Symphonic death metal

Symphonic death metal (also called melodic death metal) is a variant of death metal where harmonies and melodies are much more present in the guitar work than in regular death metal.

Rather than the trademark brutality and speed of traditional death metal, melodic death incorporates varying tempos, from the "blast beats" associated with death metal, to slower, dreamy passages and everything in between. Also of note are the presence of numerous acoustic passages, particularly in the early work of Dark Tranquillity and In Flames, often complete instrumental acoustic tracks influenced by traditional Norse folk music are recorded.

Symphonic death metal initially developed in Gothenburg, Sweden in the early 1990s; pioneering bands included At the Gates, Dark Tranquillity, and In Flames. The movement is carried on by such bands as Arch Enemy (Swe.), Soilwork (Swe.), Children of Bodom (Fin.), Norther (Fin.), and Beyond the Embrace (US).