The Good and the Bad of Current Power Metal. LET'S TALK METAL

...or "I play a Level 13 Lawful Evil Wizard in a Power Metal Band... oh and I play bass too".
I recently bought albums by a couple of currently popular power metal bands, but neither ended up doing much for me. Rather than just write them off, I wanted to figure out what it is about these bands that makes them difficult for me to enjoy since I love lots of other power metal acts. As such, this video has three parts:
1st: I try to articulate the reasons I haven't been able to get into bands such as Wind Rose, Alestorm, and Gloryhammer.
2nd, I cover a brief history of power metal, highlighting some landmarks that I think played a role in the development of the sound that many current bands work within.
3rd, I highlight several currently active power metal bands that I think are putting out some really good music.
To those who enjoy acts like WR and GH, that's perfectly fine- I'm glad you dig them. To quote the guys at Radical Research podcast, "I just haven't figured out how to like that music yet".

[@crocve]

Hey there, Allen. I am part of the online "Lostwave" community, and for some time we have been trying to track down the authors of the unidentified heavy/power metal song which has been given the title "The Fall of The King" (available to hear on KZbin). The song was recorded either from Z-Rock radio or the still existing WJCU radio in Cleveland, Ohio. As a metal connoisseur, I wonder if you recognize the singer or the band.

[@letstalkmetal]

Hi- Ah, I remember when this mystery song blew up a few years ago. I've shared this with a lot of fellow collectors of obscure 1980s metal bands but sadly neither them nor I can figure out the origin of the song. If I ever find the answer I'll be sure to let folks know.

[@crocve]

@@letstalkmetal Thnx for the comment. I recently found a song by the Swiss band "Bloody Six" titled "Way of the Hunter" (1984), which had a very similar riff and drum beat to "Fall of The King". I am wondering if there is a connection or it´s just a coincidence (not an expert on music, I don´t know if such a riff was common back in the day). Check it out, I almost fell out of my chair when I heard it the first time (I thought I was about to solve this mystery 😆).

[@letstalkmetal]

@@crocve So many people have said that the mystery band sounds very familiar, so you're not the only one who's had something like that happen :) I'll have to check out that Bloody Six track.

[@JamesThomas-dz4vj]

Great video! I was big into power metal as a teenager - I discovered the sub-genre when I was 16 and first heard the debut from Nebraskan band, Cellador. From there, I got into DragonForce, Angra, Elvenking, Rhapsody (now Rhapsody of Fire), Power Quest, Galloglass, Dragonland, Edguy, Gamma Ray, etc. Now at age 34, I'm much more into groove metal, thrash, traditional heavy metal, rock 'n' roll, and hard blues-based rock. Occasionally, I listen to some doom metal, power metal, and death metal (even some deathcore and metalcore), but it's not as frequent as it used to be. You did a great job with this video! P.S. - Love the Motorhead flag in the background and your Motorhead shirt! Can never get enough Motorhead!

[@letstalkmetal]

THanks, glad you enjoyed the video! I recently rotated the flags around in my room. I remember that Cellador debut! It was very fast, almost Dragonforce fast. Pretty cool album, especially for a band from Nebraska. THey eventually released some more music which I only heard once; I remember it being less interesting, but it's been ages since I heard it.

[@Shredboy1]

Love this...great job Alan..

[@letstalkmetal]

Thanks Shred!

[@greggfoy894]

