Symphonic Black Metal

Symphonic Black Metal is a style of Black Metal that may include compositions using the keyboard to evoke “pseudo-orchestral” ambiences with defined patterns (with sounds from string instruments, choirs, piano, and organs) or full orchestral arrangements containing wind instruments, cymbals, percussion, keyboards and strings. Bands like Carach Angren may feature their own instruments, such as violins, as well as live or virtual orchestrations. The vocals can be “clean” or operatic in style, and the structure of the songs is more defined or inspired by symphonies, although not adhering to forms found in Western music (sonata, themes and variations) and following a typical riff-based approach. Many of the characteristics of traditional Black Metal are left aside, such as growling vocals, fast rhythms, lo-fi production and tremolo electric guitar riffs.