List of power metal bands
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This is a list of power metal bands including notable bands that have at some point in their careers played power metal or heavily contributed to the genre's development. Power metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music combining characteristics of traditional metal with speed metal, often within symphonic context. Generally, power metal is characterized by a more uplifting sound, in contrast to the heaviness and dissonance prevalent in styles such as doom metal and death metal. Power metal bands usually have anthem-like songs with fantasy-based subject matter and strong choruses, thus creating a theatrical, dramatic and emotionally "powerful" sound.
Power metal has two distinct early styles, which developed in parallel. US Power Metal was developed in the mid/late 80s, pioneered by bands such as Omen and characterized by harsh thrashy sound and a focus on speed and soaring operatic vocals. It was directly influenced by speed metal and NWOBHM, and had a drop in popularity in the 90s. A more widespread and popular style, European Power Metal, was developed in the late 80s by key bands such as Helloween, and was more melodic, employing keyboards, synths and anthem-like songs.
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| {{Legend|#f0ffff|outline=#aaaaaa|Proto-Power Metal (influences)}} {{Legend|#f9f9f9|outline=#aaaaaa|European Power Metal style}} {{Legend|#e9e9e9|outline=#aaaaaa|US Power Metal style}} |
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style="background: #e9e9e9;" | Canada | 1999–2015 | Style strongly influenced by NWOBHM, combining both operatic and growled vocals. | {{Cite web |last=Mikesn (Emeritus) |title=Metalium (DE) - Nothing to Undo (album review) |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/11147/Metalium-DE-Nothing-to-Undo/ |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=Sputnikmusic}} |
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Jacobs Dream | United States | 1997–present | Ohio originating technical power metal, known previously as Iron Angel. | {{rp|page=227}} |
style="background:#e9e9e9;" | United States | 1981–1988, 1994–2011, 2013-present | NWOBHM influenced band that influenced the development of thrash and power metal. | {{cite web |author=Rivadavia, Eduardo |title=Casting the Stones review |url=http://allmusic.com/album/casting-the-stones-r712518 |website=Allmusic |accessdate=14 October 2011}} |
style="background:#f0ffff;" | United Kingdom | 1969–present | One of the most famous heavy metal bands of all time, as well as the origin of many sounds that influenced the many subgenres of heavy metal today. | |
Judicator
|United States |2012–present |The band mainly focuses on history and Existentialism. |
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| X Japan | Japan | 1982–1997, 2007–present | Pioneers of the Japanese heavy metal movement promoting a shift towards western glam style. | {{cite magazine |author=Thomas, Cody R. |title=X Japan Embark on Their First American Tour |url=http://www.revolvermag.com/uncategorized/x-japan-embarks-on-their-first-american-tour.html |magazine=Revolver |accessdate=16 May 2012}} |
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style="background: #f0ffff;" | Sweden | 1978–present | The virtuosity of his guitar work in any lineup aided the development of neoclassical metal. | {{cite web |author=Dunn, Sam |title=Metal Evolution, Episode 110: Power metal |url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/metal_evolution/episode.jhtml?episodeID=181795 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209142348/http://www.vh1.com/shows/metal_evolution/episode.jhtml?episodeID=181795 |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 February 2012 |publisher=VH1 |accessdate=8 June 2012}} |
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Zonata | Sweden | 1998–2003 | Known for heavy classical influences on both guitar and keyboard parts. | Rivadavia, Eduardo. [http://www.allmusic.com/artist/zonata-mn0000319878 "Zonata Biography"]. Allmusic. Retrieved 7 August 2013. |
See also
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References
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