I was so excited to watch today's video, Alan. I had thought about this so much over the years and I had to go back to what made me fall in love with power metal in the first place: Helloween's 'Keeper Part One'. Me and my friends used to blast the first two Keeper albums in the late 90's in the car like a scene out of Wayne's World with whomever was in the front seat playing the dashboard along to the whacky keyboard from the pre-chorus of 'Rise and Fall'. Coming from the punk world (and before that, grunge and hair metal), we knew there was an element of silliness to old school power European metal that was so present. But at the same time, there was was the heavy hitting, solid backbone of the well crafted songs, and the two sides of the genre just seemed to work perfectly right in rhythm with each other. It just worked so perfectly for us who were burned out on the ever seriousness of punk music but didn't want to stop listening to heavy, melodic music. I think it worked perfectly for what I rigidily defined as my power metal big four: Helloween, Running Wild, Blind Guardian and Gamma Ray with Stratovarius fitting into that mold as 4 1/2 and Stormwich as an honorable mention because of their great, charming songcraft. But as the years passed on, I became a tad frustrated with buying albums that were sliding deeper and deeper into the power metal parody realm. It really, really made me disilussioned with the evolution of the genre into a Disney like nightmare and even hearing the return of Stormwitch didn't help to re-kindle my love for the music. Sometime around 2005, I was really getting to the point of wanting to throw up my hands and get into country music when I bought Stormwarrior's 'Northern Rage' and alas, my patience was rewarded. It really scratched my itch for good, honest power metal with the heavy backbone. I spent a lot of money in the early aughts chasing the high of the big four and there were even some times where some of their albums kind of made me cringe a tad (Running Wild's drum machine - altough I'll save that for another day) but I had to come to the understanding that a genre that started off silly was going to have to evolve and I had to make peace with it. But I didn't like it and eventually (gasp) I found myself buying more and more country and folk albums and not even giving some albums I would chance to see on the shelves a chance. I do though still very much like the output from Rolf and company and did, upon recommendation from Marty and you, buy the new Helloween and I was happy again. It definitely felt good to hear that sound again 25 years later; and it felt like why I fell in love with power metal in the first place. But for me, from some point around 2003, I definitely noticed a lot of the power metal genre had slipped away from my tastes and that's not due to lack of talent; just for me a lack of connection to the music because the perfect ratio of silliness and heaviness was just not there for me. Sorry to be longwinded but this video really made me think and I do also like your take on the topic and very much agree. Cheers!

[@mikevillain666]

Nice feature, Alan. Thanks to Marty, I've been convinced to listen to contemporary Power Metal on a fairly regular basis. For someone like you who comes from the classic 80s school as well with bands like Manowar, Helloween and Running Wild, my enthusiasm - like yours and for similar reasons - is relatively limited when it comes to current acts. Nevertheless, I'm still much more open-minded than I was years ago. Also, Atlantean Kodex remains the benchmark for me in this area, even if it's not pure-bred Power Metal. It is what it is, I'm a Traditional and Epic Metal fan through and through and I appreciate the tips you've mentioned here in the process. Eternal Champions' "The Armor of Ire" in particular is easily one of the greatest works of the last 35 years for me, and I also love the side projects like Sumerlands. As an Epic Metal tip in particular, I'd strongly recommend Savage Oath's "Divine Battle" from 2024, which for me is definately one of THE outstanding Metal albums of the year.

[@letstalkmetal]

Savage Oath rings a bell but I don't think I've heard it, will check it out! Atlantean Kodex is THE benchmark these days... they kind of ruin other bands for me LOL

[@mikevillain666]

@@letstalkmetal Exactly. Guess that's not something to be said too loudly, I've noticed that this opinion is not necessarily unanimous consensus! ;) Also, Bavaria isn't exactly known for good Metal here in Germany, so that alone makes the band pretty unique. And yeah, Savage Oath should be right up your alley. They have Brendan Radigan as singer, for me easily my favorite current Metal singer.

[@letstalkmetal]

@@mikevillain666 Huh, I didn't know Bavaria was the 'Metal Poor' region of Germany. I'll check out Savage Oath a bit before the live stream tonight.

[@HeavyMetallurgy]

Great video as always and I of course agree with you. I still struggle on occasion in being ok with the cheese level more popular bands like the 2 you have shown produce. And I also agree with your points regarding the synth dominant layers that can overpower the standard metal formula we all know and love. For me, I think you overlooked several major factors in accessing why this music may resonate with folks, myself included. First… never underestimate the character and importance of a good singer. Both Gloryhammer and Windrose singers really stand out as the main selling points for this music for me. Gloryhammer in particular. Angus/Thomas has a very unique singing style with a lot of range. Windrose comes at it from more of a masculine/gang yelled style. They all contribute to the power and imagination, where maybe some of the music lacks. Second… the power of a great chorus. Both bands you highlight focus on a great/catchy chorus. In fact, most of the tracks seem written around said chorus’. Perhaps this is lowest common denominator approach to songwriting and is of course a trait borrowed directly from pop music. Is it gross? Sure! But I’m a slave to a great ear worm, wrapped in a metal delivery system and it’s the reason this is so popular. Again… I agree with your summation and opinions on this. There certainly are better power metal bands and I’m sure the fact that I’m enjoying these more pop centric bands through my Sons journey into metal has created this bias. BUT… it’s fun stuff. I’m fine with a little fun! Cheers!

