Power Metal

[terrell39]

New Hammerfall cd in August

http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/hammerfall-to-release-dominion-album-in-august/

 

[terrell39]

Wasn't sure which thread to put this one, but anyway...

New list from Rolling Stone about 100 Greatest Metal Albums.

Only ones I am into are (in order from lowest to highest as they are in on Rolling Stones list):
1. Fallen - Evanescence
2. Images and Words - Dream Theater
3. Body Count
4. Stay Hungry - Twisted Sister
5. Blackout - Scorpions (should be in 100 Greatest ROCK albums, not metal)
6. Vivid - Living Colour
7. Human - Death (I prefer Spiritual Healing)
8. Operation: Mindcrime - Queensryche
9. Agent Orange - Sodom
10. Meantime - Helmet
11. Pyromania - Def Leppard (again, ROCK, not metal)
12. Rising - Rainbow (ditto)
13. South of Heaven - Slayer
14. Bonded By Blood - Exodus
15. Shout At the Devil - Motley Crue (ditto)
16. Stained Class - Judas Priest
17. Lightning To the Nations - Diamond Head
18. Far Beyond Driven - Pantera
19. POWERSLAVE - IRON MAIDEN
20. Heaven and Hell - Black Sabbath
21. Women and Children First - Van Halen (I prefer the 1st self titled lp)
22. Kill 'Em All - Metallica
23. Master of Reality - Black Sabbath
24. Countdown to Extinction - Megadeth
25. Sabotage - Black Sabbath
26. Seasons In the Abyss - Slayer
27. Chaos A.D. - Sepultura
28. Dirt - Alice In Chains
29. Metallica
30. Too Fast For Love - Motley Crue
31. ...And Justice For All - Metallica
32. Among the Living - Anthax
33. Rust In Peace - Megadeth
34. Holy Diver - Dio
35. Diary of a Madman - Ozzy
36. Vol. 4 - Black Sabbath (good album but too high on the list)
37. IRON MAIDEN
38. Screaming For Vengeance - Judas Priest
39. Ride the Lightning - Metallica
40. Vulgar Display of Power - Pantera
41. Blizzard of Ozz - Ozzy
42. Peace Sells...But Who's Buying? - Megadeth
43. No Remorse - Motorhead
44. Reign In Blood - Slayer
45. Black Sabbath
46. THE NUMBER OF THE BEAST - IRON MAIDEN
47. British Steel - Judas Priest
48. Master of Puppets - Metallica
49. Paranoid - Black Sabbath

In other words, only about half the list am I really into.

The 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time

From Black Sabbath to Metallica, Rolling Stone picks the 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time.

www.rollingstone.com

 

[Night Prowler]

I quite like this song:

 

[Night Prowler]

Highly technical and aggressive (but without growls) progressive/power metal. Some people might be familiar with the vocalist Daniel Heiman who sang for Lost Horizon. Kinda like Symphony X of old with less neoclassical elements and way more aggressive. @Mosh, @Jer, @MrKnickerbocker you guys might like it.

 

[srfc]

Body Count 3rd

I had it back in the day but at best it's a novelty album and can't be taken seriously.

 

[Jer]

Highly technical and aggressive (but without growls) progressive/power metal. Some people might be familiar with the vocalist Daniel Heiman who sang for Lost Horizon. Kinda like Symphony X of old with less neoclassical elements and way more aggressive. @Mosh, @Jer, @MrKnickerbocker you guys might like it.

Thanks — an interesting listen, though it’s way too busy for my personal taste.

Seems like Heiman finally decided to come out of his hole, since he recently did that Warrior Path album as well…

 

[Jer]

Sounds like Orden Ogan is releasing an alternate version of Final Days in October, this time with all guest vocalists.

Not sure how I feel about this. It’s like the bonus disc from a Powerwolf deluxe release, but being dropped as a separate full-price disc, which feels like a cash grab.

 

[JudasMyGuide]

Someone on Reddit was asking for quintessential power metal albums, as he recently discovered the genre, coming from a death metal background.

