Where orchestral grandeur meets extreme metal's raw fury. 142–203 BPM.
Symphonic Black Metal is a subgenre of black metal that incorporates symphonic and orchestral elements, such as keyboards, strings, and choirs, creating a grandiose and atmospheric sound. Originating in Norway in the early 1990s, it retains the aggressive traits of black metal—blast beats, shrieked vocals, and fast tempos—while adding melodic and epic layers. Bands like Emperor and Dimmu Borgir are pioneers of this style.
The defining artists of Symphonic Black Metal — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Symphonic Black Metal.
Symphonic Black Metal is characterized by fast tempos (typically 140-200 BPM), blast beat drumming, tremolo-picked guitar riffs, and shrieked vocals, all layered with symphonic elements like keyboards, string sections, and choir vocals. The rhythm is often driving and relentless, but the symphonic parts add melody, atmosphere, and dynamic contrast, creating a sense of epic grandeur.
The sound can range from raw and atmospheric (early Emperor) to highly polished and orchestral (later Dimmu Borgir). Key characteristics include minor key melodies, dramatic key changes, and a juxtaposition of aggression and beauty.
Symphonic Black Metal emerged in Norway in the early 1990s as an offshoot of the second wave of black metal. Bands like Emperor, with their 1994 album 'In the Nightside Eclipse,' integrated keyboards and orchestral arrangements into the raw black metal sound, creating a more atmospheric and grandiose style.
In the late 1990s and 2000s, the genre evolved with bands like Dimmu Borgir and Cradle of Filth (from the UK) pushing production values and symphonic elements further, often using full orchestras and choirs. This led to a more polished, accessible sound that sometimes crossed into mainstream metal.
Culturally, Symphonic Black Metal has been both celebrated for its artistic ambition and criticized by purists for straying from black metal's raw, anti-commercial roots. Nonetheless, it remains popular for its epic, cinematic quality and has influenced numerous subgenres and international scenes.
How Symphonic Black Metal is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
When producing Symphonic Black Metal, the drum pattern typically relies on blast beats (16th notes on hi-hat and snare) at 140-200 BPM, with double bass patterns often in 16th or 32nd notes. Swing is minimal; the feel is straight and driving. Use triggered or sample-replaced drums for clarity and punch. Guitar tones are typically distorted with high gain, often with a scooped midrange, and tremolo picking is common.
Symphonic elements are usually added via MIDI or recorded live instruments. Keyboards often use orchestral patches (strings, brass, choirs) and are mixed prominently but not overpowering. Reverb and delay are used extensively on both guitars and symphonic parts to create a cavernous, atmospheric space. Typical samples include orchestral hits, choir pads, and ambient soundscapes. Layering multiple synth pads can thicken the sound. Production should balance aggression with clarity, ensuring the blast beats and riffs don't get lost in the orchestration.
Hand-picked, updated weekly. Best for Epic battles, Fantasy immersion, Intense workouts.
Every playlist on Dropo is hand-picked by real musicians, not algorithm-generated. We listen, we pick, we keep it fresh. About Dropo →