[@letstalkmetal]

Cheers Marty! Re: your points... Sure these bands have big, catchy choruses, but that's pretty much a staple of the genre. It's nothing that's unique to these acts or something that they excel at compared to other power metal bands. Any power metal album worth its salt is gonna have decent choruses, so I can here that aspect on hundreds of different albums. And re: vocals, I have to disagree. I don't find Gloryhammer's singer is particularly good or bad, he's just average. And the gang vocal style Wind Rose uses gets really tired when they use it most of the time. I do think it's great that bands like these have forged an on-ramp into heavy metal for people like your son, who's already exploring the genre further. ...And I did mean to include Helloween in the list of PM bands going strong these days, I just had too many to show 'em all :)

[@robertmorris8371]

Great topic Alan that glory hammer album was in the used racks a few months back I passed on it for similar reasons as you mentioned but that storm warrior album you showed is still there so I may pull the trigger on that now but I do struggle with bands like alestorm and sabaton I just can't get into them like I can with helloween gamma ray brainstorm rage etc etc I don't mind a bit of cheese but there has to be that grit as well!

[@Navarothravenheart2688]

Problem with Sabaton (other than terrible, plastic sound) is that they use only two or three riffs through their entire discography xD

[@ironfarmer9332]

Thanks for the great and timely video. The power metal bands I like all lean towards the traditional end of the spectrum, and thus I can’t stand the keyboard driven euro-power metal you’ve described. Running Wild is solidly my second favorite band of all time, and for better or worse acts as a partial lens for how I judge current bands of genre. Suffice to say Blazon Stone gets two thumbs up as my favorite current power metal band.

[@letstalkmetal]

Running Wild is in my Top 5 bands of all time :) And Blazon Stone do a great RW impersonaiton.

[@mazzoh2454]

Power Metal entered my life in the early 2000's when my kids were born. I have music on almost all the time, and I was a death metal/grim black metal guy. I didn't think it was good for small children to hear extreme, scary growly music constantly so I decided to give power metal more of a chance. I started with early Falconer, Helloween, Running Wild. After I got used to the vocals I started to really like some of it. My youngest daughter is 17 now and actually likes power metal. I still like it too, but am pretty picky about it. A cheesy one I really like that I don't hear people talk about is Rocka Rollas. Stupid name, but I love their Celtic Kings album. The first few Falconer albums are great as well. Powerwolf is one I just started listening to in the last couple months. I like the gothic/vampire/werewolf theme. That's my kind of cheese.

[@letstalkmetal]

That's a good point about how having kids can change listening habits. I'm also mindful of what I play when my kid is present- save the tr00 grim kvlt stuff for after bedtime :)

[@METALBENSCHRONICLES]

This was a excellent way to explain the different styles of power metal that are out there. For me I can't get into alot of this newer power metal based on over production and this cinematic feel to it. I still prefer US Power Metal and the earlier European Power Metal.

[@letstalkmetal]

Nothing wrong with that, it's good stuff!

[@mazeoftorment805]

one i can’t stand is Sabaton and i’ve unfortunately seen them live and I can only imagine that’s what being trapped in hell is like. Blazon Stone,Hammerfall and Stormwarrior are definitely favorites.

[@letstalkmetal]

Sabaton hasn't clicked with me either- all poppy chorus all the time based on the songs I've heard form them. That's ok in small doses but it wears thin really fast.

[@mazeoftorment805]

@@letstalkmetal and when i saw them the keyboard was 3 times louder than the guitar so that didn’t help any.

[@letstalkmetal]

@@mazeoftorment805 The keyboards shoving the guitars to the back is something i do not like in power metal bands.

