Indeed.

Okay I just tried Epica. Being a big fan of Nightwish, people have always recommended Epica to me because that band also plays symphonic power metal and has a female soprano. I tried The Phantom Agony (2003) first, and it was a good album. Good enough for me to try their newest release, Consign to Oblivion (2005). WHAT A FUCKING GOOD ALBUM! It's absolutely beautiful, the orchestra blends perfectly with the power metal, and goes directly to the heart. Also, in the song Trois Vierges, Simone (vocalist) does a duet with Roy Khan (from Kamelot). Roy is one of my favorite vocalists so that's totally awesome. I guess he is "repaying" the debt, since Simone sang on "Somewhere in time" (from Kamelot's newest album - The Black Halo). Or maybe she was the one who repaid a debt, because I'm not sure which of the albums that came first. ANYHOW! Check 'em out!

Also, if you are really into symphonic music (like I am) also try their release "The Score - An epic journey". It also came out this year, and it's actually the soundtrack to a new dutch movie called "Joyride". There are almost no vocals on it, and it's definitely not metal, but it's beautiful music. I really recommend that one. As far as I know, it's the first time a metal band does a soundtrack for a movie.