Best Use of Violin in Metal?

Written by Doge of Venice on 31.08.2015 at 08:19

Can I include a band with a dedicated Celloist instead?

No, because the cello has a much heavier sound than a violin, and thus functions much differently in a metal song, where the distinction between heavier and lighter instruments is important.

Written by Ganondox on 07.09.2016 at 05:28

Written by Doge of Venice on 31.08.2015 at 08:19

Can I include a band with a dedicated Celloist instead?

No, because the cello has a much heavier sound than a violin, and thus functions much differently in a metal song, where the distinction between heavier and lighter instruments is important.

Good point.

Easily The Sins Of Thy Beloved

When it is used to compliment a bands guitar work a violin can be a very effective way of building an atmosphere in a song. Ne O do this very well. So they get my vote.

I have to say that the violins of early Tristania and Sirenia are really haunting and contribute to the fact why I love this era of these two sister-bands. My Dying Bride, of course, has also some fine violin moments but I just had to bring out Sirenia and Tristania, especially as I didn't see them in the list above...

Written by Ernis on 24.10.2016 at 12:41

I have to say that the violins of early Tristania and Sirenia are really haunting and contribute to the fact why I love this era of these two sister-bands. My Dying Bride, of course, has also some fine violin moments but I just had to bring out Sirenia and Tristania, especially as I didn't see them in the list above...

Two reasons. One is that despite being integral parts of the bands, they are technically session members, and I only listed bands with violinists who are offical members of the band. Second, I could only list so many bands, and I wanted to minimize the amount of symphonic power metal bands.

I could easily prefer Korpiklaani over every band in this discussion when they use to have violinist Hittavainen in their lineup. But that's just me...

Written by Pikemaster on 15.11.2016 at 21:04

I could easily prefer Korpiklaani over every band in this discussion when they use to have violinist Hittavainen in their lineup. But that's just me...

Korpiklaani? You I am assuming you are kidding.

I know taste is subjective and it's totally not impossible that he actually prefers Korpiklaani's violin usage over all the others, but if I am to guess:
I take it he doesn't know most bands of the poll?

Title track of Disillusion's debut.

It seems really hard to share one's opinion over here but; Yes I have heard most of the bands in this poll. Yes, I still think Voice of Wilderness (Korpiklaani album) has many songs with awesome violin work. Maybe you guys don't understand things like me I don't know. Probably should just say something nice about My Dying Bride

Forgot elvenking

I think SubRosa makes great use of violin, but A Forest Of Stars uses violins better, check it out.

I just gave my vote to Eluveite. \m/

Promethian Misery - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrrkr1XUAdY

She distorts the violin and uses it like a guitar.

The best use of a violin in metal is as something to rest the guitarist's/bassist's/drummer's drinks on

Written by Metren on 06.02.2018 at 15:18

The best use of a violin in metal is as something to rest the guitarist's/bassist's/drummer's drinks on

Aww, I was hoping for some violin solos on the next Dreadrealm album. How about a clarinet, then?

Written by M C Vice on 17.02.2018 at 05:40

Aww, I was hoping for some violin solos on the next Dreadrealm album. How about a clarinet, then?

Would a trumpet be ok?

Written by Metren on 17.02.2018 at 10:10

Written by M C Vice on 17.02.2018 at 05:40

Aww, I was hoping for some violin solos on the next Dreadrealm album. How about a clarinet, then?

Would a trumpet be ok?

Not really a fan of brass, except for saxophone. And I can never remember if it counts as brass or not.
You could copy Judas Priest and play the cutlery draw.

Written by M C Vice on 18.02.2018 at 01:51

Not really a fan of brass, except for saxophone. And I can never remember if it counts as brass or not.

It is most often made of brass, but it doesn't count as a brass, but a woodwind, due to how the sound is produced. Blow into a sax without doing anything else and nothing happens.

...aaaaaaand back on topic, I was probably being too harsh on the use of violins in metal (though I was joking obviously). I do like Eluveitie's classic tracks that feature violin for example.

Since no one mentioned them, I'm gonna recommend Jelonek. All the violin in metal you were craving for.