[@JamesThomas-dz4vj]

HammerFall is a huge favorite of mine. They're in my top 10 favorite metal bands of all time. Though, to be honest, I don't really consider them true "power metal" - they're more just traditional heavy metal in my view. There's certainly a fair bit of overlap between the two sub-genres, but I make a clear distinction. For me, I think of it like this: bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Accept, Saxon, and Raven aren't bands I would ever classify as "power metal" - they're just straightforward traditional heavy metal. On the flipside, bands like DragonForce, early Sonata Arctica, Edguy, Power Quest, and Stratovarius are clearly in a separate category, which I would call true "power metal". Just my opinion - most of it is great music! HammerFall is an all-time favorite for me, and while I can understand why so many folks do consider them to be power metal, I think they more comprehensively fall under the straightforward traditional heavy metal classification.

[@mazeoftorment805]

@@JamesThomas-dz4vj I agree hammerfall are more just trad heavy metal than most power metal bands

[@MetaLeutenant]

Dear Alan, I just recommend ANCILLOTTI from Italy which has been resurrected from the ashes of 80's legendary Italian band STRANA OFFICINA. Thay all veterans play no-frill no-cheesy manish metal which can only be created by veteran members. Vocal is kind leaning with RUNNING WILD (husky voice). Their album "Hell On Earth" was my most favorite album in 2020. But earlier two albums are also great! And fortunately they never sing for dungeons and dragons anyway! hehe...

[@letstalkmetal]

I don't know that band, Thanks for mentioning them. I remember STRANA OFFICINA; I have some songs by them here and there; I think they were on an old Italian Compilation called 'Heavy Metal Eruption'. I also have a split with BUD TRIBE, which some of the Strana guys were involved in.

[@JosephKissSr.]

This is a great topic. 100% agree with your take on the renaissance fair costumes, etc. It is too over the top for me. For me, the power metal I get into leans more towards classic heavy metal. That said, I am always looking to give different bands a listen and I appreciate guys like you on KZbin who bring recommendations to the table.

[@letstalkmetal]

Thanks! I hate to complain about the costumes so much since so many bands have used weird stage costumes. The combination of trying to look goofy AND write relatively silly music/lyrics while being called a genuine power metal band is asking a lot. It's getting too close to a novelty act like Steel Panther, but without being called a novelty act.

[@pauld857]

I highly recommend LORD from Australia to any power metal fan. Well worth your time.

[@letstalkmetal]

Don't know that one, thanks for the recommendation!

[@mattflesch1365]

They kicked ass at progpowerusa

[@letstalkmetal]

@@mattflesch1365 I haven't been to progpower in years. It's well-run and not that far from me, but it's expensive for my wife and I to try and spend a few days in Atlanta on top of buying the tickets. And every year they have multiple cancellations. I know that's unavoidable, but I don't want to pay hundreds for tickets and then have the main bands I wanted to see cancel three months later.

[@davidpaez452]

Totally agree, and old school Dungeon, rise to power is a killer album

[@letstalkmetal]

@@davidpaez452 I think I've heard that, though I may be in the wrong Dungeon LOL

[@allenellsworth5799]

Gloryhammer and Alestorm share members. Alestorm's first album is a banger. I think Gloryhammer focuses on their story a lot.

[@letstalkmetal]

I didn't know they shared members, thanks for pointing that out! I liked Alestorm the first few times I heard them, but their gimmick just wore thin with me really fast.

[@allenellsworth5799]

@letstalkmetal For me their albums just got too goofy.

[@letstalkmetal]

@@allenellsworth5799 Exactly, too much silliness detracting from the music.

[@mattflesch1365]

Good episode I just got that Gloryhammer on lp still trying to digest it Some power metal bands that I just completed their catare Freternia (Sweden) Heimdall (Italy) Vhaldemar (Spain)

[@letstalkmetal]

Don't know those bands, thanks for bringing them up!

[@davidpaez452]

Cool review, Alan, I totaly agree that cheese is not required to make tasty power metal, but the cheesiness can also be easily ignored when the music is good. I also dig that Fer de Lance album. I would point people to Iron Flame. I also really like a some albums from Steel Attack, Heavenly (high cheese factor), and Nostradameus (Sweeden, I think), but these bands are a little hit or miss and I'm not sure if they are still active.

