Jump to content

"Orchestral" metal?


voskhod

Recommended Posts

As far as I know, this is a sub-genre that doesn't exist - but I want to find more like it anyhow. I recently got done listening to something by Amon Amarth; Specifically their song "Live for the Kill" and during the last minute of that song I heard probably one of the most beautiful things I had ever heard in a metal song. A cello. [ http://youtu.be/0HotjzABI0w?t=2m45s , listen until the end ] I did a bit of looking and found out that this cello performance was done by Apocalyptica. [

] However, Apocalyptica does entirely cello-based music, meaning no guitar, no bass, no drums or anything. What I'm looking for is metal with orchestral instruments in the background, like during that one Amon Amarth song. Any orchestral instruments - violins and church-organs would probably be nice too. One thing to note is that during Live for the Kill, there is a cello solo, and once the solo is done and the other instruments kick in the cello still plays and becomes part of the song. I'm not looking for just solos in between the metal bits like Apocalyptica does. The only other example I can think of that demonstrates what I mean is this one song by Dark Funeral. [
] Starting at 0:15 and going all the way until the screeching vocals start in 0:59. I've listened to many songs by Dark Funeral, but this is their only song that I truly love, if only because of that opening minute. Sadly, this is their only song that uses the kind of "orchestral" sound I'm referring to. Now, based on the final minute of that Amon Amarth song, and the opening minute of that Dark Funeral song, you should get a pretty good idea of what I mean by now. My question then WHERE CAN I FIND MORE OF THAT? It's such an incredibly beautiful sound, I feel like I've found true love or something.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

What you're looking for (from the sound of things anyway) sounds like symphonic metal, which is actually pretty prevalent. Symphonic black metal tends to be the most well known variety, but some there are bands that also play symphonic death metal, symphonic power metal, symphonic gothic metal, etc... The examples that you posted lead me to believe that you're looking more for bands on the black/death side of the spectrum, I'll post some samples to give you an idea in a few.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

BlutAus, these are a bit on point, but not entirely what I meant. Symphonic metal is something very different and its the first thing I looked in when trying to find more songs like the one I linked. But from my experience Symphonic Metal is different, hence why I used the term "Orchestral" metal. From the guys at another forum, I found a few more examples - these ones are almost perfect.

And
But one song in particular by them blew me out of the water, "Pathfinder". Absolutely beautiful.
Elegy had a similar effect
Fleshgod Apocalypse is basically the perfect example of what I was looking for. There any more like them? I'm not specifically looking for Black/Death metal either, I can definitely work with orchestral instruments in Viking/Folk/Power metal too (like good old Amon). Edit: Dimmu Borgir turned out to be pretty nice too.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

BlutAus, these are a bit on point, but not entirely what I meant. Symphonic metal is something very different and its the first thing I looked in when trying to find more songs like the one I linked. But from my experience Symphonic Metal is different, hence why I used the term "Orchestral" metal. From the guys at another forum, I found a few more examples - these ones are almost perfect.
And
But one song in particular by them blew me out of the water, "Pathfinder". Absolutely beautiful.
Elegy had a similar effect
Fleshgod Apocalypse is basically the perfect example of what I was looking for. There any more like them? I'm not specifically looking for Black/Death metal either, I can definitely work with orchestral instruments in Viking/Folk/Power metal too (like good old Amon). Edit: Dimmu Borgir turned out to be pretty nice too.
Interesting that Fleshgod Apocalypse hit the spot, but newer Septicflesh wouldn't. Their sounds are similar these days, but I like Septicflesh a great deal more. They have a much stronger sense of melody IMO and their sound isn't so bricked in and over-mastered. Also strange that Dimmu would hit the spot, yet Limbonic Art wouldn't. I'll check out the other samples and see if I can better understand what you're after, but I'm at a bit of a loss at present.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...
  • 2 months later...
  • 5 months later...

I like the direction of this thread. 

Orchestral metal, if we're calling it that, is one of my favourite styles of metal. Especially in the last five years or so, this genre has come to refine itself to an astonishing level. 

Fleshgod Apocalypse: Their last two albums 'Labyrinth' and 'King' are outstanding releases. One of the greatest memories I have is of climbing the huge clifftop fortress of Masada next to the Dead Sea in Israel at dawn, with the first two tracks of 'Labyrinth' playing. It was one of life's transcendent moments. 'King' is another masterpiece. Incredible lyrics too. The only downside is that it's possibly too frenetic at times, although they have plenty of variety and interludes to break it up. 

Septicflesh: This is my current favourite band. Their albums up to 'Sumerian Deamons' are great, although not overly orchestral or symphonic. They reach aural perfection with 2008's 'Communion', which is one of the greatest metal albums of all time. 'The Great Mass' that followed is brilliant, especially the first half, although the band's greatest moment for me is 'Titan'. The massive orchestra sound plays repetitive hooks that are just incredible. I simply can't believe how grandiose and perfect this album is from start to finish. I could talk all day about the lyrics too. The perfect example of orchestral metal. 

