This playlist represents a sub genre that not many really know of; a type of music that bridges the gap between hard head-banging metal, and rich melodic tunes that span all the way from classical to Celtic and back again. This sub genre is called symphonic metal. All of the artists on this list are unique to one another, both in sound as well as origin--and what's more? None of them are from the ... [+]

This playlist represents a sub genre that not many really know of; a type of music that bridges the gap between hard head-banging metal, and rich melodic tunes that span all the way from classical to Celtic and back again. This sub genre is called symphonic metal. All of the artists on this list are unique to one another, both in sound as well as origin--and what's more? None of them are from the United States.

A lot of the softer tracks are on the even numbered slots, but if you're really interested in this type of music--I highly suggest you listen to a few tracks from each artist...they are phenomenal. [-]