[@GodOvGrind666]

🤘🤘🤘

[@metalmickey]

I seen Gloryhammer supporting Blind Guardian around 2016. They weren't terrible but even just doing a 40 minute opening slot the joke wore thin. Im all about the old ones as you know but I did have a dalliance with Powerwolf around 10 years ago. I thought id made a good new discovery but i soon realised that once you've heard one song you've heard them all.

[@letstalkmetal]

That's exactly the problem Mike, there's no staying power. Fun for a song or two, but that's about it.

[@Mayhemaniacs]

Great video! For NWOBHM and interviews check out the Heavy Metal Mayhem Radio Show on Spreaker. They just interviewed Crystal Viper's singer Marta Gabriel.

[@letstalkmetal]

I'm not familiar with Spreaker, I'll have to look into it. I have a couple of Crystal viper albums, pretty cool band! I think I saw they have a new release...?

[@Mayhemaniacs]

@@letstalkmetalyes new one is out. The show interviewed CV about.

[@kaptaink1897]

Regarding a band's image, I think it still comes down to the music. It the music is great, it can make your image look cool. If the music sucks, I don't care how elaborate your costumes are, you'll look like a dork. (Works the same for black metal.) Fer De Lance: Colossus EP is really good too.

[@MofosOfMetal]

This is a favourite topic of mine, the sad state of current Power Metal is really frustrating. I feel like the massive success of DragonForce paved the way for this "self-aware" era of the genre. The genre was always "over-the-top" - it's theatrical, dramatic, grandiose - and it could come across as "silly" to the unconverted but now it seems to be a parody of itself. Made by and for people who actual aren't that into the "sincere" origins of the genre. Also - in terms of musical qualities - the music has straddled an uncanny valley where it has sought to become more anthemic and also quite "pop-like". Think about the song "Mirror Mirror" by Blind Guardian - catchy as it gets but the melody doesn't really resemble a pop song. Nowadays - there's an abundance of mostly mid-tempo, bouncy and "poppy" Power Metal. Power Metal has always been anthemic but it has never had production and melodic writing that could almost be interchangeable with pop music! To be fair to the current crop of Power Metal bands who are "poppy" - some of it is quite good, I like Beast in Black for example because I think their songwriting and vocal performance is on a higher level than most of these bands. Another problem is that labels like Napalm Records are incentivised to sign and produce these bands because they sell well - they do better than "serious" Power Metal. Part of this is that the "silly" side of it has an appeal to those who don't typically enjoy the genre - they can enjoy it when it's catchy and intentionally "funny" - but wouldn't get into the likes of Blind Guardian and Gamma Ray. Music videos also play a part in this - they're even more silly and over the top than the music - and help sell the overall experience. It's great that some bands are keeping the genre alive! but I'm finding most of those via the NWOTHM scene rather than the labels like Napalm. Sacred Outcry being a great example! Since the "NWOTHM Full Albums" channel has a pretty broad range of styles - it includes some of the more serious Euro-Power bands and some great US Power too. So for anyone looking for the best serious Power Metal these days - that's a great resource.

[@letstalkmetal]

Thanks for the great comment! I should have mentioned DragonForce in the History overview. While they did play up the silly angle noticeably, they still had impressive musicianship and the songs fit into the Euro PM style pretty well, just faster/more OTT. Napalm's roster is full of the cosplay-oriented bands these days. You're right that this stuff has more appeal to a non-Metal audience because it comes across as funny, but I agree that some of it is too self-parodying. Some of the bands are trending towards Steel Panther territory. SP is funny because everyone knows they're meant to be a joke band, but if you try to do similar antics but want to be considered a real band, well there's a bit of a disconnect there for me. It's be like someone ripping off Weird Al but trying to also come across as a bonafide rock star.

