Neoclassical Metal is metal drawing the bulk of its inspiration from the classical era of concert music, with emphasis on the Baroque. Traditional scales are employed, as well as arpeggios. The music is largely centered on quick arpeggio runs up and down the guitar's fretboard, with less emphasis on rhythmic elements of the music. Neoclassical metal often makes use of classical instruments (violins, harpsichord, etc.). Neo-classical is less of a genre and more an adjective applied to any band (of any genre) making use of classical composition and playing styles. HAGGARD LACRIMOSA THEATRE OF TRAGEDY

Gothic metal is simply the combination of gothic music in all its forms (darkwave, goth rock, ethereal ambient, goth-industrial, etc.) and metal. The metal aspect of the music can be heavy, death, black, doom, or any other variety of metal. Gothic metal is solemn, symphonic, grandiose, theatrical and makes extensive use of rock beats and springy bass lines. Lyrical themes vary greatly, but mostly focus on gothic themes -- tragedy, romanticism and macabre mystery. Besides death and black metal vocals, gothic metal usually peppers itself with bewitching soprano vocals and male baritone deliveries. MACBETH AFTER FOREVER ON THORNS I LAY