Nearly every example of symphonic metal features a mezzo soprano vocalist, and I don’t of any with male leads that do clean vocals. While I am a huge fan of Dianne van Giersburgen, I’ve always resonated more with lower vocal ranges - one of my favorite clean vocalists is Lauri from Metsatöll (the one on flutes here: https://youtu.be/rMSMu4Vqj-g)
While I am looking for vocalists in symphonic metal, it’s more a soft requirement - I’m really looking for any (clean) vocalist with lower ranges (i.e. alto, low-baritone/bass) of any similar or relate genre. Any suggestions?
Have you listened to Falconer? Not as low range as the example you just provided but compared to the typical power/symphonic metal voices this one might fit the bill.
Me neither. Good thing there are plenty of bands that don´t do that (Nightwish, Within Temptation, Volbeat, Týr, Sabaton, etc.) or do it “tastefully” (Amaranthe).
I was about to mention Kamelot as well but wasn’t sure. Roy Khan’s (former lead vocalist for those who are unfamiliar) vocal range was quite varied but I would say he mostly did high pitched vocals during the early years of the band. Now Tommy (current lead vocalist) more or less tries to cover the same range but I would say he also sings mostly on the higher end. At least neither really sound super mezzo soprano so I suppose it is worth a mention.
As for Sonata Arctica, well, an interesting choice. Again I think he sings mostly mid to high pitch. Definitely not operatic soprano either at least.
Oh man I had heard about Sabaton for a while but it wasn’t till this year that I decided to give them a try and damn did that album (The Last Stand) get me hooked instantly. A super interesting voice indeed.
I’ve never been a big power metal guy - it’s a bit over the top for my tastes. But I will say the vocalist for Heroik is in tune of what I’m looking for. I’ll look into them.
I really wish I had better examples of what I’m looking for. The best one I can think of right now is actually Rammstein’s “Mein Herz Brennt”, particularly leading up the chorus at 1:50
ASP is another example:
Other examples venture more into gothic; an example with female vocals is Theatre des Vampires
Or Mandrogora Scream
PS - So after going down a bit of a rabbit hole, I did find a couple bands that meet.
Oh. My. God. Nicoletta Rosellini
Kobra has the vocals, I’m just not sure I like the direction of the band’s music lately.