I wish to hear some metal. Preferable extreme metal that utilize actual strings, winds, horns and do so effectively. I'd be interested in some excellently composed and organic sounding synthesized stuff as well but to a much lesser extent. As well exceptional performances of a single or few "classic" and folkish intruments. Such as a band with a violin virtuoso, really great piano player or what not. Something I enjoy greatly recently was what's released of Virgin Blacks' "Requiem" series, Estatic Fear, to a lesser extent the newest SepticFlesh album. Really, I'm interest in just about anything meeting the stipulation in the title you find of a worthwhile quality.

Thank you!

Xystus - Equilibrio might be exactly what you're looking for. The album is basically what Tobias Sammet wished he could've done with Avantasia, despite falling short of the bar. A full-fledged symphony along with inspirational and driving music.

http://www.metal-archives.com/release.php?id=197217

I believe you mean orchestra, as a symphony is a type of musical composition. Haggard is one such band.

tvangeste does, they use the baltic orchestra or something, but your probably not looking for black metal.

Well, the obviously ones are Metallica's 'S&M' and Cradle of Filth's 'Damnation and a Day'.

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Now playing: Iron Maiden - Murders in the Rue Morgue

You are correct, I only knew this word in how it related to metal, or how I wrongly perceived it relating to metal. Live orchestration is what I'm looking for. I know of Haggard, the orchestration is great but I find the METAL portion of their music unsatisfying and that is the most important aspect.

Thanks to those who suggested but I'd really like to hear some more.

I would indeed prefer Black or Death Metal.

I'm fairly positive Dimmu Borgir has played with live orchestra before.

In that case, I also rec Profanum (Pol) - Musaeum Esotericum. The orchestra is heavily reminiscent of late Classical / early Romantic period, and you can clearly hear the different instrument families. The album has it's metal moments too; there are a good bit of harsh vocals and black metal-esque guitar distortion, etc etc.

I still stick with Xystus, although it is power metal.

Check out Waltari's Yeah! Yeah! Die! Die! A Death Metal Symphony In Deep C. Very cool album, recorded with the Avanti! Symphony Orchestra.

http://www.metal-archives.com/release.php?id=26113

Mekong Delta did this on an album.

The entire Septic Flesh album called Communion is played with Czech philharmonic

While not actually having any orchestra to speak of (to my knowledge), Hollenthon certainly sounds like it at times, and all 3 of their albums are quite good, though 'Opus Magnum' seems to lack the heavy dose of folk elements present on their first 2 releases.