Legacy of Sonata Arctica

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).

DragonForce are a British power metal band from London, formed in 1999. They are known for their long and fast guitar solos, fantasy-themed lyrics and retro video game-influenced sound. The band themselves refer to their music as "extreme power metal".

Rhapsody of Fire is an Italian symphonic power metal band formed in Trieste by guitarist Luca Turilli and keyboardist Alex Staropoli. The band is widely considered a pioneer of the symphonic power metal subgenre. Originally formed in 1993 as Thundercross, the band released albums under the moniker Rhapsody before changing their name to Rhapsody of Fire in 2006 due to trademark issues. The band is known for their fantasy concept albums for both the Emerald Sword Saga and the Dark Secret Saga.

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.

Van Canto is a German a cappella metal band, founded in 2006 and composed of six singers and a drummer. While only two of the singers perform the lead vocals, the other four use their voices to imitate the guitars and the bass, with the help of amplifiers, in an attempt to sound closer to the original instruments. They use real drums in their music, instead of vocal percussion or beatboxing.

Arven was a German symphonic metal band from Frankfurt that has released two studio albums to date. The group referred to their style as 'Melodic metal'.

Angus McSix is an international power metal band formed by Swiss singer Thomas Winkler and German producer, vocalist and guitarist Sebastian "Seeb" Levermann. The debut studio album, Angus McSix and the Sword of Power, was released on 21 April 2023 through Napalm Records. The band members each embody a character in the concept story told through this album.

Dragony is a power metal band from Vienna, Austria, which incorporates elements of symphonic metal in their style.

Rhapsody of Fire is an Italian symphonic power metal band formed in Trieste by guitarist Luca Turilli and keyboardist Alex Staropoli. The band is widely considered a pioneer of the symphonic power metal subgenre. Originally formed in 1993 as Thundercross, the band released albums under the moniker Rhapsody before changing their name to Rhapsody of Fire in 2006 due to trademark issues. The band is known for their fantasy concept albums for both the Emerald Sword Saga and the Dark Secret Saga.

City of Evil is the third studio album by American heavy metal band Avenged Sevenfold, released on June 6, 2005, through Warner Bros. and Hopeless Records. Co-produced by Andrew Murdock, City of Evil contains a more traditional heavy metal and hard rock sound than Avenged Sevenfold's previous two albums, which showcased a predominantly metalcore sound. The album title is derived from a lyric in the song, "Beast and the Harlot". The album is notable for the absence of fry vocals. M. Shadows worked for months before the album's release with vocal coach Ron Anderson, whose clients have included Axl Rose and Chris Cornell, to achieve a sound that had "grit while still having the tone". In order to increase stamina and strength on the pedals, The Rev would sit for hours practicing until he could get up to 210 beats per minute.

Fairyland is a French symphonic power metal band, created by songwriters Philippe Giordana and Willdric Lievin in 1998.