Symphonic black metal has the same components as melodic black metal but a lot more orchestral pieces, mostly during the entire length of the song, mixed with the black metal element. This sub-genre of black metal has gained much criticism from black metal purists who argue that it is a watered down version of the real thing. The two albums which defined the sub-genre are generally agreed upon to be Cradle of Filth's Cruelty and the Beast and Emperor's In the Nightside Eclipse.

Symphonic black metal often can be confused with Norwegian Gothic Metal and there are some bands who are classified as both (Cradle of Filth or Summoning for instance).