How does classical music influence heavy metal?

Classical music has deeply influenced certain branches of heavy metal, particularly through the development of neoclassical metal in the 1980s. This subgenre blends classical music elements with speed metal, featuring highly technical guitar and keyboard playing. Beyond neoclassical metal, experimental styles like post-metal also incorporate classical music textures to expand traditional heavy metal conventions.

What we know

• Neoclassical metal is a style of heavy metal heavily influenced by classical music that features very technical playing and elements borrowed from speed metal. [3]
• Yngwie Malmsteen became one of the most notable musicians in the neoclassical style and contributed greatly to its development during the 1980s. [3]
• Post-metal is another genre rooted in heavy metal that incorporates elements of classical music alongside ambient, noise, and progressive styles to create an expansive sound. [5]
• Prominent figures in neoclassical metal include both lead guitarists and keyboardists. [3]

Where to go next

• whoWho pioneered neoclassical metal?
• a case in pointWhat is post-metal?
• the bigger pictureHow did heavy metal develop from rock?
• how we knowWhat are the different heavy metal genres?
• compared withHow do post-rock and post-metal relate?
• an unexpected connectionHow does post-metal connect classical music to shoegaze?Post-metal bridges the gap between extreme metal, classical music, and indie shoegaze textures to craft atmospheric compositions.

Sources

• [1]list of heavy metal genres (Wikidata Q1029000) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Heavy metal genres · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Neoclassical metal · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Heavy metal music · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Post-metal · CC BY-SA 4.0

Your path

1. Who runs the Paris Fire Brigade?
2. /What was the National Schism in Greece?
3. /How does classical music influence heavy metal?