Artists like Arven

Xandria is a German symphonic metal band founded by Marco Heubaum in 1994. Originally a project, Heubaum later restarted the project as a band in 1999, and has gone through various lineup changes. The German vocalist Lisa Middelhauve joined for the debut album, co-writing both music and lyrics for the band until her departure in 2008. Middelhauve reunited briefly with the band in 2010 following the departure of the band's second vocalist Kerstin Bischof, but left again shortly after. Manuela Kraller joined the band as the new vocalist in 2010.

Dark Sarah is a Finnish symphonic metal band formed by Heidi Parviainen after her departure from Amberian Dawn in 2012. Their style has been described as "cinematic metal".

Leaves' Eyes is a symphonic metal band based in Germany, formed in 2003 by Liv Kristine and Alexander Krull (Atrocity). Kristine departed in 2016 and was succeeded by Elina Siirala. The band has released nine studio albums, a live album and DVD as well several singles and EPs.

ReVamp was a Dutch progressive metal band formed by singer Floor Jansen after her previous band After Forever disbanded in 2009.

Delain is a Dutch symphonic metal band formed in 2002 by keyboardist Martijn Westerholt. After his departure from Within Temptation in 2001, Westerholt formed Delain the following year, intending for the band to be solely a project, but stopped after the release of one demo. In 2005, Westerholt restarted Delain alongside singer Charlotte Wessels, and released the debut studio album, Lucidity, in September 2006. The band began to perform publicly following the positive reception the album received.

Sirenia is a Norwegian gothic metal band from Stavanger, founded in 2001 by Morten Veland.

After Forever was a Dutch symphonic metal band with strong progressive metal influences. Originally formed as a death metal band in 1995 by Mark Jansen and Sander Gommans under the name Apocalypse, they later shifted their sound towards symphonic metal with the introduction of Floor Jansen to the band.

Visions of Atlantis is an Austrian symphonic metal band formed in Bruck an der Mur, Styria, in 2000. Inspiration came both from successful Finnish symphonic metal band Nightwish and from the myth of Atlantis, as well as a pirate theme in recent albums.

Epica is a Dutch symphonic metal band founded by guitarist and vocalist Mark Jansen after his departure from After Forever. Originally formed as a symphonic metal band with gothic influences, Epica later incorporated strong death metal elements into their sound. Starting with their third album, progressive metal influences also became evident. Additionally, the band often incorporates thrash metal and groove metal riffs, black metal elements, power metal sections, and influences from Arabic music. Some songs also incorporate electronic elements, djent transitions, and folk metal melodies inspired by Middle Eastern, Chinese, and Celtic traditions.

Nightwish is a Finnish symphonic metal band from Kitee. The band was formed in 1996 by keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen, guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, and former lead vocalist Tarja Turunen. The lineup grew with drummer Jukka Nevalainen and bassist Sami Vänskä. In 2001, Vänskä was replaced by Marko Hietala, who also took over the male vocalist role previously filled by Holopainen or guest singers. Nightwish has been successful in Finland since the release of their debut album, Angels Fall First (1997), and were later recognized internationally through the release of their albums Oceanborn (1998), Wishmaster (2000) and Century Child (2002).