It hit me the other day that there is one place rock and roll and heavy metal never went: that of a guitar orchestra. Actually, it has gone there. Check out Sinfonity
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTkX93nsBr8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHxwrRn-MzU

Though it's mostly just covers of classical music, this solidified my thoughts: wouldn't it be cool if there was an orchestra of rock? Instead of the traditional instruments, we have a swath of electric guitarists and bassists? Sure, there's be a few classical Variations here and there, but the general band is nothing but an organic hard rock act, where instead of oboes, violins, cellos, and horns, there's Stratocasters and ESP, quite possibly up to 40-50 of them. Just put some operatic vocals over it and you have something magical right there.
There's no reason not to try it, and it hasn't really been done before. It would allow for incredibly wide soundscapes, possibly unlike anything we've ever heard.

Or maybe we have heard it before and I'm just the schizoid uncle who's out of the loop? Sinfonity is a cover band if anything; I'm referring to an act that would write their own music and see where it goes from there.
Yeah, there's probably a progressive metal band I've never heard of that's already done it, isn't there?

No one should let me anywhere near a guitar, I'm just saying that here's an idea I have.

Rhys Chatham does this, sort of. His A Crimson Grail is written for 400 electric guitarists, though he's done it with varying numbers. It really doesn't sound like an electric guitar anymore when you have that many people playing though (and his note choices aren't helping). Good stuff regardless.

Have you ever heard the music of Glenn Branca? The compositional style may not be exactly what you are looking for but I think the concept is essentially what you are describing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_PO_d-SPe0

Try this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iZtnJBJmN4

Also, thanks, that Sinfonity thing you posted is quite cool.

Great, thanks