Here's 'Prometheus' from 'Titan'. This song has the perfect build up for 4 minutes before launching into probably the greatest orchestral metal riff of all time. 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This program's of mixed quality, and there are some cringe moments, but they do fun videos where they discuss the key bands of different genres: 

That said, I really can't stand most of this genre. When it comes to metal, I usually prefer it raw. I do like some lush bands, but I usually prefer that lushness to come from big, distorted guitars or atmospherics.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 months later...
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Join Metal Forum

    joinus-home.jpg

  • Our picks

    • Whichever tier of thrash metal you consigned Sacred Reich back in the 80's/90's they still had their moments.  "Ignorance" & "Surf Nicaragura" did a great job of establishing the band, whereas "The American Way" just got a little to comfortable and accessible (the title track grates nowadays) for my ears.  A couple more records better left forgotten about and then nothing for twenty three years.  2019 alone has now seen three releases from Phil Rind and co.  A live EP, a split EP with Iron Reagan and now a full length.

      Notable addition to the ranks for the current throng of releases is former Machine Head sticksman, Dave McClean.  Love or hate Machine Head, McClean is a more than capable drummer and his presence here is felt from the off with the opening and title track kicking things off with some real gusto.  'Divide & Conquer' and 'Salvation' muddle along nicely, never quite reaching any quality that would make my balls tingle but comfortable enough.  The looming build to 'Manifest Reality' delivers a real punch when the song starts proper.  Frenzied riffs and drums with shots of lead work to hold the interest.


      There's a problem already though (I know, I am such a fucking mood hoover).  I don't like Phil's vocals.  I never had if I am being honest.  The aggression to them seems a little forced even when they are at their best on tracks like 'Manifest Reality'.  When he tries to sing it just feels weak though ('Salvation') and tracks lose real punch.  Give him a riffy number such as 'Killing Machine' and he is fine with the Reich engine (probably a poor choice of phrase) up in sixth gear.  For every thrashy riff there's a fair share of rock edged, local bar act rhythm aplenty too.

      Let's not poo-poo proceedings though, because overall I actually enjoy "Awakening".  It is stacked full of catchy riffs that are sticky on the old ears.  Whilst not as raw as perhaps the - brilliant - artwork suggests with its black and white, tattoo flash sheet style design it is enjoyable enough.  Yes, 'Death Valley' & 'Something to Believe' have no place here, saved only by Arnett and Radziwill's lead work but 'Revolution' is a fucking 80's thrash heyday throwback to the extent that if you turn the TV on during it you might catch a new episode of Cheers!

      3/5
      • Reputation Points

      • 10 replies
    • I
      • Reputation Points

      • 2 replies
    • https://www.metalforum.com/blogs/entry/52-vltimas-something-wicked-marches-in/
      • Reputation Points

      • 3 replies

    • https://www.metalforum.com/blogs/entry/48-candlemass-the-door-to-doom/
      • Reputation Points

      • 2 replies
    • Full length number 19 from overkill certainly makes a splash in the energy stakes, I mean there's some modern thrash bands that are a good two decades younger than Overkill who can only hope to achieve the levels of spunk that New Jersey's finest produce here.  That in itself is an achievement, for a band of Overkill's stature and reputation to be able to still sound relevant four decades into their career is no mean feat.  Even in the albums weaker moments it never gets redundant and the energy levels remain high.  There's a real sense of a band in a state of some renewed vigour, helped in no small part by the addition of Jason Bittner on drums.  The former Flotsam & Jetsam skinsman is nothing short of superb throughout "The Wings of War" and seems to have squeezed a little extra out of the rest of his peers.

      The album kicks of with a great build to opening track "Last Man Standing" and for the first 4 tracks of the album the Overkill crew stomp, bash and groove their way to a solid level of consistency.  The lead work is of particular note and Blitz sounds as sneery and scathing as ever.  The album is well produced and mixed too with all parts of the thrash machine audible as the five piece hammer away at your skull with the usual blend of chugging riffs and infectious anthems.  


      There are weak moments as mentioned but they are more a victim of how good the strong tracks are.  In it's own right "Distortion" is a solid enough - if not slightly varied a journey from the last offering - but it just doesn't stand up well against a "Bat Shit Crazy" or a "Head of a Pin".  As the album draws to a close you get the increasing impression that the last few tracks are rescued really by some great solos and stomping skin work which is a shame because trimming of a couple of tracks may have made this less obvious. 

      4/5
      • Reputation Points

      • 4 replies
×
×
  • Create New...