Black metal as a genre began to emerge in the early 1980s, defined by its raw, unpolished sound, dissonant melodies, and dark, nihilistic themes. As the genre evolved through the 1990s, bands began to experiment with different sounds and influences, one of the most significant being symphonic elements. Symphonic black metal began to take shape as bands sought to expand the boundaries of the genre. By blending orchestral arrangements with the aggressive, atmospheric qualities of black metal, they created a sound that was both grandiose and unsettling. Symphonic black metal quickly became one of the most recognized and distinct subgenres within the wider black metal scene.
What is Symphonic Black Metal?
Symphonic black metal is a subgenre of black metal that incorporates symphonic elements such as orchestral arrangements, choirs, and sometimes even full symphonic backing. This blend of classical music and extreme metal creates a unique sound that retains the core characteristics of black metal, such as tremolo-picked guitar riffs, blast beat drumming, and harsh, shrieking vocals. However, symphonic black metal differs from traditional black metal due to its incorporation of elaborate arrangements, often borrowing from classical music’s complexity and layering.
Symphonic elements are typically used to create atmosphere, depth, and contrast in the music, often bringing a sense of epic scale to the dark, abrasive tones of black metal. Orchestral synths or actual orchestras are frequently used to enhance the drama and atmosphere of the music. These symphonic elements do not merely serve as ornamentation; they become integral to the music’s overall structure, serving as both a backdrop and an equal player in the composition.
The Musical Elements of Symphonic Black Metal
Incorporation of Orchestral Elements
One of the most defining features of symphonic black metal is the use of orchestral instruments, such as strings, horns, and choirs, alongside traditional metal instrumentation. These elements are often integrated through synthesizers, digital orchestration, or by using real orchestras for a more authentic sound. The symphonic components usually serve to create dramatic and sweeping melodies that contrast with the harshness of the metal elements.
The strings, especially, play a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere of symphonic black metal, providing a rich, melodic backdrop to the dissonant and fast-moving guitars. In some cases, choirs or vocal harmonies may be incorporated to add a further sense of grandeur. These orchestral elements often mirror or interact with the rhythms of the guitar and drums, creating a layered sound that gives symphonic black metal its epic, almost cinematic feel.
Aggressive Metal Foundation
While symphonic elements are a defining characteristic of the genre, the aggressive metal foundation of black metal remains present in symphonic black metal. The intense tremolo picking, blast beats, and harsh, shrieking vocals that characterize traditional black metal are retained. This creates a stark contrast between the delicate, sweeping melodies of the orchestra and the raw intensity of the metal instrumentation.
The guitars are often played in fast, dissonant sequences, while the drums employ blast beats and other extreme metal techniques. These elements work together to create the chaotic, unsettling energy typical of black metal, but the addition of symphonic elements allows the music to take on a new, grander dimension. The result is a complex interplay between the ferocity of black metal and the elegance of orchestral arrangements.
Complexity and Layering
Another key feature of symphonic black metal is its complexity. The music tends to be more layered and intricate than traditional black metal. The incorporation of symphonic elements adds additional layers of sound that intertwine with the metal instrumentation, creating a dense and textured sonic landscape. This complexity is not only limited to the music itself but extends to the composition as well. The orchestral elements often follow their own intricate patterns, which are then woven together with the metal parts.
These multi-layered arrangements often create a sense of depth and dynamic contrast. For instance, during quieter moments in the music, the orchestra may take the lead, only for the metal instruments to come in and explode into an intense, chaotic section. This juxtaposition of light and dark, soft and aggressive, is a hallmark of symphonic black metal.
Vocal Styles and Themes in Symphonic Black Metal
Harsh Vocals and Choirs
Vocal style is another important defining feature of symphonic black metal. The shrieking, often high-pitched vocals of black metal are retained in symphonic black metal but are sometimes augmented by choirs or clean singing, adding further layers of complexity to the vocal delivery. The use of a full choir is particularly distinctive in symphonic black metal, as it adds a dramatic, operatic dimension to the vocals that is not found in more traditional black metal.
