The difference, by ear
Power metal stacks its own voices into a choir and uses keyboards for the orchestra. Symphonic metal hires both, and lets them lead.
Both are sung cleanly, but power metal is faster: 160 to 200 bpm against 110 to 160. To hear the difference, play Nightwish next to Helloween. Both grew out of heavy metal, power metal first and symphonic metal twelve years after.
In figures
Symphonic metal
Where it sits
In short
Full orchestra and choir treated as equal instruments, usually with an operatic female lead. Metal's most visible face in the European mainstream.
How it sounds
- Orchestra and choir as a permanent section, often recorded live rather than sampled.
- Classically trained or lyrical female vocals, sometimes alternating with growls.
- Broad, multi-layered production with film-score dynamics.
Key acts
- Nightwish
- Within Temptation
- Epica
- Therion
Start here
The pickTherion - Theli. The moment the choir becomes the lead instrument.
Full page →Power metal
Where it sits
In short
Galloping tempos, choral hooks and lyrics about dragons and battles. Optimistic by definition.
How it sounds
- Sustained galloping tempos with nearly continuous double kick.
- Choruses harmonised across many voices, choir style.
- Keyboards, neoclassical solos and lyrics about battles, dragons and hope.
Key acts
- Helloween
- Blind Guardian
- Gamma Ray
- DragonForce
Start here
The pickHelloween - Keeper of the Seven Keys Part II. The closing track runs thirteen minutes and deserves them.
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