help with Symphonic rock?

Symphony X is one of the newest bands I can think of (and they've been around for 10 years). Pick up "The Odyssey" and listen to the title track if you want heavily orchestral, Progressive Metal. Michael Romeo, the lead guitarist and composer is a genius when it comes to this style.

Rush is another that's been around for 30+ years. "2112" is, of course, their first breakthrough with the 20 minutes epic, 2112. "Caress of Steel" features The Fountain of Lamneth and "Hemispheres" features Hemispheres. All of them are from the mid-70's.

Yes is another classic Progressive Rock band that helped influence many of the others in this genre as well as E.L.O. and The Who.

Also try listening to Danny Elfman soundtracks if you want some really complex but unique orchestral pieces. You probably already know of his work from "Beetlejuice" "Batman" "A Nightmare Before Christmas" and "Edward Scissorhands" to name a few.

Pick up a Savatouge CD if you want an early sample of what T.S.O. used to be.

The originals! The Electric Light Orchestra! Yay!

Rhapsody is one.

Therion does much the same thing as TSO, but they start from a heavier, thrash-based sound.

Savatage is the closest thing to TSO that you are going to hear (not surprisingly)

this may be totally off the wall, but check out Dream Theater.