Entry 71-- Symphonic Metal Week, Part 5: "Ghost Opera" - Kamelot

Symphonic Metal Week, Part 5
Song: "Ghost Opera"
Artist: Kamelot
http://youtu.be/J-TUufvK0gU
Comments: Kamelot was one of the first (symphonic) 'metal' bands I really liked, and I feel like it's a fitting tribute to the band that sparked my love of a genre to end with one of their songs."Ghost Opera" is one of their more symphonic pieces, so I decided to use it instead of the less symphonic song "Forever," which happens to be the first song of theirs I heard. Enjoy the song, and have a good weekend!

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Entry 70-- Symphonic Metal Week, Parts 3 and 4

Symphonic Metal Week, Parts 3 and 4
Song 1: "Bless the Child"
Artist: Nightwish
http://youtu.be/8Pjh0visgJI
Comments: Sorry for the lack of a post yesterday, folks. To make it up to you all, two songs today! The first one is by Nightwish featuring their original vocalist, Tarja Turunen, who sounds nothing like this their new vocalist (Anette Olzon). (I mention this because the debate over the comparative merits of the vocalists regularly ignites youtube comment threads into flame wars, and is quite heated.) I have heard this song described in terms similar to a very good movie soundtrack. Go listen!

Song 2: "Our Solemn Hour"
Artist: Within Temptation
http://youtu.be/JwWRUVVadQg
Comments: And after you listen to that song, take a listen to this one. Slightly less cinematic, this song has (if I hear this correctly) a full orchestra and chorus behind the metallic instrumentation. This song blew me away when I heard it-- hopefully it will rock your world too.

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Entry 69-- Symphonic Metal Week, Part 2: "The Phantom Agony"

Symphonic Metal Week, Part 2
Song: "The Phantom Agony"
Artist: Epica
http://youtu.be/UAlRf9qf9d0
Comments: Welcome back to symphonic metal week! Today's song literally has a full chorus and at least a string section playing in front of a typical metal arrangement of guitars and drums, led by the wonderful mezzo-soprano vocals of Simone Simmons. Symphonic metal is a small world, and Ms. Simmons keeps popping up in unexpected places, especially in Kamelot songs. I'll try and post one of those this week. Enjoy the song!

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Entry 68-- Symphonic Metal Week, Part 1: "Dark Moor"

Symphonic Metal Week, Part 1
Song: "Dark Moor"
Artist: Dark Moor
http://youtu.be/tYSvdmOajzY
Comments: I've just decided that this week is Symphonic Metal Week, to promote one of my favourite genres. To open the week, Dark Moor's eponymous song. Also, this song goes out to Emily, who just fell in love with this band. Enjoy!

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