My answer:

Here are my "essentialest" recordings in power metal, by the order of release of the album recommended:

Helloween - Keeper of the Seven Keys 1 & 2 (even if you didn't like it, it's a quintessential recording; alternatively, as you come from extreme metal background, you could enjoy their harder and rougher sounding debut Walls of Jericho more/as well)

Stratovarius - Fourth Dimension (alternatively - Episode, Visions or Destiny for the classic lineup, with Jens Johansson)

Blind Guardian - Imaginations from the Other Side (as the transitional record between their early sound and what they sound like today; for their early sound, my favourite is Tales from the Twilight World, for the latter, more symphonic era, Nightfall in Middle-earth is universally beloved and for a good reason)

Hammerfall - Glory to the Brave (alternatively - The Legacy of Kings)

Sonata Arctica - Ecliptica

Freedom Call - Stairway to Faryland

Dark Moor - The Hall of the Olden Dreams

Kamelot - Karma

Avantasia - Metal Opera, Pts. 1 & 2

Rhapsody (of Fire) - Power of the Dragonflame (my personal favourite of theirs, it's a bit heavier overall and more consistent than Symphony of E. L or Dawn of Victory)

Ancient Bards - The Alliance of the Kings (for a bit of a modern take on the genre, with excellent female singer)

Sabaton - Carolus Rex (not a fan of the band myself, but you should know them)

Sacred Outcry - either of their two albums, but the debut Damned for All Time... is a good pick - for dang near perfect example of a classic power metal done by a modern band done absolutely right

Eventually I'd suggest even Nightwish - Wishmaster (their last album with actual power metal influence)

I'm not a huge fan of the US Power Metal scene, but despite the person of Schaffer being ... "problematic" to say the least, I think no power metal fan should do away without hearing Burnt Offerings and Something Wicked This Way Comes (or alternatively, Live in Athens) at least once.

Since you come from extreme metal background, I'd suggest trying out even some of the crossover bands like Children of Bodom or Kalmah, you might like that.

Do you agree? Disagree? Let's fight!

 

[Night Prowler]

Helloween - Keeper of the Seven Keys 1 & 2

agree

Stratovarius - Fourth Dimension

disagree - Visions is their magnum opus

Blind Guardian - Imaginations from the Other Side

disagree - it has to be Nightfall In Middle Earth, even though my favorite is Tales

Hammerfall - Glory to the Brave

agree, but they suck after that album

Sonata Arctica - Ecliptica

ew

Freedom Call - Stairway to Faryland

never listened

Dark Moor - The Hall of the Olden Dreams

never listened

Kamelot - Karma

I'm not sure, I'm not a big fan other than Epica / The Black Halo

Avantasia - Metal Opera, Pts. 1 & 2

agree - shame Toby hates these albums, coward

Rhapsody (of Fire) - Power of the Dragonflame

I'm not sure, I only like The Frozen Tears Of Angels and From Chaos To Eternity

Ancient Bards - The Alliance of the Kings (for a bit of a modern take on the genre, with excellent female singer)

never listened

Sabaton - Carolus Rex

disagree - Primo Victoria, Attero Dominatus and The Art Of War are way better

Sacred Outcry

never listened

Such list has to have Gamma Ray - Land Of The Free, Powerwolf - Lupus Dei, Star One - Victims Of The Modern Age, Evergrey - In Search Of Truth, Demons & Wizards - first 2 albums, Wuthering Heights - Salt on it.

 

[JudasMyGuide]

Helloween - Keeper of the Seven Keys 1 & 2 (even if you didn't like it, it's a quintessential recording; alternatively, as you come from extreme metal background, you could enjoy their harder and rougher sounding debut Walls of Jericho more/as well)

agree

Great.

Stratovarius - Fourth Dimension (alternatively - Episode, Visions or Destiny for the classic lineup, with Jens Johansson)

disagree - Visions is their magnum opus

I had it there as an alternative, I know people love it, anyway, I think picking any of these four is fair, I'll stay with 4D.

Blind Guardian - Imaginations from the Other Side (as the transitional record between their early sound and what they sound like today; for their early sound, my favourite is Tales from the Twilight World, for the latter, more symphonic era, Nightfall in Middle-earth is universally beloved and for a good reason)

disagree - it has to be Nightfall In Middle Earth, even though my favorite is Tales

I actually picked these two as alternatives for early and latter Guardian - Imaginations was an attempt to bridge the divide, however we even agree on the picks (especially including Tales) which is great

Hammerfall - Glory to the Brave (alternatively - The Legacy of Kings)

agree, but they suck after that album

Fair.

Sonata Arctica - Ecliptica

ew

Heh, and here I was expecting your reaction to be the same as with HammerFall, i. e.

agree, but they suck after that album

Anyway, Ecliptica is a classic (which can't really be said about any other SA album, bar maybe Winterheart's Guild, and bubblegummy or not, it's a solid album.

