The Most Epic Songs

[QuickstrikePr0]

Post what you think the most epic songs are. I don't mean by length, but by how they sound. As an example, you hear a moment in the song and think to yourself "Oh man that is epic"

-Framing Armageddon: Iced Earth
-The Clouding: Iced Earth
-Hallowed Be Thy Name: Iron Maiden
-The Clansman: Iron Maiden
-Fade To Black: Metallica
-Unforgiven III: Metallica
-Right In Two: Tool
-Lateralus: Tool


There are plenty more epic songs by these bands, but there are too many to list. Those are just some of them.

[classicrockdude]

April- Deep Purple

[Mystlyfe77]

Overuse of the word "epic" is fail. It used to have some meaning, but now it's just a worthless throwaway term (kinda like f---).

[jgosh]

Unforgiven is not epic, switch that with One.

I would also add Freebird, Stairway to Heaven, Another Brick in The Wall Pt1., and Sultans of Swing among others.

[Fizzeler]

Overuse of the word "epic" is fail. It used to have some meaning, but now it's just a worthless throwaway term (kinda like f---).

Epic is now officially defined (in this thread) by songs over 15 minutes which are actually epics

Favorite Epic:
Duel With The Devil - Transatlantic

[JukeBoxHero]

Unforgiven is not epic, switch that with One.

I would also add Freebird, Stairway to Heaven, Another Brick in The Wall Pt1., and Sultans of Swing among others.

I don't see a post by him saying he'll conform to your opinion. :p

[jgosh]

I don't see a post by him saying he'll conform to your opinion. :p

Guess I missed that in the original post...

[dabears116]

Epic? In my opinion Blood Fire Death (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsHAS3aoK5k) by Bathory is one of the most "epic" (whatever that means) metal songs without getting cheesy.

edit: Ballads are not epics, don't confuse the two.

[AKALink]

Heart of the Sunrise by yes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eZ9h7blR_w&feature=related

[QuickstrikePr0]

Use your own definition of epic. My epics are songs that start slow and get faster all the way to a point of awesomeness. Or they start fast and slow down. Just songs that give you chills when you listen to them. Like in Fade to Black, the guitar solo at the end is just so awesome, hence my definition of Epic. I know epic is a misused and overused word, but stick with me folks.

Oh, and those songs on the OP are based on my opinion. Sure there are plenty others. Stairway to Heaven and Free Bird are excellent examples.

[Mystlyfe77]

Use your own definition of epic. My epics are songs that start slow and get faster all the way to a point of awesomeness.

Since when were people allowed to redefine words at random?

If you want to use it as adjective, it has to fit one of these definitions:

1. noting or pertaining to a long poetic composition, usually centered upon a hero, in which a series of great achievements or events is narrated in elevated style: Homer's Iliad is an epic poem.
2. resembling or suggesting such poetry: an epic novel on the founding of the country.
3. heroic; majestic; impressively great: the epic events of the war.
4. of unusually great size or extent: a crime wave of epic proportions.

Stop murdering a word that used to have some meaning by calling everything "epic."

[Fizzeler]

If you want to use it as adjective, it has to fit one of these definitions:


So which of those would a Prog. Epic go under number 1, 2, or 3 :D

[mjlambert1]

Supper's Ready by Genesis...that's epic!

[Mystlyfe77]

So which of those would a Prog. Epic go under number 1, 2, or 3 :D

I'd say #2 or 3 (depending on content). Not every long song is an epic, though.

[QuickstrikePr0]

People are so particular these days. I understand the real meaning of Epic, but this is sort of a way to tag music that I really like. Now there are songs out there that are not "Epic" but I still love them, but its hard to describe what I really mean by Epic. An example would be a song that is slow and continues that way for a while. Then it builds up and and transitions to an amazing guitar solo. Maybe I am describing epic as a purely awesome change of BPM at the right time. Like in Hallowed Be Thy Name, the song remains the same pace until the end, when it speeds up and pumps you up. The change of BPM and guitar riff and drum pattern is good enough to make me feel great and get those awesome chills, but then the guitar solo hits and oh man, its undescribable. Maybe my buddy WhiffleBallTony could describe it better, as we understand eachother when we call a song "Epic" and which part is the epic part.

