The difference, by ear
Both are ambitious and long-form. Prog metal's complexity is rhythmic and harmonic; symphonic metal's is orchestrational, and its metres are usually plain.
Both are sung cleanly, but progressive metal swings further either way: 90 to 180 bpm against 110 to 160. Songs run longer in progressive metal: usually 6 to 12 minutes, against 4 to 7 minutes in symphonic metal. To hear the difference, play Nightwish next to Dream Theater. Both grew out of heavy metal, progressive metal first and symphonic metal eight 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 →Progressive metal
Where it sits
Heavy metal › Progressive metal
In short
Prog rock ambition with metal weight: odd meters, concept albums and instrumental virtuosity.
How it sounds
- Odd meters and frequent metric shifts, with pieces running eight to twenty minutes.
- Keyboards in a lead role, equal to the guitar, and highly technical bass.
- Concept albums with recurring themes and narrative structures.
Key acts
- Dream Theater
- Queensrÿche
- Opeth
- Tool
Start here
The pickOpeth - Blackwater Park. Growls and acoustic guitar in one song, and nothing forced about it.
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