Freedom Call - Stairway to Faryland

never listened

And don't - too bubblegummy for you, undoubtedly.

Dark Moor - The Hall of the Olden Dreams

never listened

Now that's more of a pity - a very atypical female singer, rather old-school, very solid overall, IMHO.

Kamelot - Karma

I'm not sure, I'm not a big fan other than Epica / The Black Halo

That's fine, if Epica, then Karma can be named as well - they are rather similar, the former has higher highs, the latter is probably more consistent overall, IMO

Avantasia - Metal Opera, Pts. 1 & 2

agree - shame Toby hates these albums, coward

Indeed, absolute agreement here.

Rhapsody (of Fire) - Power of the Dragonflame

I'm not sure, I only like The Frozen Tears Of Angels and From Chaos To Eternity

That's fine, those are excellent picks, also a tad heavier, I'll remain with my first Rhapsody album (and one of my first power metal albums in general) - for the consistency. I love pretty much every track here.

Ancient Bards - The Alliance of the Kings (for a bit of a modern take on the genre, with excellent female singer)

never listened

Might be a tad too run-of-the-mill for you, but I found their debut greatly enjoyable.

Sabaton - Carolus Rex (not a fan of the band myself, but you should know them)

disagree - Primo Victoria, Attero Dominatus and The Art Of War are way better

I see where you're coming from, I picked Carolus as it feels the most consistent throughout, but I'm not willing to die upon that hill. Like I said, not a huge fan of Sabaton in general, so...

Sacred Outcry

never listened

Now that's a pity, definitely the biggest "hidden gem" of the list, ask @Jer , he brought them to my attention in the greatest metal cup.

Such list has to have Gamma Ray - Land Of The Free

Fair point, I thought I had Kai covered with Helloween, but you're right, Gamma Ray probably should be mentioned as well.

Powerwolf - Lupus Dei

I agree - if Powerwolf, then this album.

Star One - Victims Of The Modern Age

I don't know, I'm kinda tired of Ayreon already, I couldn't have given the Star One albums more than a single listen, if you insist, I'll check it out again, but it wouldn't be my absolute first pick, way-to-go for a new fan or something.

Evergrey - In Search Of Truth,

Really?
I never even thought they are power metal, I suppose I could have mentioned Symphony X as well..., anyway, not the first band that comes to mind on a power metal subreddit

Demons & Wizards - first 2 albums,

I guess. Being a "supergroup" of sorts, I haven't thought about including it, especially as I had both BG and IE there separately.

Wuthering Heights - Salt

Now that's a great pick. A bit too obscure for my "entry list", tbh, but indeed an awesome choice.

 

[Mosh]

I will have to check some of those out but I would throw a word in for Horror Show as the most Power Metal-y Iced Earth album (of those that are actually good).

Edit: Honestly, an entry level PM fan might even get more out of Framing Armageddon.

 

[MindRuler]

Really?
I never even thought they are power metal

Me neither! Evergrey are dark prog metal but not power metal! Their lyrics are nowhere near the amount of cheese that genre has to offer.

About Hammerfall: first 2 albums are great!

 

[Kalata]

Quintessential power metal albums? I guess:

Walls Of Jericho, Keeper Part 1 and Part 2, Land Of The Free, Somewhere Out In Space, Visions, Destiny, Episode, Glory To The Brave, Legacy Of Kings, at least one album of Grave Digger's Middle Ages Trilogy, Something Wicked This Way Comes, Mandrake, one of BG's mid-90's albums, Ecliptica...

I could mention other old bands with elements of power metal in their sound, but for me they are a bit different.

 

[MrKnickerbocker]

Me neither! Evergrey are dark prog metal but not power metal! Their lyrics are nowhere near the amount of cheese that genre has to offer.

Evergrey’s lyrics are not power metal cheese but they are very definitely cheese.

 

[JudasMyGuide]

Evergrey’s lyrics are not power metal cheese but they are very definitely cheese.

I never noticed their lyrics, but if they're at least up to the level of Dream Theater





"FATHER IS IT TRUE? BUG WAS ALWAYS YOU? FINALLY I CAN REVEAL HOW MUSIC MAKES ME FEEL!"


"Dreadful ending, killer died.
Evidently suicide"


Then I can safely say that I never saw the amount of such cheese cringe in power metal. Never in the history of ever. Including Manowar.