[@MofosOfMetal]

@@letstalkmetal That's a great comparison - Steel Panther's success massively outweighs the success of any of the other Glam-Revival bands, and I think that's due in large part to them appealing to people who would otherwise find the more "serious" attempts at the genre unappealing. And I mention DragonForce because they were the first band to kind of "meme-ify" the genre of Power Metal, they are still rooted in Euro-Power but added those video-game sound effects and really played into the video-gaming culture. Finn McKenty (ThePunkRockMBA) did a DragonForce video recently where he disparaged the Power Metal genre while hailing them as an exemplary band who "transcended the genre". I do like DragonForce but they paved the way for this direction. As a genuine Power Metal fan it rubs me the wrong way that the most successful bands of the genre currently are the ones that sound like they're taking the p*ss out of it. It feels like it's music tailor made for people who think the genre is a novelty, rather than people who genuinely love it. I don't mean to sound snobby or pretentious but Power Metal feels like it has become entertainment rather than art!

[@letstalkmetal]

@@MofosOfMetal I haven't seen that PunkRock MBA video but yikes, I'd have to strongly disagree with that POV! Good point re: DragonForce and the memes; they hit at the right time when meme culture was becoming a big thing. I like them but they did aim to appeal to non-metal fans with their OTT speed and their End Boss status in Guitar Hero. "Taking the piss out of PM" is a good way to put it when it comes to these bands who focus primarily on their novelty gimmick.

[@MofosOfMetal]

@@letstalkmetal Yeah that PunkRockMBA guy is notorious for his awful opinions on Power Metal - he's a notorious defender of Metalcore, Nu-Metal and begins the DragonForce video by insulting Power Metal as a "relatively obscure, tiny almost exclusively European genre, essentially unknown in America." So in the video he's complimenting the band but absolutely displaying his bias against the genre. But he's a "marketing guy" who is fascinated by why bands blow up and have cultural/commercial appeal. DragonForce are definitely an interesting example of that. They have almost double the Spotify listeners of Helloween - a ridiculous statistic! Sabaton have more than any other Power Metal band though - they're the biggest currently and I think they are definitely good but again - not exactly the "greatest" Power Metal around. They're a good example of the "Mid-Tempo Anthemic Stadium Power Metal" that's become big. Their style, along with Powerwolf and other huge bands - are definitely straying away from the "Speed Metal roots" of Euro-Power and going for more of a stadium-ready mid-tempo sound. These bands are trying to do to Power Metal what Metallica did with Thrash Metal on the Black Album - going for a watered down, more commercial - but big, bombastic, and mid-tempo variant on what's been done before. I emphasize the "mid-tempo" point because I think that style goes down really particularly with massive audiences in live performances.

[@letstalkmetal]

@@MofosOfMetal 'stadium-centric' is a good description. They want to play stuff that a large, live audience can chant and clap along to. That's OK in small doses, but when every song is that type of anthem, it wears on me really fast. Wind Rose seems prone to doing that. Hadn't thought of Sabaton and co. as following Metallica's example of trying to mass market a metal genre, that's an interesting idea. The Black Album disappointed me from Day One and I still dislike the album both for it's lukewarm music and what it did to the heavy metal scene in the USA.

[@williek6888]

Prof. Steel, why do I love Running Wild, but can't get into Grim Reaper?

[@metalmickey]

The vocals are a bit rough. I'm not over the line with Grave Digger either

[@thegrilledcheese4841]

Blaspheme!

[@williek6888]

@@thegrilledcheese4841 What an amazing band!

[@thegrilledcheese4841]

I meant blaspheme you cannot get into Grim Reaper.

[@williek6888]

@@thegrilledcheese4841 Oh... :(

[@mattflesch1365]

Love stormwarrior Did you see them at pr

[@mattflesch1365]

Progpowerusa

[@vuzkoth]

Epic video

[@ironfarmer9332]

If you like your power metal mixed with elements of thrash, check out any of the releases from Idol Throne, Blacksword, or the mighty Validor.

[@DokkenSabbath]

I like European Power Metal but I've always been more drawn to US Power Metal personally. I love HammerFall, Dark Illusion, Blind Guardian, Savage Circus etc. But I find that a lot of it is very samey and I can only listen to it in small doses. Thus I don't own a lot of Power Metal CD's. I plan on getting a few more albums in the genre but not many. I think the problem with Gloryhammer is that they are like a tongue in cheek parody of Power Metal. I think that they admit this. I'm sure that they take their musical compositions seriously but everything else is a joke. I guess they are like DragonForce (who I don't like at all). I don't mind Gloryhammer really but I also like Twilight Force, Sabaton and Powerglove, so whatever. Cheese is just part of Metal as a whole, so I don't care, if the music rules its great. I agree with your points Alan. Power Metal is always going to be a touchy subject for people. I get that people have a tough time wrapping their heads around these bands.

