Warning: This is a thread made right after my initial reaction.
A friend of mine was talking to me about our love of Evanescence (who, after all this time, I am STILL obsessed with. I can't stop listening to their album). And she mentioned that she still liked this band more.
So I looked into it some of it, and she sent me some mp3's. And holy fucking CHRIST! Is this ever awesome.
Though we were discussing Evanescence, they're nothing like them, though they also have a female lead. The music is a lot harder, with a more "European Metal" feel. And the female voice is almost opera-ish.
The first song I listened to was Passion and the Opera. The best way I could describe it, is to think of a metal group with a Castlevania-style to their music. If that helps any. And upon listening to a few other songs, I'd say that I could see a bit of resemblence to Blind Guardian. Not a lot, but a bit.
I still like Evanescence more, but geez. This is really awesome stuff. DEFINITELY look into it if you can.
http://www.nightwish.com/
Nightwish 
Linear Mode
