String metal is a fascinating subgenre that blends the intensity of heavy metal with the elegance of classical string instruments. By incorporating violins, cellos, and other stringed instruments, these artists create a unique and powerful listening experience. The combination of distorted guitar riffs with classical strings adds emotional depth and dramatic flair to metal music.
In recent years, string metal has grown in popularity. Bands and solo artists alike have explored this fusion, pushing musical boundaries. This article highlights some of the most prominent and influential string metal artists. Each of these artists has contributed to the genre in a unique way, and their music is essential for anyone looking to explore the world of string metal.
Top 9 String Metal Artists You Should Catch Up
1. Apocalyptica
Apocalyptica is one of the most iconic string metal bands in the world. Formed in 1993, this Finnish group is known for their use of cellos as lead instruments instead of guitars. Their early work featured instrumental covers of Metallica songs, but they quickly evolved into writing original material. Tracks like “Path” and “I Don’t Care” showcase the band’s ability to balance classical beauty with metal aggression. Their ability to blend heavy distortion with sweeping, melodic cello lines makes them pioneers of the string metal genre.
2. 2Cellos
2Cellos is a Croatian duo known for their incredible cello renditions of rock and metal classics. Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser gained international fame with their viral cover of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.” While they cover songs from various genres, their renditions of heavy metal classics are stunning. Their cover of AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” is one of their most famous works, showcasing technical precision and raw power. Their live performances are high-energy spectacles where classical meets metal mayhem.
3. Emilie Autumn
Emilie Autumn is a violinist, singer, and composer known for her blend of dark cabaret, classical, and metal influences. Her music features haunting violin solos set against heavy, industrial-style metal beats. Albums like Opheliac showcase her theatrical approach to string metal. Tracks like “Shalott” combine harpsichord melodies with heavy guitars and intense vocals. Her music is deeply emotional, often exploring themes of mental health, love, and betrayal. Her use of the violin as a central instrument adds a gothic, eerie edge to her music.
4. Lindsey Stirling
Lindsey Stirling is a violinist who has captivated audiences with her blend of electronic, classical, and metal-inspired music. While she is best known for her electronic dance tracks, many of her songs incorporate elements of string metal. Her track “Crystalize” showcases her technical violin skills, while songs like “Shatter Me” (featuring Lzzy Hale) lean into rock and metal territory. Her high-energy live performances feature dance routines, making her a unique presence in the string metal world.
5. The Hu
The Hu is a Mongolian rock band that combines traditional Mongolian throat singing, horsehead fiddles, and heavy metal instrumentation. Their unique blend of folk and metal gives their music a primal, otherworldly feel. Songs like “Wolf Totem” and “Yuve Yuve Yu” showcase the band’s use of traditional string instruments like the morin khuur, a two-stringed Mongolian fiddle. Their music is both hypnotic and heavy, offering a fresh perspective on what string metal can be.
6. Van Canto
Van Canto is a German “a cappella metal” band, but their use of strings and orchestral arrangements in their studio albums often gives their music a string metal feel. Their unique sound combines vocal harmonies that mimic guitars with classical string elements. Their version of Metallica’s “Battery” is an impressive showcase of how string-inspired arrangements can work in metal. While their focus is on a cappella, their orchestral backing tracks often include lush, cinematic string arrangements.
7. Eklipse
Eklipse is a German string quartet known for their instrumental covers of pop, rock, and metal hits. Their music features lush string arrangements played on violins, violas, and cellos. Their haunting version of Linkin Park’s “Crawling” brings a new emotional depth to the song. They also cover tracks from artists like Depeche Mode, Muse, and Evanescence. Eklipse’s ability to reimagine famous rock and metal tracks through strings alone highlights the versatility of string metal.
8. Rasputina
Rasputina is a cello-driven rock band led by Melora Creager. The band combines elements of chamber music with alternative rock, gothic themes, and a touch of metal. Their use of cello as the lead instrument gives their music a distinctly haunting and eerie feel. Songs like “Transylvanian Concubine” are dark, brooding, and hypnotic. Rasputina’s blend of historical themes, feminist lyrics, and gothic metal aesthetics makes them a standout force in the world of string metal.
9. The Piano Guys
While The Piano Guys are best known for their classical and pop covers, they’ve also ventured into rock and metal territory. Their version of “Cello Wars,” inspired by Star Wars, demonstrates their playful approach to string music. Their cover of “Rockelbel’s Canon” combines classical music with modern rock elements. While not strictly metal, their arrangements often feature cello solos that carry the emotional weight of heavy metal ballads. Their creative approach has earned them millions of fans worldwide.
See Also: Top 15 Norwegian Black Metal Artists to Catch Up
Conclusion
String metal is a genre where classical beauty and heavy metal aggression collide. Artists like Apocalyptica, 2Cellos, and Lindsey Stirling have proven that violins, cellos, and other string instruments can rival electric guitars in intensity and emotional impact. From cinematic arrangements to heavy riffs, string metal offers something truly unique for fans of metal, classical, and experimental music.
Whether you prefer the orchestral power of Nightwish or the raw energy of Apocalyptica, string metal has something for everyone. These artists continue to push the boundaries of what metal can be, blending melody, heaviness, and technical mastery into something extraordinary. If you’re looking to expand your musical horizons, these string metal artists are the perfect starting point. Dive in, and discover the beautiful chaos of string metal.
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