If 2022 was undoubtedly the Year of Prog, 2023 can surely be viewed as the year symphonic metal experienced a resurgence as many bands either released brilliant albums in this genre or were seriously filtering with it. In this respect, there were quite a lot of symphonic albums that delighted us through the course of the year so we thought we’d share some with you. Here are 20 of the symphonic metal highlights of 2023:
Beyond the Black – Beyond the Black
For a self-titled release, this album feels like a well-rounded affair that sees BEYOND THE BLACK delivering more of the symphonic/melodic metal that they do so well. “Beyond the Black” is a focused and mature release that can proudly serve as a statement of intent as well as a calling card for what the band is nowadays, bearing all their hallmarks through and through.
Twilight Force – At the Heart of Wintervale
Granted, this over-the-top symphonic power metal has more cheese than a Disney+ movie. Grand, bombastic, epic in scale, and cinematic, “At the Heart of Wintervale” has all the trademarks of the genre on full display from chimes and choirs all the way to impressive guitar solos and soaring vocals. What more could you wish for?
Dark Sarah – Attack of Orym
Catchy, fun, and dynamic symphonic pop metal is what DARK SARAH offer on this album as keys, electronic elements, and high-pitched vocals dominate the soundscape with guitars and drums relegated to the background. Be warned, the energy that emanates from these songs is pretty infectious. If you liked the album AMBERIAN DAWN put out last year, you’ll love this one, for sure.
Xandria – The Wonders Still Awaiting
XANDRIA are back and sounding better than ever before. “The Wonders Still Awaiting” is bursting with melodies, cinematic soundscapes, variety, and excellent musicianship all around as Ambre Vourvahis’ multifaceted voice allows for a rich sonic palette to unfold in the ears of the listeners.
Delain – Dark Waters
“Dark Waters” represents not only a fresh start for DELAIN in this new lineup as they hit the ground running but, most importantly, a rediscovery of their common passion for making music. Thereupon, this album feels inspired, creative, and energetic with some interesting twists and turns to keep the listeners engaged, beautifully underpinned by Diana Leah’s versatile vocals.
Kamelot – The Awakening
The whole album is not just an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish but actually a masterclass in heartrendering theatricality, particularly when it comes to the lyrics and Tommy Karevik’s elite vocal performance. Finally, Tommy is given more space to showcase what he can actually bring to the proverbial table and this album is like a vocal clinic in this respect. Actually, the whole band is firing on all cylinders.
Seven Spires – Live at ProgPower USA XXI
Playing such a prestigious and legendary festival like Prog Power is quite an honor, I would think. Getting to record your performance at ProgPower is all the more special. With this live album, SEVEN SPIRES have captured an incredible moment in time that sees the band in top form delivering an incredible performance that serves as both an introduction to the band’s music as well as a showcase for Adrienne Cowan’s versatility.
Floor Jansen – Paragon
“Paragon” is an intimate and beautiful affair that oozes emotion and sensibility. From an artistic perspective, this album is an important landmark in Jansen’s career, solidifying her status as a versatile performer and complete artist.
Ad Infinitum – Chapter III – Downfall
The band’s signature mixture of symphonic and modern metal with palpable pop sensibilities is only elevated by Melissa Bonny’s exquisite vocals on this album. This in turn makes “Chapter III – Downfall” a polished, glossy, and slick affair that acts as a showcase for the technical prowess of each band member.
Visions of Atlantis – Pirates over Wacken
Wacken Open Air is another prestigious and legendary that has quite a storied history. With the release of live album “Pirated over Wacken,” VISIONS OF ATLANTIS are part of that history that also comes with some serious bragging rights as their pirate-themed symphonic metal delighted the crowd gathered at the Holy Ground.
Ignea – Dreams of Lands Unseen
The cinematic experience offered by the ten tracks that make up “Dreams of Unseen Lands” is the album’s greatest and undeniable strength. Even if Helle Bohdanova‘s vocals and this soundtrack-like feel are the main drives of the music, the instrumental side together with the oriental and eastern elements ground the songs and add depth and texture to the lyrical content.
The Dark Side of the Moon – Metamorphosis
Grounded by pounding drums and intense guitar work, Melissa Bonny’s silky vocals can freely soar above and breathe new life into some of the most beloved classic songs from movies, TV series, and video games. The album also features some original material that (hopefully) sets the stage for more to come from this supergroup.
Sirenia – 1977
The album is moody yet restrained and grounded without so many choirs and symphonic elements as per usual. I could almost say it’s a minimalist album, focused more on ambiance than on anything else.
Eleine – We Shall Remain
Dark, heavy, and gritty, “We Shall Remain” is a real tour de force featuring some of the nastiest riffs and thundering drums they have ever written. In between the guitar-driven soundscape, the increased focus on Madeleine Liljestam’s vocals, and the black, death, and thrash influences, there’s a subtle shift in their approach to songwriting that makes these songs work better.
Stream of Passion – Beautiful Warrior [EP]
“Beautiful Warrior” is a great addition to the symphonic metal catalog, but it’s also a breath of fresh air as it doesn’t offer the same bombastic, over-the-top soundscape as its peers. Instead, STREAM OF PASSION continue to opt for a more subtle approach to their sound so as to make the songs as memorable and individual as they can.
Blackbriar – A Dark Euphony
BLACKBRIAR show maturity and growth on this album, delivering a plethora of melodic keys, intense crescendos, towering guitar riffs and solos, rich orchestrations, and striking vocals through the course of eleven tracks that are as individual and memorable as they are lush, vibrant, and full of emotions.
Within Temptation – Bleed Out
The album is significantly heavier than “Resist” as the balance between hooky/poppy melodies and the metal side of their sound leans more towards meaty guitars, thundering bass, and pounding drums, even if spacy synths and electronic elements still pop up here and there. It’s also more cohesive and fluid in the way the music flows but with enough dynamic in the overall sound design so as to keep listeners engaged.
Temperance – Hermitage – Daruma’s Eyes Pt. 2
The album can be enjoyed for the sheer energy and bombast it offers, with plenty of free-flowing melodies, hooky choruses, and epic moments to savor and delight in. Fans of both symphonic metal and Euro-power metal à la AVANTASIA will find plenty to love about this album.
Serenity – Nemesis AD
This album is as lavish in its sound design as it is bombastic and dynamic in nature. It displays a good balance between the orchestral elements and the metal instruments, not to mention a production that gives everything a cinematic edge.
Epica – Live at the AFAS Live
EPICA live is quite an experience, and that is not up for debate. It is clear to anyone who has seen the live that the synergy between the band members coupled with Simone Simone’s angelic vocals and Mark Jansen’s growls is quite a spectacle to behold while bringing the songs to life in exquisite form. If “Omega Alive” didn’t fully convince you, this EP surely will.
Written by Andrea Crow
