100 Greatest Power Metal Bands
Power Metal is a popular sub-genre of heavy metal that combines traditional metal elements interspersed with a speed metal meets symphonic dream-like aura. Dwell deep in a list of the best power metal bands from the 80,90s, and 2000s.
Power Metal is a popular sub-genre of heavy metal that combines traditional metal elements interspersed with a speed metal meets symphonic dream-like aura. Dwell deep in a list of the best power metal bands from the 80,90s, and 2000s.
The sound of a power metal band is characterized by an uplifting melodic heavy dynamism that sets the structure. When you listen to a power metal band belt out a song the first thing that pierces you is the infusion of arrangement that’s as cleans as a whistle. Strong anthem-like choruses, guitar riffs, melodic harmonies and fantasy based themes form an integral part of power metal. Lyrical themes of songs create a dreamlike ambiance for the listener. You are almost led to a world of fantasy and mythology while listening to a power metal band.
Power metal came into prominence in the 80s and since then has had a cult following across the globe. The strength of this music genre lies in its melodic instrumentation and arrangement. Guitar solos and keyboard parts written by power metal bands blend beautifully. Though the roots of power metal emerged in the early 80s in North America when speed metal bands started experimenting with a melodic sound with thrash undertones, the credit for making this genre widespread in the 90s goes to the European continent. Bands from Germany, Italy, France, Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, Denmark) and Finland, unsettled the dust for a new beginning, Power Metal.
Power metal themes of fantasy involving demons, sorcery, wizards, Gods, dragons, science fiction, medieval torture, medieval folklore renaissance exploration, and mythological creatures was first explored by Ronnie James Dio who utilized these elements poetically in lyrical and musical themes with band Rainbow in the 70s. Like progressive bands, power metal bands too lean towards concept albums. Clean high pitched vocals are commonly associated with power metal bands. Most vocalists from power metal bands deliver a high register with a wide vocal range (tenor), and are capable of hitting high notes with relative ease. The number of vocalists who sing in bass range or baritone range, and use growls and distorted voices for effects is few in this genre. Several bands feature orchestral parts and interludes in their concept albums based on fantasy, struggle, death, despair and hope. Symphonic power metal emerged in the late 90s and since has become a rage in Europe, especially Scandinavia. Since the 2000s a number of new bands are incorporating traditional power metal elements to create a new sound.
Included in this list are traditional power metal, power-thrash metal, power-speed metal, progressive power metal, neo-classical power metal and symphonic power metal bands from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s.
Best Power Metal Bands
1. Heloween
2. Blind Guardian
3. Gamma Ray
4. HammerFall
5. Jag Panzer
6. Virgin Steele
7. Stratovarius
8. Dark Moor
9. Masterplan
10. Sonata Arctica
11. Edugy
12. Rhapsody of Fire
13. Falconer
14. Grave Digger
15. Sabaton
16. Labyrinth
17. Elevenking
18. Iced Earth
19. Avantasia
20. Wuthering Heights
21. Pyramaze
22. Galneryus
23. Manowar
24. Primal Fear
25. Iron Savior
26. Tad Morose
27. Pagan’s Mind
28. Freedom Call
29. Angra
30. Heir Apparent
31. Nightwish
32. Persuader
33. Dungeon
34. Nocturnal Rites
35. Riot
36. Heavenly
37. At Vance
38. DargonForce
39. Vision Divine
40. Astral Doors
41. Human Fortress
42. Dream Evil
43. Kamelot
44. Liege Lord
45. Dragonland
46. Cryonic Temple
47. Lost Horizon
48. Vicious Rumors
49. Conception
50. Steel Attack
51. Concerto Moon
52. Wizard
53. Theocracy
54. Rage
55. Firewind
56. Bloodhound
57. Thunderstone
58. Power Quest
59. Secret Sphere
60. Rebellion
61. Hibria
62. Domine
63. Iron Mask
64. Brainstorm
65. Catharsis
66. Scanner
67. Kotipelto
68. Powerwolf
69. Demons and Wizards
70. Nightmare (French Band)
71. Derdian
72. Symphorce
73. Bloodhound
74. Highlord
75. Twilightning
76. Dreamtale
77. Meliah Rage
78. Sinbreed
79. Black Majesty
80. Divinefire
81. Seventh Avenue
82. Celesty
83. Mystic Prophecy
84. Heavens Gate
85. Wisdom
86. Orden Ogan
87. Axenstar
88. ReinXeed
89. Emerald Sun
90. Timeless Miracle
91. Steel Prophet
92. Narnia
93. Insania
94. Tarot
95. Forgotten Tales
96. Morifade
97. Altaria
98. Dionysus
99. Metalium
100. White Skull
If you have an opinion, feel free to express yourself in the comments sections. Power to Metal! Keep Rocking!
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