ThinkBlog

When you think “Wagnerian opera,” what comes to mind? Have you ever thought that perhaps “The Ride of the Valkyries” could be improved upon—or at least would not be marred—if it were redone using heavy metal guitar riffs?

Epic metal may be for you.

I discovered this genre not too long ago—in fact, it was one of the gentlemen whom I accompanied to the Christcore show a while back who introduced it to me. Looking more into it, apparently what put the “epic” into epic metal are several elements. Traditionally, epic metal focuses on fantastic stories, the kinds of “epic” stories you might expect when thinking of anything from Gilgamesh or Odysseus to Beowulf, usually focusing on triumphant themes. This need not always be the case, as evidenced by the unorthodox telling of a vampire story in French band Heavenly’s Dust to Dust. Thy Majestie’s Hastings 1066, on the other hand, seems more in the normal “epic” vein.

Most bands calling themselves epic have a symphonic element, though that’s not always the case. What really impresses me about most of these bands is their dynamic range: unlike most mainstream American artists, who get stuck with one particular sound or chord progression, these guys can go from operatic chorus to lyric ballad to near-punk in a matter of one or two tracks. Sonata Arctica comes to mind.

By far the most quintessential epic metal phenomenon, though, in my humble estimation, is Nightwish. The hottest thing going in Finland [click the “Popular Music” link] right now, this band is absolutely over-the-top in every way, including talent. Lead singer Tarja Turunen is a striking and accomplished lyricist (most, though not all, of Nightwish’s songs are sung in English), classically trained (think opera). Their latest album, Once, is highly recommended.

More reviews to come!

When you think “Wagnerian opera,” what comes to mind? Have you ever thought that perhaps “The Ride of the Valkyries” could be improved upon—or at least would not be marred—if it were redone using heavy metal guitar riffs?

Epic metal may be for you.

I discovered this genre not too long ago—in fact, it was one of the gentlemen whom I accompanied to the Christcore show a while back who introduced it to me. Looking more into it, apparently what put the “epic” into epic metal are several elements. Traditionally, epic metal focuses on fantastic stories, the kinds of “epic” stories you might expect when thinking of anything from Gilgamesh or Odysseus to Beowulf, usually focusing on triumphant themes. This need not always be the case, as evidenced by the unorthodox telling of a vampire story in French band Heavenly’s Dust to Dust. Thy Majestie’s Hastings 1066, on the other hand, seems more in the normal “epic” vein.

Most bands calling themselves epic have a symphonic element, though that’s not always the case. What really impresses me about most of these bands is their dynamic range: unlike most mainstream American artists, who get stuck with one particular sound or chord progression, these guys can go from operatic chorus to lyric ballad to near-punk in a matter of one or two tracks. Sonata Arctica comes to mind.

By far the most quintessential epic metal phenomenon, though, in my humble estimation, is Nightwish. The hottest thing going in Finland [click the “Popular Music” link] right now, this band is absolutely over-the-top in every way, including talent. Lead singer Tarja Turunen is a striking and accomplished lyricist (most, though not all, of Nightwish’s songs are sung in English), classically trained (think opera). Their latest album, Once, is highly recommended.

More reviews to come!