[@letstalkmetal]

Good points, thanks for commenting! I've heard a little from TWILIGHT FORCE and they seem to be a cut above some of their contemporaries. I agree that some EUro PM can sound very samey, though I think the same is true in other genres. There are so many atmospheric death metal bands, so many raw black metal bands, so many doom bands trying to be Candlemass, etc.

[@DokkenSabbath]

True

[@allenellsworth5799]

I don't really think there's anywhere for fantasy to go. Learning story wise, it just seems like it's kind of you know, ran its course.

[@letstalkmetal]

Perhaps not. I'm not very widely-read in fantasy so I can't say how much territory has been explored.

[@bvdaussiemetalhead9338]

I’m with you, I can’t get into the over the top cosplay costume modern power metal bands. I do like a smattering of songs from some of these bands but I don’t think i would buy an entire album. I kinda look for the more speedy thrashing tracks from them. I really like Nightwish Dark Passion Play with the more rock oriented singer than the operatic singer. Love some Avantasia and Edguy but they have some pretty average albums also. My favs are Helloween and Blind Guardian🔥🎃🔥 check out some Saint Deamon if you get a chance

[@letstalkmetal]

I'll keep Saint Daemon in mind, thanks for mentioning them! I meant to include Helloween in the current bands section but I already had a bunch to show and didn't want the video to get even longer, so I left them and some others, like Sacred Outcry and Seventh Wonder, out.

[@albertampel4175]

Euro Power Metal was born and died with the release of Helloween´s 1885 EP. Period! No arguing... Do you want to hear a Power Metal concept album? Check out Dawnrider´s "Fate Is Calling". Quite similar to Avantasia in concept. Different musicians and singers... James Rivera, Rob Rock, Ross the Boss, Mark Shelton and.... me as the villain called "Kerodet". No, I´m not bulls**tting you! Actually the album is not very good, hahahaha...

[@letstalkmetal]

I used to see this album on sale lists, I had no idea you were one of the vocalists!

[@DecayingReverie]

I definitely prefer the older power metal bands than new ones. While both old and new power metal bands have catchy songs, I feel like older power metal had a bit more aggression coming from that transition from speed metal to power metal. I like how that aggression pairs with the melodic nature. I do think there are a lot of strong vocalists in current power metal, but I find a lot of them don't have that rough edge I'm looking for. Hansi from Blind Guardian could be both melodic while also retain that aggression (at least up until A Twist in the Myth, which I still love but it is a turning point in their sound). Granted, I guess it isn't fair to compare vocalists to Hansi, because he's about the best to ever do it. Some of my issue with current power metal is that it all kind of sounds the same. I like Powerwolf, but they dead-ass have like four song archetypes and just keep doing those over and over again. Synths, while I don't mind them, seem to take the awesome riff of the song, which just makes it a bit too glam rock for me. If it is metal, give the awesome melody to the guitar. Maybe I'm just an old man in my elderly age of 28, or maybe music really does have a generational divide that can't be bridged to some degree. Also, I have been vexxed by how much some fans can be enamoured with mediocre bands. I realized that I have listened to a ton of music. A younger person might have not listened to a lot or might have just heard a band in that style, so to them, they seem a lot better. Bit of a stream of consciousness writing on my part so I hope I made some sense.

