Power Metal

Power Metal is a metal subgenre mainly of European origin. Prior to the European tendency also an American metal style of the same name, which, however, does not have the popularity of the European subgenres emerged. Before he established himself as a genre designation, the term was used generally for powerful Metal and dived among other things, as the title of a Metallica demo cassette from 1982, as a self-designation of the band Venom, as well as the designation of the bands Artillery and Nasty Savage and the Slayer debut Show No Mercy on.

European Power Metal

The European Power Metal is characterized by relatively high tempo, catchy melodies and a high pitch of up to falsetto. The music often puts an emphasis on melodies, which are often supported by the use of keyboards; some bands also use orchestral arrangements, in this case one speaks of Symphonic Power Metal or Epic Metal ( see below). The mood of the music is, in contrast to many other metal styles positive. Critics accuse the power metal often before, his often fantasy -inspired lyrics were too happy and use of the genre even derogatory names such as Happy Metal or Metal Flower or Flower core. Ballads are frequently encountered, either quiet and (almost) without drums or as bombastic " power ballads ". Popular Topics include Fantasy, epic battles (as in true metal to which it overlaps with some bands are ), and ( spiritual ) freedom and self-realization.

Great pioneers of the genre was the German band Helloween with their albums Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 1 ( 1987) and Part 2 ( 1988). Also among the bands of the first hour include Blind Guardian, Gamma Ray and Stratovarius from Finland, which is next to Germany one of the strongholds of power metal. These bands showed at the beginning still significant speed metal influences, before developing the more melodic and less thrash -heavy power metal sound.

In 1993, the term Power Metal through the Power Of Metal tour of Gamma Ray, Rage, Helicon and Conception was introduced in Europe for this sub-genre.

1997 popularized the Swedish band Hammerfall the genre with their debut album Glory to the Brave. Only from that time, the usage of the term became popular. They were joined by bands like Edguy and Sonata Arctica, which in turn were under the influence of Helloween and Stratovarius. Rhapsody of Fire (formerly Rhapsody ) and Nightwish established symphonic power metal. Many new bands were founded in this period just before and around the turn of the millennium.

Epic and Symphonic Power Metal

In Power Metal European nature is often found pompous arrangements with symphonic elements. This style is also known as Symphonic Power Metal or Epic Metal ( not to be confused with the classic U.S. Epic Metal - see next section) refers to the transition to the symphonic metal is fluid. Another feature are epic, heroic fantasy texts that take frequent trains escapist and often include an extensive concept (such as the Emerald Sword Saga of Rhapsody of Fire). Among the best known representatives of this style include Rhapsody of Fire and Blind Guardian.

American Power Metal

The U.S. Power Metal already emerged in the early 1980s, but today no longer the popularity of its European namesake. Based on the title of a published from 1981 compilation series of the Shrapnel label it as the closely related stylistically him Epic Metal ( an incurred at the same time brand of Heavy Metal; were their most famous representative and are the pioneers of this style, including Manilla Road, Cirith Ungol, Virgin Steele attributed ( in their early years ) and Warlord ) the classic U.S. Metal, as these represent the first genuinely American kinds of Metal. It differs from the European Power Metal evidenced by his aggressive mood, with guitar riffs and solos kick the tunes compared to the fore. Keyboards are rarely used here, and also the singing is not necessarily as high as the European version. So there is also a singer with rougher, more aggressive voices, such as the Carl Albert died in 1995, who was involved in the 1980s with the Ruffians and Vicious Rumors.

The best example for the American version of Power Metal, the early works of the above- mentioned band Vicious Rumors are well suited. Other well-known representatives who have this style significantly influenced, are Metal Church, Jag Panzer and the early Savatage. Riot may apply due to their recorded 1980 album Fire Down Under as a pioneer of this style. Even bands like Helstar, Omen, Crimson Glory or Liege Lord and Attacker enjoy cult status. Also you can see the early works of Iced Earth as U.S. power metal before they annäherten to the European style.

The terms " Euro-/US-Power-Metal " refer only to the style of music and not on the origin of the band; as exist in the United States bands that play power metal, European-style (eg Kamelot or Virgin Steele ), and vice versa ( eg Brainstorm ).

Power Metal in South America and Japan

In South America, the power metal and true metal is established. Besides, the early bands were partially still quite punk - intensive, or were heavily influenced by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Today, the power metal bands in South America are based mainly on the continental European style. Most important influences in this case have already been mentioned above bands Helloween, Rhapsody of Fire and Hammerfall. The famous South American power metal bands Angra, Kyrie Eleison and Shaman.

The South American area is an underground power metal scene has been formed that refers to the folklore and indigenous culture of the natives. Examples are eg Aztra and Soul of Honour. The borders of folk metal are fluid and the subject recorded the legends of the Maya, Inca and Aztecs, as well as other cultures. Most of these groups themselves consist of Indians or mestizos.

Even greater popularity was the European power metal in Japan win. Especially bands like Sonata Arctica, ATTACK, Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian, Heavens Gate or Dark Moor have in Japan usually even larger fan base than in their home countries. Except for a few exceptions such as Double Dealer, Concerto Moon or Galneryus there is hardly reputable, well-known Japanese Power Metal.

Some well-known bands

• Avantasia
• Blind Guardian
• Brainstorm
• Dragonforce
• Dark Moor

• Edguy
• Freedom Call
• Gamma Ray
• Glory hammer
• Grave Digger
• Helloween

• Iced Earth
• Kamelot
• Master Plan
• Nightwish
• Primal Fear
• Powerwolf
• Rage

• Rhapsody of Fire
• Running Wild
• Sabaton
• Savatage
• Sonata Arctica
• Stratovarius
• Vicious Rumors
• Virgin Steele