The choirs are typically used sparingly but effectively, appearing at key moments to enhance the overall atmosphere of the music. The contrast between the ferocity of the lead vocalist and the beauty of the choir creates a tension that is one of the defining features of the genre.
Thematic Content and Lyrics
Like traditional black metal, symphonic black metal often explores themes of darkness, mysticism, and nihilism. The lyrical content can be deeply philosophical or fantastical, frequently drawing on mythological, occult, or historical themes. The integration of symphonic elements often amplifies the sense of epic storytelling in the lyrics, with the music serving as both a reflection and an enhancement of the themes.
Symphonic black metal lyrics are often more intricate and poetic than those in traditional black metal. The inclusion of orchestral elements helps to underscore the grandeur of the subject matter, whether it’s a tale of ancient battles, a philosophical reflection on the human condition, or a journey through the supernatural. The music creates an atmosphere that draws the listener into a narrative, making the lyrical themes feel larger-than-life.
Key Bands in Symphonic Black Metal
Dimmu Borgir
Dimmu Borgir is perhaps the most well-known band within the symphonic black metal subgenre. Emerging from Norway in the early 1990s, the band quickly became known for incorporating symphonic elements into their black metal sound. Their 1997 album Enthrone Darkness Triumphant is often cited as a groundbreaking release in symphonic black metal, blending the intensity of black metal with lush orchestration. Dimmu Borgir’s use of orchestras and choirs set a new standard for the genre, and their influence can still be felt in modern symphonic black metal.
Cradle of Filth
Another influential band within the symphonic black metal scene is Cradle of Filth. Formed in the UK in the early 1990s, Cradle of Filth is known for its blend of gothic, symphonic, and black metal influences. Their album Midian (2000) exemplifies the genre, with sweeping orchestral arrangements complementing the raw, aggressive nature of black metal. Cradle of Filth’s incorporation of horror, gothic imagery, and romanticism into their music further distinguishes them from other symphonic black metal acts.
Emperor
Although Emperor is often associated with the Norwegian black metal scene, their 1997 album Anthems to the Welkin at Dusk introduced more symphonic elements into their music, marking a turning point in black metal’s evolution. Emperor’s complex arrangements and use of keyboards to create a symphonic atmosphere influenced many bands in the symphonic black metal subgenre.
The Legacy and Impact of Symphonic Black Metal
Symphonic black metal has had a lasting influence on the metal world, helping to expand the boundaries of extreme music and push the genre toward new realms of complexity and sophistication. By merging the aggression of black metal with the grandeur of symphonic music, it has created a unique space within the wider metal community.
The genre’s ability to balance intensity with elegance has inspired countless bands to experiment with orchestral elements in their music. The inclusion of symphonic instrumentation allows bands to express a wide range of emotions and create more expansive, immersive musical landscapes. Symphonic black metal has also helped to legitimize the use of orchestral arrangements in extreme music, influencing bands in other metal subgenres, such as death metal and doom metal, to explore similar territory.
See Also: What Makes Heavy Metal Music Translate to Symphonic Music?
Conclusion
Symphonic black metal represents a fascinating intersection of extreme metal and classical music. Its defining features lie in the combination of raw, aggressive black metal with lush orchestral arrangements that add complexity, drama, and grandeur to the music. By utilizing symphonic elements, symphonic black metal creates a musical experience that is both chaotic and sophisticated, intense and melodic. This subgenre has not only shaped the evolution of black metal but has also influenced the broader metal scene, leaving a lasting impact on the way that extreme music is composed and performed.
Symphonic black metal remains one of the most unique and enduring subgenres within the world of extreme music, thanks to its ability to balance the ferocity of black metal with the elegance and complexity of symphonic influences. The genre continues to evolve, with new bands emerging that push the boundaries of symphonic black metal further, creating a sound that is both timeless and forward-thinking.
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