Symphonic metal – Page 4 – Wonderbox Metal

Scardust – Sands of Time (Review)

Scardust are a symphonic metal band from Israel and this is their debut album.

Scardust play sumptuous symphonic metal with some progressive elements added in to enhance proceedings.

Usually I find a lot of this kind of thing very generic and I usually lose interest quickly, but bloody Hell Scardust are an exception to this. Sands of Time is a very professional, accomplished, and well-realised release, with both catchy appeal and memorable depth. Continue reading “Scardust – Sands of Time (Review)”

Edguy – Monuments (Review)

Edguy are a long-running power/heavy metal band from Germany and this is a 25-year anniversary compilation album, (plus some other things).

Edguy are one of those bands that, for some reason, I’ve never actually heard before this release, despite being aware of them pretty much since they released their first album in 1995. I don’t normally review, (or listen to), Continue reading “Edguy – Monuments (Review)”

Mercy Isle – Undying Fire (Review)

Mercy Isle are an American/Dutch symphonic metal band and this is their debut album.

Mercy Isle play their brand of melodic, symphonic metal with the core of a rock band and the catchiness of a pop act.

A frequent issue I have with a lot of Continue reading “Mercy Isle – Undying Fire (Review)”

Xandria – Theater of Dimensions (Review)

Xandria are a symphonic metal band from Germany. This is their seventh album.

This is grand, orchestral, operatic metal with lofty ambitions and high aims. It’s been a while since I’ve caught up with Xandria, and it seems they’re hungrier than ever for big things. Continue reading “Xandria – Theater of Dimensions (Review)”

A Sense of Gravity – Atrament (Review)

A Sense of Gravity are a progressive metal band from the US. This is their second album.

I bet you’ve always wanted a record that mixes Dream Theater and Between the Buried and Me haven’t you? Well, now you have one. With symphonic/neoclassical elements combined with extreme metal, this is 68 minutes of progressive metal delivered just the way we like it; interesting and exciting. Continue reading “A Sense of Gravity – Atrament (Review)”

Sirenia – Dim Days of Dolor (Review)

This is the eighth album from Norwegian symphonic/Gothic metallers Sirenia.

After being around for a good 15 years now, Sirenia know a thing or two about the style they play. Largely held in high regard for their symphonic/Gothic metal, they’re back once more with what is, I think, one of their Continue reading “Sirenia – Dim Days of Dolor (Review)”

Lost Opera – Hidden Sides (Review)

This is the second album by French symphonic metal band Lost Opera.

Lost Opera are a symphonic metal band specialising in a modern take on the genre, heavily accentuated with orchestral keyboards and with a side-order of extremity. This manifests via heavier-than-average guitars, (for this kind of thing), and the Continue reading “Lost Opera – Hidden Sides (Review)”

Epica – The Holographic Principle (Review)

Epica are a symphonic metal band from the Netherlands and this is their eighth album.

Epica are famous for their epic, (ahem), symphonic sound, all larger-than-life melodies, ostentatious orchestration and luscious, enticing vocals. And it works. They’ve made a career out of it and currently sit as one of the biggest bands in the style. Continue reading “Epica – The Holographic Principle (Review)”

Oniricide – Revenge of Souls (Review)

This is the debut album of Italian symphonic metal band Oniricide.

Oniricide ostensibly play Nightwish-inspired symphonic metal, but there’s more than just this going on here. The music here has a nice, earthy feel to it that reminds me of some doom metal bands as much as symphonic/melodic ones.

The Nightwish influence is only a starting point, as Continue reading “Oniricide – Revenge of Souls (Review)”

Delain – Moonbathers (Review)

Delain are a symphonic metal band from The Netherlands and this is their fifth album.

Delain are one of those bands that I feel I should have heard a long time ago, but Moonbathers is actually my first encounter with the band’s material.

Within Temptation and Nightwish are the obvious reference points for a band like this, and Continue reading “Delain – Moonbathers (Review)”