Symphonic Power Metal

Symphonic power metal fuses the speed, high singing and fantasy subjects of power metal with full orchestral and choral writing, founded by Italy's *Rhapsody of Fire* on "Legendary Tales" (1997) and carried worldwide by *Nightwish*, *Epica* and *Kamelot*. Neoclassical guitar and keyboard virtuosity, double-kick drumming and soprano or operatic vocals meet film-score arrangement, and concept albums narrate invented sagas across multiple discs. Labels such as #Nuclear Blast# and #Napalm Records# built the style into one of metal's most durable commercial forms.