Symphonic metal or
opera metal is a term used to describe
heavy metal music that has
symphonic elements; that is, elements that sound similar to a
classical symphony. Symphonic metal is both a
genre of metal and a name given to several subgenres of other metal genres, and as such, both forms of usage have slightly varying definitions. The genre refers to bands that combine aspects of varying metal genres, with signature female-lead vocals and
operatic/classical themes to give the music a feeling of being a
symphony.
When referring to bands from other genres, it refers to bands who use minor classical and operatic themes in the bands' music similar as to what is found in the symphonic metal genre, to show they are more "symphonic" than normal bands of their genre. "Symphonic" can also describe metal with elements resembling non-symphonic classical music, although this definition is not frequently used.
The main musical influences on symphonic metal are early gothic metal, power metal, and classical music.
Bands in this genre nearly always feature a female lead vocalist (and emphasize this in their promotion), most commonly a mezzo-soprano performing in an operatic style. There is sometimes a second, male vocalist, as is also common in gothic metal. Growling, death metal style vocals are rare, but not unknown. Further backup up to and including a full choir is sometimes employed. Male vocalists are more common in the symphonic power metal category.