[Mystlyfe77]

I think "ballad" is a pretty good description of what you call "epic" (assuming I'm interpreting it correctly).

And yes, I'm particular about it. There are words within any language that should carry a certain degree of power, meaning, and authority. I hate it when they become watered down.

[QuickstrikePr0]

Not necessarily Ballads. Hallowed Be Thy Name is not a ballad, although it does change BPM. Framing Armageddon is nowhere near a ballad, and it never changes BPM, but the ending is incredible with Tom Ripper Owens vocals. Listen to both of those songs and maybe you can see what I am getting at.

To be even more specific, what kind of music do you listen to, so I know I can find a song that I consider "Epic" out of what kind of music you like.

[Mystlyfe77]

To be even more specific, what kind of music do you listen to, so I know I can find a song that I consider "Epic" out of what kind of music you like.

Various forms of metal (Sludge, Melodeath, Thrash, Prog, Death, Heavy, various others), Progressive Rock, Alternative Hip-hop, some hardcore/derivative forms of hardcore (powerviolence, screamo, metallic hardcore), various other artists and genres that peak my interest.
I'm quite familiar with Hallowed Be Thy Name. An Iron Maiden song I wouldn't object to being called epic would be Rime of the Ancient Mariner.

[Zerrex]

The over and misuse of epic is much like the use of über. The correct and proper way of using words in today's world is disregarded at the vain attempts to sound cool. Sounding somewhat educated instead of just trying to be in with the crowd is something most people should try. This isn't meant to be a flame against anyone, but I agree wholeheartedly with you Myst.

[NormanCoxwell]

The End-The Doors

[dabears116]

Going by the definition, Blood Fire Death (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsHAS3aoK5k) literally is an "epic" then, with viking themes, a 10+ minute length, and it possesses a "majestic" style with ambient background sounds.

We can use idioms though, most viking metal and power metal, or anything with ambient elements or symphonic styles would be tagged "epic".

[QuickstrikePr0]

Would you consider Rime because it is simply Epic as in long?

Heres what I consider Epic from your tastes:

Sludge - The Sundering - The Sword - I love how this song starts out slow and acoustic then just rips your face off. Its got some great drumming and riffs.

Melodeath - Blinded By Fear - At The Gates - This song is just awesome. Fast, heart pounding action. That guitar solo, although its short, is, well, "Epic."

Thrash - Angel of Death - Slayer - I love the opening of this song, and then the part where it slows down to a grinding guitar riff. Then the guitar solo comes out and smashes you.

Prog - Dream Theater - Fatal Tragedy - A great ballad that slowly picks up and eventually delivers an incredible guitar solo.

Progressive Rock - Rush - Working Man - Gotta love how this song changes from a slow pace to a fast pace shred fest.


Going back to Rime, the part after the slowdown when Bruce gives that yell, and the guitar pace picks up is amazing. Then the guitar solo hits and blows you away. That part of the song is what I consider "Epic."

[dabears116]

Blinded By Fear, Angel of Death, WORKING MAN? Not even close. If At The Gates had any songs that would fit the psuedo-definition of "epic", it would definitely be something from "The Red In The Sky Is Ours".

[QuickstrikePr0]

Forget it. My definition of Epic (Towards songs) is indescribable. I don't know how to give you guys the feeling I get when I listen to those particular songs. I'm going to stop trying. Interpret this thread however you want to interpret it.

[Shredder87]

Surprised Gowie hasn't come around....

[Mega-Tallica]

Dream Theater (basically every one of their songs are epics but I'll just list the ones I like the most)
The Glass Prison
A Change Of Seasons
Finally Free
In The Presence Of Enemies
The Ministry Of Lost Souls
A Nightmare To Remember
Six Degrees Of Inner Turbulence

Redemption - Sapphire, Memory

Liquid Tension Experiment - Biaxident, Paradigm Shift

[QuickstrikePr0]

I suppose the best and final definition of my "Epic" in the context of songs are songs that change in BPM, have high-octane singing (I.E. Bruce Dickenson, Tom Owens), and songs that change their character and feeling. Master of Puppets is a classic example.