 

[Sth2112]

Someone on Reddit was asking for quintessential power metal albums, as he recently discovered the genre, coming from a death metal background.

My answer:
Here are my "essentialest" recordings in power metal, by the order of release of the album recommended:

Helloween - Keeper of the Seven Keys 1 & 2 (even if you didn't like it, it's a quintessential recording; alternatively, as you come from extreme metal background, you could enjoy their harder and rougher sounding debut Walls of Jerichomore/as well)

Stratovarius - Fourth Dimension (alternatively - Episode, Visions or Destiny for the classic lineup, with Jens Johansson)

Blind Guardian - Imaginations from the Other Side (as the transitional record between their early sound and what they sound like today; for their early sound, my favourite is Tales from the Twilight World, for the latter, more symphonic era, Nightfall in Middle-earth is universally beloved and for a good reason)

Hammerfall - Glory to the Brave (alternatively - The Legacy of Kings)

Sonata Arctica - Ecliptica

Freedom Call - Stairway to Faryland

Dark Moor - The Hall of the Olden Dreams

Kamelot - Karma

Avantasia - Metal Opera, Pts. 1 & 2

Rhapsody (of Fire) - Power of the Dragonflame (my personal favourite of theirs, it's a bit heavier overall and more consistent than Symphony of E. L or Dawn of Victory)

Ancient Bards - The Alliance of the Kings (for a bit of a modern take on the genre, with excellent female singer)

Sabaton - Carolus Rex (not a fan of the band myself, but you should know them)

Sacred Outcry - either of their two albums, but the debut Damned for All Time... is a good pick - for dang near perfect example of a classic power metal done by a modern band done absolutely right

Eventually I'd suggest even Nightwish - Wishmaster (their last album with actual power metal influence)

I'm not a huge fan of the US Power Metal scene, but despite the person of Schaffer being ... "problematic" to say the least, I think no power metal fan should do away without hearing Burnt Offerings and Something Wicked This Way Comes (or alternatively, Live in Athens) at least once.

Since you come from extreme metal background, I'd suggest trying out even some of the crossover bands like Children of Bodom or Kalmah, you might like that.


Do you agree? Disagree? Let's fight!

Helloween - The Hansen era definetly. I personally also love Better than raw, but The time of the oath is more classic and quintessential release.

Stratovarius- definetly not Fourth dimension. Episode however, also Visions, Destiny and Infinite are superb.

Agree about Blind guardian. Could also throw Somewhere far beyond there.

Hammerfall - Legacy of kings if I have to pick one.

Sonata arctica - Ecliptica is a true PM classic, but so is Silence. Every PM fan should own these two.

Freedom call - good call, but I would say Crystal empire is slightly better.

Dark Moor - that one and The gates to oblivion are amazing.

Kamelot - I think The fourth legacy is more quintessential, but Karma is a great one to.

Avantasia - definetly these two. The others barely have any power metal.

Rhapsody - any of the first four, I say Dawn of victory if I have to say just one.

Sabaton - agree.

Dont know of Ancient bards, Sacred outcry and iced earth catalouge to have a opinion.

As for other quitessential PM albums, I miss Gamma ray (pick any from Land of the free to Powerplant), Angra (Angels cry), Edguy (Theater of salvation), Fairyland (Of wars in osyria), Running wild (Port royal, Pile of skulls), Masterplan (first album), Battle beast (self titled album), Grave digger (Tunes of war), Demons and wizards (first album)

 

[Siddharth]

I'm mostly into Thrash but since we're at it, I'd suggest some USPM bands: Vicious Rumours, Helstar, Crimson Glory, Jag Panzer (their album - 'Ample Destruction'), Liege Lord (esp. the 'Master Control' album), Omen ('Battle Cry' album). Iced Earth also fits in the same category, especially their 90s work until 'Horror Show'

Another album worth noting is 'A Sultan's Ransom' by Cloven Hoof, 'Return To Heaven Denied' by Labyrinth. Do not miss out Pagan's Mind (all 5 of their albums are great), Firewind's both 'Allegiance' and 'The Premonition' albums are also really good. Throw some 'Holy Land' by Angra and 'Black Sun' by Primal Fear into the mix as well.

While the 'Keeper Of The Seven Keys' albums are definitely legendary, my favourite by Helloween is 'The Time Of The Oath'.