After the somewhat lackluster album that was 2012’s “Requiem for the Indifferent,” Dutch symphonic metal band EPICA reaffirmed its position as a leading force of the genre with “The Quantum Enigma.” Released on May 2nd, 2014, via Nuclear Blast, the album is not only a great return to form for the band but also a step up in terms of songwriting, arrangements, and execution. Ten years after its release, it is still considered one of their best and it also happens to be my favorite EPICA record to date (followed closely by “Omega”).   The strong melodies, the excellent guitar work, the spot ..read more

From their modest beginning as a Gothic metal band with debut “Kill the Sun” (2003), through their power metal phase with “India” (2005) and “Salome – the Seventh Veil” (2007) with Lisa Middelhauve on vocal duties until finally breaking out of their shell as a fully formed symphonic metal unit with “Neverworld’s End” (2012) and vocalist Manuela Kraller and everything that followed this decade, XANDRIA’s history is a rather storied one. Their sixth studio album, “Sacrificium,” continued their ascent on the metal scene with EX LIBRIS vocalist Dianne van Giersbergen. This opus came out on May 2nd ..read more

Crafting an extravagant, dramatic style of symphonic metal requires a bold vision and meticulous attention to detail. Drawing inspiration from literature, philosophy, and the vast expanse of the world itself, LOST IN GREY, a seven-piece band from Finland, has embarked on a remarkable journey over the past decade, releasing three full-length albums. With influences spanning across various musical genres and the broad spectrum of metal, “Odyssey Into the Grey” marks a significant milestone. This move signifies their continued dedication to weaving together diverse influences, aiming to captivate ..read more

Nowadays every metalhead knows Floor Jansen as the powerhouse vocalist of Finnish symphonic metal legends NIGHTWISH. However, twenty years ago she was working hard to make a name for herself on the metal scene with Dutch symphonic metal band AFTER FOREVER. In this respect, the band’s third studio effort, “Invisible Circles,” was an ambitious concept record with quite a heavy theme drawn from Sander Gommans’ direct experiences – how growing up in a dysfunctional family can affect the emotions of a young child. The album was released on March 25th, 2004, via Transmission Records. As one can eas ..read more

Symphonic metal Vikings LEAVES’ EYES, who are currently on tour with METALITE and CATALYST CRIME (find all remaining dates listed below!), have unleashed a breathtaking video clip in support of their much-acclaimed, new studio album “Myths Of Fate,” that is out today on AFM Records! Order your copy of the band’s new magnum opus now at https://leaveseyes.bfan.link/Myths-of-Fate.  With “Myths Of Fate,” the band set sail for new winds that definitely blow from the harsh shallows of the symphonic metal genre. The fantastic world of legends from Nor ..read more

The pirates of VISIONS OF ATLANTIS are about to take listeners on their heaviest symphonic adventure yet with their new studio album, entitled “PIRATES II – ARMADA,” set for release on July 5, 2024, via Napalm Records. The new successor to their high-charting previous release, “Pirates” (2022), is set as high as the waves cresting the Jolly Roger – taking everything that has been achieved to date to another level. With the second chapter of the pirates’ saga, VISIONS OF ATLANTIS prove that they are more than ready to claim the crown of symphonic metal.  ..read more

A new album from symphonic metal outfit LEAVES’ EYES means a new foray into Viking culture and all things connected to it. If their latest album, “The Last Viking” (2020), chronicled the life and heroic feats of Harald Hardrada, their newest studio effort, “Myths of Fate,” offers a fascinating retelling of Norse and Eastern European mythology while also bringing about a slight change to their sound. The album is set for release on March 22nd, 2024, via AFM Records. The immersive and cinematic sonic spectacle that has always defined LEAVES’ EYES seems to be even more bombastic and grand on “My ..read more

Anette Olzon, the former powerhouse vocalist of NIGHTWISH and one-half of the dynamic duo behind THE DARK ELEMENT alongside Jani Liimatainen, is releasing her new single “Day Of Wrath,” from her forthcoming highly anticipated third solo album, “Rapture,” out on May 10th via Frontiers Music. “I am so happy to release my second single from the upcoming album ‘Rapture.’ – reveals Anette. “My new song ‘Day of Wrath’ is the story from the human’s perspective who now has awoken and understands the disaster we have done to the world but begs for forgiveness. Despite all the signs we’ve seen ..read more

Modern heavy symphonic metal leaders KAMELOT will kick off their North American Kamelot: Awaken The World Tour 2024 – featuring support from Swedish heavy metal frontrunners HAMMERFALL and modern symphonic metal unit AD INFINITUM (featuring KAMELOT touring guest vocalist Melissa Bonny) – on April 25 in Baltimore, MD! Tickets for this unmissable trek are on sale now, with VIP upgrades available in select cities via www.kamelot.com/VIP2024.  Today, in celebration of the tour’s upcoming launch, KAMELOT has unveiled a brand new lyric vide ..read more

Rising symphonic metal force ELVELLON is set to release their second album, “Ascending in Synergy,” on May 17, 2024! Today, the band has revealed the beautiful first single, “A Vagabond’s Heart,” featuring an exciting intro and one of the catchiest choruses on the album. The fresh ten-track offering marks the outfit’s Napalm Records debut, and is the successor to their highly acclaimed 2018 album, “Until Dawn,” and 2015 EP, “Spellbound.” The official music video for the track “Born From Hope” from “Until Dawn” has reached 1.3M views on YouTube ..read more