[Mystlyfe77]

Would you consider Rime because it is simply Epic as in long?
Yes, That's why I specifically mentioned it as a song I would not object to being called epic in my last post. :rolleyes:



Heres what I consider Epic from your tastes:

Sludge - The Sundering - The Sword - I love how this song starts out slow and acoustic then just rips your face off. Its got some great drumming and riffs.

Melodeath - Blinded By Fear - At The Gates - This song is just awesome. Fast, heart pounding action. That guitar solo, although its short, is, well, "Epic."

Thrash - Angel of Death - Slayer - I love the opening of this song, and then the part where it slows down to a grinding guitar riff. Then the guitar solo comes out and smashes you.

Prog - Dream Theater - Fatal Tragedy - A great ballad that slowly picks up and eventually delivers an incredible guitar solo.

Progressive Rock - Rush - Working Man - Gotta love how this song changes from a slow pace to a fast pace shred fest.


I wouldn't consider any of those epic. I also wouldn't consider The Sword sludge (more of doom, though their second album has notable uptempo riffs that make it a little harder to classify). I also don't recall any tempo change in Blinded By Fear (unless you count the intro noise).

[Zerrex]

Musical opinion threads are doomed to begin with. This is NOT something you can really debate about, seeing as everyone has a different definition of what is good music. Not to be spiteful, but you should have seen this coming when you created this thread. Even with that said, I do believe that anyone's musical opinion should be upheld and not critiqued. Try not to get as annoyed with people who question what you think, try to see where they're comming from.

[Fizzeler]

Prog - Dream Theater - Fatal Tragedy - A great ballad that slowly picks up and eventually delivers an incredible guitar solo.

Progressive Rock - Rush - Working Man - Gotta love how this song changes from a slow pace to a fast pace shred fest.



No Fatal Tragedy is not an epic no sub-parts needs to be longer

Working Man as Prog. lol no not close to epic. Hemispheres is an epic :D

[Mega-Tallica]

I think the definition of epic is constantly changing moods in the song. Like A Change Of Seasons by Dream Theater, there is 7 parts to this song that are all different which make it sound like a separate song. Master Of Puppets is another example. There's a heavy part and then it slows down then gets heavy again but it's different then the first heavy part. Changing octaves and time signatures and such contribute to the mood of the song. Almost like the song is telling a story.

I don't really know what the hell I'm talking about anymore.

[Mystlyfe77]

I think the definition of epic is constantly changing moods in the song.

As I said before, you can't just redefine words willy-nilly. Stick to the dictionary definition and you won't get into trouble. Multiple "moods" are often a characteristic of epic songs, but are not the only feature nor are they required. Nor are epics the only thing to contain them.

[QuickstrikePr0]

Blinded By Fear's guitar solo just gives me that feeling. No BPM changes, but it just simply feels "Epic." What Zerrex said is right. We all have different opinions on songs or bands. Even if we all liked a particular song, our opinions would be different.

[Mega-Tallica]

As I said before, you can't just redefine words willy-nilly. Stick to the dictionary definition and you won't get into trouble. Multiple "moods" are often a characteristic of epic songs, but are not the only feature nor are they required. Nor are epics the only thing to contain them.


Everybody has a different opinion of epic songs. Just because the dictionary says one thing doesn't mean that that is the absolute correct definition of epic songs. Your own opinion defines what is epic and what is not when you break it down.

[QuickstrikePr0]

When I created this thread, I did not ask what was the best epic song out there (Meaning long), but I asked what was the most epic song. However, I did not intend for this much confusion. I figured everyone would know what exactly I was talking about. Everyone doesn't, and I don't know how to describe or explain it.

[dabears116]

We are not asking for opinions though, it is not as subjective as that. "Epic" is loosely defined, and most of us aren't using it correctly, although there is some objectivity to opinions. Nevertheless, the word is defined, and if Blinded By Fear strikes you as epic, listen to Bathory or Manowar for an example of what is accepted as "epic".

