Haggard

For a first indication about what the quite unique entity known as Haggard is trying to accomplish, one needs look no further than the list of members and the varied instruments they play. No, those aren't just session musicians -- this is a full-fledged metal orchestra, and they aim to take classical metal to new heights. Fusing classical influences in metal is nothing new, as any disciple of Yngwie Malmsteen will tell you, but Haggard are on a different plane altogether. This is truly a marriage of classical music and metal, with a wide variety of vocal styles (some choirs, excellent female sopranos, and yet also prominent male death growls) and the various non-metal instruments are all as essential to the overall sound as the guitars, basses and drums. It's an interesting mix, with the heavier parts resembling mid-paced doomdeath (though not as dreary or ponderous as that genre can be), and the lighter interludes being, well, classical (there's really no other way to describe it). It's difficult to determine exactly who the target audience might be for Haggard, as the non-metal aspect may turn off hardened rock fans and death vocals and heavy guitars may not be welcome to those who otherwise might enjoy this. Nonetheless, Haggard are to be commended for attempting something as ambitious as this, and not only that, they do succeed in producing a style that is quite enjoyable, listenable, and recommended.

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Discography

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