Roots of Epica

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.

Kamelot is an American power metal band from Tampa, Florida, formed by Thomas Youngblood in 1987. The Norwegian vocalist Roy Khan joined for the album Siége Perilous, and shared songwriting credit with Youngblood until his departure in April 2011. On June 22, 2012, Youngblood announced on their website that their new vocalist would be the Swedish singer Tommy Karevik, who was first featured on Kamelot's album Silverthorn as the main vocalist, co-songwriter, and lyricist.

Hans Florian Zimmer is a German film composer and music producer. He has received numerous accolades including two Academy Awards, a BAFTA Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and five Grammy Awards, as well as nominations for seven Primetime Emmy Awards. Zimmer was also named one of the Top 100 Living Geniuses by The Daily Telegraph in 2007.

Angra is a Brazilian progressive and power metal band formed in 1991. They have released ten regular studio albums, six EPs, and seven live CD/DVDs to date. Led by Rafael Bittencourt, the band has gained a degree of popularity in Japan and Europe.

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.

Therion is a Swedish symphonic metal band founded by Christofer Johnsson in 1987. Its name, meaning "Beast" in Greek, was inspired by the Celtic Frost album To Mega Therion. Originally a death metal band, Therion adjusted its musical style by adding orchestral elements, including choirs, classical musicians, and even a full orchestra at their concert performances. As a result, they are considered pioneers of the symphonic metal genre.

Sonata Arctica is a Finnish power metal band from the town of Kemi. Created as a hard rock band named Tricky Beans, they later changed to Tricky Means and finally to Sonata Arctica, when they shifted to power metal. The current lineup consists of drummer Tommy Portimo, lead singer Tony Kakko, keyboardist Henrik Klingenberg, guitarist Elias Viljanen and bassist Pasi Kauppinen. All the musicians of the band's history except Portimo also acted as backing vocalists.

Blackbriar is a Dutch alternative metal band from Assen. They have released three albums, four EPs, six singles, twelve official music videos, one official lyric video and four acoustic live videos.

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

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.

Tuomas Lauri Johannes Holopainen is a Finnish musician, songwriter, and record producer, best known as the primary songwriter, keyboardist, and founding member of the symphonic metal band Nightwish. He has stated that his songwriting is influenced by harmonic film music.