One By One (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kB0EKqstQI) - Immortal

[Mega-Tallica]

When I created this thread, I did not ask what was the best epic song out there (Meaning long), but I asked what was the most epic song. However, I did not intend for this much confusion. I figured everyone would know what exactly I was talking about. Everyone doesn't, and I don't know how to describe or explain it.


Well, you caused confusion for sure. All these opinions are making my head hurt.

[Mystlyfe77]

Everybody has a different opinion of epic songs. Just because the dictionary says one thing doesn't mean that that is the absolute correct definition of epic songs. Your own opinion defines what is epic and what is not when you break it down.

"Epic" is not defined by opinion. Epic is a word, with a proper definition. I couldn't go around saying something is a "green song" because it has multiple time signatures, or that something was a "wooden song" because it featured death growls.

[QuickstrikePr0]

I am aware of Manowar, and I think Iced Earth is another example of an "Epic Power Metal Band." Songs that align the double bass with guitar riffs have that epic feel to them too.

Here is a definition of Epic on my own terms:

Something Wicked Part 1 - Iced Earth

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akFwpLRSa0g

[Shredder87]

We are not asking for opinions though, it is not as subjective as that. "Epic" is loosely defined, and most of us aren't using it correctly, although there is some objectivity to opinions. Nevertheless, the word is defined, and if Blinded By Fear strikes you as epic, listen to Bathory or Manowar for an example of what is accepted as "epic".

One By One (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kB0EKqstQI) - Immortal
I saw them live in 2007. It was rather EPIC!!!!

[Mega-Tallica]

"Epic" is not defined by opinion. Epic is a word, with a proper definition. I couldn't go around saying something is a "green song" because it has multiple time signatures, or that something was a "wooden song" because it featured death growls.


An epic song is defined by opinion. The word 'epic' is defined as beyond ordinary or unusual. Isn't it somebody's own opinion if a song is beyond ordinary?

[MrFruitLord]

Thick as a Brick.

[Mystlyfe77]

An epic song is defined by opinion. The word 'epic' is defined as beyond ordinary or unusual. Isn't it somebody's own opinion if a song is beyond ordinary?

No, it's not.

From earlier in the thread:

1. noting or pertaining to a long poetic composition, usually centered upon a hero, in which a series of great achievements or events is narrated in elevated style: Homer's Iliad is an epic poem.
2. resembling or suggesting such poetry: an epic novel on the founding of the country.
3. heroic; majestic; impressively great: the epic events of the war.
4. of unusually great size or extent: a crime wave of epic proportions.

There's obviously some subjective features to defining what is and isn't epic. Length is often subjective, and I highly doubt anyone would call a song they dislike an adjective with positive connotations (such as epic).

For instance, I consider Meteors (http://www.last.fm/music/Blood+Of+The+Tyrant/_/Meteors) to be an epic song due to the story it tells (despite being an instrumental), relatively long length, and the style of play. But I would expect some to fight tooth and nail that an instrumental can't be an epic, and I can definitely see where they're coming from.

But the reasons I have are based in the DEFINITION of epic, not my own defining characteristics. Whether or not a song is epic is opinion, so long as you use the actual definition as a guideline. What defines epic is not an opinion.

[MrFruitLord]

Man, I hate everybody's use of the word Epic. Its really overused. Kind of like yelling "fail"

[Mega-Tallica]

No, it's not.

From earlier in the thread:


There's obviously some subjective features to defining what is and isn't epic. Length is often subjective, and I highly doubt anyone would call a song they dislike an adjective with positive connotations (such as epic).

For instance, I consider Meteors (http://www.last.fm/music/Blood+Of+The+Tyrant/_/Meteors) to be an epic song due to the story it tells (despite being an instrumental), relatively long length, and the style of play. But I would expect some to fight tooth and nail that an instrumental can't be an epic, and I can definitely see where they're coming from.

But the reasons I have are based in the DEFINITION of epic, not my own defining characteristics. Whether or not a song is epic is opinion, so long as you use the actual definition as a guideline. What defines epic is not an opinion.

Forget it man, you're not getting my point and I'm too tired to explain anymore.

[Mystlyfe77]

Man, I hate everybody's use of the word Epic. Its really overused. Kind of like yelling "fail"

Agreed.

