding voice of Simone Simons. A voice that is also expressed nicely
in the band's more calmer songs like Solitary Ground and This is the Time.
Last
month the band released its latest album titled: The Holographic Principle.
It's an album in which they've again outdone themselves with epic songs (pun intended)
like Universal Death Squad and Edge of the Blade.
Check
out their Official YouTube Channel for more videos.
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