Here's my list of symphonic metal albums from the bands that I know of, this list is defined by the terms of "atmospheric/bombastic sounding". This is my first time of making list on this site, so some of this might not make any sense as I'm still a bit confused myself as well, and I don't really prefer to see these in particular orders.

1.Nightwish - Dark Passion Play

2.Within Temptation - The Silent Force

3.Epica - The Divine Conspiracy

4.Xandria - Neverworld's End

5.Nightwish - Once

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This list is meant to be an extensive, but by no means exhaustive, collection of the greatest (modern) metal albums and eps. Running the gamut from avant-garde to trve norweigan black metal. *As someone who is young in age, my tastes tend to revolve around the period of the 80s to the present.* Although certain metal albums from before will certainly be featured, the period of the 60s-70s will be under-represented. I refer you to this excellent list to gain a better appreciation for some of the best metal from that period: https://rateyourmusic.com/list/freis/martin_popoffs_the_top_500_heavy_metal_albums_of_all_time/

1.D.C. Cooper - D.C. Cooper

2.Dali's Dilemma - Manifesto For Futurism

3.Damim - The Difference Engine

4.Dämmerfarben - Im Abendrot

5.Damned Spirits' Dance - Weird Constellations

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1.Sonata Arctica - Pariah's Child

2.Sabaton - Heroes

3.Epica - The Quantum Enigma

4.Diabulus In Musica - Argia

5.Ancient Bards - A New Dawn Ending

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1.Septicflesh - Titan

2.Sanctuary - The Year The Sun Died

3.Epica - The Quantum Enigma

4.Insomnium - Shadows Of The Dying Sun

5.Diabulus In Musica - Argia

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100% subjective.
I also listened to albums far from metal or metal world (Hanggai, Lisa Gerrard, ...) but I decided not to list them there.

Updated constantly - feel free to recommend something to check out.

1.Darkspace - Dark Space III I

2.Blues Pills - Blues Pills

3.Earth - Primitive And Deadly

4.Aenaon - Extance

5.Triptykon - Melana Chasmata

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So far, 2014 has been such an amazing ride in every respective field of music. Metal is no stranger, since its wide variety of sub-genres make this 2014 race and interesting one.
This list is 100% based on my personal taste and, while I try to listen to every genre and release, some are just way to Heavy for me so there probably won't be much Extreme stuff around here.

1.Major Parkinson - Twilight Cinema

2.Hail Spirit Noir - Oi Magoi

3.Agalloch - The Serpent & The Sphere

4.Triptykon - Melana Chasmata

5.IQ - The Road Of Bones

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Note 1: This list will take time before it gets a definitive form (or it might take forever if good gothic metal albums will be released in the future).

Note 2: Another important feature is that this list will not take into consideration the Metalstorm way of labeling what is gothic metal and what isn't. Some albums have gothic metal elements yet they are not categorized as gothic metal. No hard feelings. I am also accepting suggestions as I might slip a couple of albums in the process.

1.Estatic Fear - A Sombre Dance

2.Tiamat - Wildhoney

3.The Sins Of Thy Beloved - Lake Of Sorrow

4.Tristania - Widow's Weeds

5.Theatre Of Tragedy - Velvet Darkness They Fear

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This list is provisional with no specific order. It's subject to change as time passes and more albums get released. For now, Triptykon's new work tops my chart.

1.Mayhem - Esoteric Warfare

2.Triptykon - Melana Chasmata

3.Insomnium - Shadows Of The Dying Sun

4.Behemoth - The Satanist

5.Witch Mountain - Mobile Of Angels

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1.Disemballerina - Undertaker

2.Empyrium - The Turn Of The Tides

3.Devin Townsend - Casualties Of Cool

4.Nadja - /ɪmpəˈfɛkʃ ( ə ) n/

5.Saor - Aura

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A collection of metal albums that heavily use the likes of classical instrumentation, orchestral, opera or/and symphonic keyboard synths. Suggestions/Recommendations are welcome.

1.Adagio - Underworld

2.Aesma Daeva - Dawn Of The New Athens

3.After Forever - Decipher

4.Almôra - Kalihora's Song

5.Ancient Bards - The Alliance Of The Kings

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