[Mega-Tallica]

Man, I hate everybody's use of the word Epic. Its really overused. Kind of like yelling "fail"

I think it's more misused than overused.

[Fizzywix]

Carl Orff - O Fortuna

[Mystlyfe77]

Carl Orff - O Fortuna

If taken in context of the whole Carmina Burana, absolutely.

[Elegy]

In the Air Tonight.

[Runesmith]

In the Air Tonight.

Seconded.

Also:
Three Days - Jane's Addiction
Need You Tonight/Mediate & Never Tear Us Apart - INXS
In A Big Country - Big Country
Dead Heart & Blue Sky Mine - Midnight Oil
Fourth of July - X
Heroin - The Velvet Underground
Everything off of David Bowie's The Rise & Fall of Ziggy Stardust
25 or 6 to 4 - Chicago
Hurricane - Bob Dylan

[Lizard_King]

The End - The Doors (real epic)
When the Music's Over - The Doors
Achilles Last Stand - Led Zeppelin
In My Time of Dying- Led Zeppelin.

those spring to mind for me (a non metal perspective)

[Cubecubed]

In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth:3-Coheed and Cambria (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qabZRwbZtxM)

[Evilbottom]

A Change Of Seasons - Dream Theater

If I ever forget what the word epic means, I listen to this song and the meaning comes rushing back.

[Soror_YZBL]

Second Life Syndrome - Riverside
This Corrosion - Sisters of Mercy
Straight out of Compton - NWA
Natural Disaster - Anathema
Everything by GY!BE
Heart of the Sunrise - Yes, especially when accompanied by Vincent Gallo lol

[Nuff_Said]

Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You
Elton John - Can You Feel the Love Tonight
Toto - Africa
Nightwish - Ghost Love Score

[Soror_YZBL]

Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You


Epic =/ melodramatic.

Dolly does it better.

[Nuff_Said]

Dolly does it better.

i don't care.

[Soror_YZBL]

i don't care.

You just killed an angel. great job.

[Parodygm]

My pick for favorite epic song is "Primal" by Slowdive.


This Corrosion - Sisters of Mercy

Heheheh, that's a song I find really melodramatic. It's actually one of my least favorite songs on Floodland. :p

[gmarsh]

master of puppets-metallica
hallowed be thy name- iron maiden
stairway to heaven- led zeppelin

oh yeah and this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgqxQmAbTBc)

[Soror_YZBL]

Heheheh, that's a song I find really melodramatic. It's actually one of my least favorite songs on Floodland. :p

LOL I know, it's way too over the top, but it sorta defines them. Dominion/Mother Russia would have been a better selection, I'm changing my vote. This Corrosion has that cheesy video, though.

[Nuff_Said]

You just killed an angel. great job.

i did it with a juice blender and drank up its essence.;)

[Parodygm]

LOL I know, it's way too over the top, but it sorta defines them. Dominion/Mother Russia would have been a better selection, I'm changing my vote. This Corrosion has that cheesy video, though.

Yeah, I guess it does in a lot of ways. "Dominion/Mother Russia" is awesome and pretty epic. I love "Flood II" - definitely my favorite from the album.

Can't hate the cheese! :D

[Alright_Computer]

Tarkus is a pretty good example of an actual epic.

[Fizzeler]

Tarkus is an awesome example of an actual epic.

fixed :D

[franticfish]

Tarkus is a pretty good example of an actual epic.
I love the sound of a hammond organ.

Not prog but Dopesmoker is my favourite and one of the longest epics I've came across.

[Mystlyfe77]

The Odyssey - Symphony X

fits every definition ;)

[Fizzeler]

The Odyssey - Symphony X

fits every definition ;)

lol

Definitely my favorite song by them :D

[Mystlyfe77]

Definitely my favorite song by them :D

Not my very favorite, but it's up there.

[chumsicles]

The only song that can ever be considered "epic" is Epic

[PumpActionCow]

Jesus Of Suburbia- Green Day

Towards the end of the song

:D

~The Cow

[Shibari]

I think an epic song is a song that just drags you into it and it feels like there's nothing but you and the song, like to me that song might be Muse's Time Is Running Out, because the chorus is so awesome it gives me a feeling like no other.