[@Navarothravenheart2688]

Interesting (often close to my xD) thoughts. I also have big problem with cosplay overuse and too "video game'y" aesthetic (too polished) and gimmicks as a bands only value I preffer oldschool Conan/old d'n'd style in music and covers. I'm not a big fan of this melodic Europower style. There are a few classic bands that I like, but in principle I recognize the supremacy of US Power Metal and European bands from the 80s. From Europower (in terms of musical style), I almost only listen to pioneers: early Blind Guardian, Halloween with Hansen, sometimes Gamma Ray and Japanese bands, because their scene is specific and they approach this type of music in a more interesting way. However, I grew out of spitting on Europower bands and their fans. This is not a music that deserves anathema, unlike core or nu. From the new (i.e. since 2010) albums that I highly recommend in terms of Power Metal (because good bands should be promoted): Demon Bitch - Hellfriends (bizarre, crazy USPM, raw, unique, epic and sinister. If you like bands like Jag Panzer, Mercyful Fate, early Satan's Host but with a touch of idiosyncrasy like Irae Melanox by Adramelch, this is a perfect album). Lord Goblin - Lord Goblin (Power with old-school production and black metal instrumental patents. Cool, melodic vocalist with an interesting voice. And instead of regular keyboards there are 70's-style hammonds. The cover and the name are misleading, because they suggest some stoner/doom metal. March this year. I recommend it.) Black Sword Thunder Attack - March of The Damned (Greek Lordian Guard worship, less liturgical, more black magic atmosphere, I think they were also inspired by Longings Past. Very cool album.) Sacral Rage - Beyond Celestial Echoes (power/speed/prog. Don't worry, not the Dream Theater type, rather the debut of Cauldron Born. A truly unique thing. Sometimes something from Watchtower, sometimes Agent Steel, sometimes echoes of Europower, all very theatrical and "cosmic") As a bonus, I'll add: go listen to Iron Griffin. A great young band (more of a project actually), it's not power metal, but it should be interesting for fans of 70's prog rock, folk doom, nwombh and epic cults like Manilla Road or Lordian Guard. The latest Storm Of Magic and the earlier Curse Of The Sky were phenomenal. Edit: Scanner is also great, but I not associate them usually with europower. Hail from Poland!

[@ironfarmer9332]

I really like Black Sword Thunder Attack and Sacral Rage.

[@Frank_nwobhm]

I don't listen to very much power metal outside of a few bands from the 80's. I would mention Helms Deep as a fine example of modern traditional power metal.

[@INTOTHECOVEN69]

Check out Anubis great power-speed metal Alan US Power speed👍👍

[@letstalkmetal]

Cool band name, never heard them. I'll keep an eye out for ANUBIS- thanks for mentioning them!

[@seagullpoet]

I feel bad for all the younger Metal fans - over the last 24 years.

[@letstalkmetal]

They probably feel bad for all us older fans who had to grow up listening to boring Dad Rock albums LOL

[@DokkenSabbath]

I'm 26 years old and all I listen to is "dad rock". So, I guess I'm an anomaly 😅. I'm not as big on Modern Metal (1995-present). I like all the classic-sounding bands, as well as extreme metal and Power Metal and new wave of trad metal. No shame. No need to feel bad for me, I love my Metal.

[@letstalkmetal]

@@DokkenSabbath That's awesome, glad you've found a range of Metal that you love \m/

[@peterbrickley6041]

Medvalacroy is another ex power to check out!

[@letstalkmetal]

I don't know that one, thanks for mentioning them!

[@vikmania9276]

Many great Records There!! I do however find the term “power metal” itself to have become a bit degenerately and misleading the last decade or so.. I remember the splash Hammerfall made. And I liked some of the bands that followed alot, but I think it has always been a vibe thing with me… for example, I like Luca Turilli’s first solo album a lot, but can’t stand his main band Rhapsody 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@letstalkmetal]

The term certainly has gone through some changes over the years. It's happened to other styles too, such as black metal. I don't think I heard Lucca's first solo album. I liked the first Rhapsody album but even by their second it felt a tad stale. They had their ups and downs.

[@thatedguy333]

Eternal Champ are the real deal.

[@letstalkmetal]

Yep, they deliver the goods

[@thegrilledcheese4841]

Theres not much "power" in todays power metal

[@HMWND]

Killer

[@GodOvGrind666]

More power metal nowadays the Vocalist is terrible.

[@letstalkmetal]

Yeah, and that's strange since for a long time power metal was the genre for vocalists who really knew how to sing. Now they just have to chant a catchy chorus over and over while not getting their cape wrapped around the mic stand.