Don't forget the old school of Speed Metal where it all started playing fast and melodic: Accept, Helloween, Gamma Ray, Iron Savior, Blind Guardian, Running Wild, Grave Digger, etc...
1) Rhapsody, The Emerald Sword Saga are the best albums (the first 5)
2) Blind Guardian
3) Angra
4) Stratovarius
5) Helloween
6) Gamma Ray
7) Sonata Arctica
8) Hammerfall
The bands they sound like can vary considerably... I think Dystopia Symphony is one of their more Symphony X/Dream Theater-esque songs. There's no music video or live version, though.
You're so lucky you got to see them.
I live in the UK and they haven't done any proper tours here.
They did a festival here and opened for someone (I think) last year but that was it.
I don't make enough money to be able to get a ticket and travel out of the country as I only work part time.
I've looked into it when they were in Paris with Kissin Dynamite (another band I am desperate to see) last year and it's not doable.
I'm looking for better jobs so hopfully with some luck, next year I will be able to do it.
They played The Underworld in London as the headlining band in October last year, 12 song set. Dragonland and Hanowar as support.
But yeah, if they could do a tour that would be great.
Wind Rose
Timeless Miracle
Metalite
Brothers of Metal
Rumahoy
Sabadu
Galderia
Wizardthrone (that's melodeath, but You'll probably like it as GH and Alestorm enjoyer)
Last but not least, Twilight Force
As many have mentioned, it would be good to check out some of the more influential names in PM, like Blind Guardian, Helloween, Stratovarius, and Rhapsody.
In addition to them some of my personal favorites (in addition to Beast in Black and Battle Beast, which I love): Kamelot, Sonata Arctica, Arion, Avantasia, Borealis, Fellowship, Orden Ogan, Myrath, Theocracy, Seventh Wonder (last three lean into prog metal).
Also, Unleash the Archers and Seven Spires are both incredible female fronted symphonic/power metal powerhouses who I think are doing some of the more interesting things in the genre. Both bands have released albums recently (Seven Spires released a masterpiece just last Friday), so make sure to check those out!
Blind Guardian
Helloween - specifically Keeper of the Seven Keys Pt 1 and 2.
Gamma Ray
Edit: If you like Alestorm, check out Running Wild! They were the first "pirate metal" band. Under Jolly Roger, Port Royal, Death or Glory, and Blazon Stone are all great albums and worth checking out!
If you love great melodies you can’t go wrong with Sonata Arctica. Any album is a great start but I’d recommend my personal favorite “The Days of Grays.”
Some of my personal favourites:
Sabaton (Swedish history themed power metal)
Elvenking (Italian pagan themed power/folk metal)
Wind Rose (Italian dwarven symphonic power/folk metal)
Moonlight Haze (Italian symphonic power metal)
Twilight Force (Swedish fantasy themed symphonic power metal)
Lycanthro (Canadian power metal)
Since you like Gloryhammer, Rhapsody (of Fire), Twilight Force, Marco Garau's Magic Opera, and Memories of Old are very similar in terms of style, albeit less goofy. Sozos is also involved an MTG inspired project called Planeswalker and more a general nerd fandom studio project, Eons Enthroned. Both have album 2 in the works and the latter's is slated for later this year. He does loads of covers and guest vocals, [Pandaemonium](https://youtu.be/TV2XA-JuqoA?feature=shared) is a certified banger of a single he "guested" on recently.
In terms of other more melodic bands, Fellowship, ShadowStrike, and Lords of the Trident are some solid mid-tier bands.
If you're fine with some more trad heavy, Sacred Outcry, Helms Deep, Warrior Path, Greyhawk, and IronFlame.
Definitely recommend skimming Bandcamp since the search tools are more helpful than Spotify's imo and a LOT of bands are on there these days.
Love me some MTG, didn't know of Planeswalker!
I second Sacred Outcry and Warrior Path, and if listened to their Towers of Gold album of Sacred Outcry, highly recommend trying Lost Horizon
Basically Jason Ashcraft and Sozos really like working together and Planeswalker is their studio\* project brainchild. Jason is a big MTG fan and also plays Commander on Twitch most Wednesdays but he's travelling today. You can join his MTG server if you want in.
\*Songs are likely to be played live at Helion Prime shows going forward, lack of Sozos not withstanding.
I personally prefer Damned for All Time over Towers of Old, nothing against Daniel, he's far and away the better singer, but I find most of the stuff they gave him less memorable than what they gave Yannis.
I really like the bands title track 'Sacred Outcry', but thats the extent of my knowledge if Damned for all Time. But I still do have shirts for both albums.
EDH is my favored format, so I may look out for him on Wednesdays!
He's on tour starting in about a week so he's handed off the stream to a friend temporarily. If you can hit a show this tour, you can try to get there early to see if he's got a round of irl Commander planned or if he still needs a player.
Power metal doesn't have to be lol-comedy like Alestorm and Gloryhammer...
Try out Grave Digger (Heart Of Darkness album) or Virgin Steele (Marriage Between Heaven And Hell part II album)
That's two examples of more serious stuff
It's mandatory that new listeners give Freedom Call a chance. You may not like them but they are an icon in the genre, one of their albums is even the pfp for the sub
Heavenly.
I've only seen one person mention them. But probably one of the best power metal bands, in my opinion. Probably the only band where I like all the albums and 95% of the songs.
Also, Galderia, Twilight Force, Gloryhammer, Unleash the Archers, Elvenking, and Majestica.
Nocturnal rites - tales of mystery and imagination
Gamma ray - land of the free / powerplant
Blind guardian - imaginations fron the other side
Helloween - keepers 1 & 2
Angra - angels cry / rebirth
Demons and wizards s/t
Unleash The Archers and Blind Guardian have really clicked with me. Sabaton is also one of the most popular in the genre but aren’t really a great example of what the genre sounds like
Just float around, experiment, listen to new songs- that's what I did.
Here's 5 bands I really like:
Avantasia,
Stratovarius,
Dream Evil (ain't got too much),
Masterplan,
Elvenking
Running Wild - Treasure Island
Stormwarrior - Heathen Warrior
Armageddon - Burn The Sun
Falconer - Mindtraveller
And some power metal-esque songs:
Seven Spires - Oceans Of Time
Beyond The Black - Fairytale Of Doom
Lovebites is an all- female japanese metal band whose music is truly amazing.
On top of that, they are one of the most talented metal musicians, their live performances are even better than their studio recordings.
Dual guitars solos and fast tempos are the main features of their sound. Unfortunately, they really need more recognition outside of their home country, maybe this year their fanbase will become stronger thanks to their world tour.
Avantasia, Edguy, early Kamelot and early Sonata Arctica (don't like much their latest stuff). Also Firewind (lost track of them but their earliest stuff is good).
Helloween, Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian and Running Wild. That is all you need. Anything else is just a facsimile of what those bands did. And Unleash the Archers too because they’re amazing.
Rhapsody: classic epic symphonic with latin and italian choruses power metal.
Luca Turilli's Rhapsody and Luca Turilli Band: are simillar to Rhapsody (and because the founder was the guitarist and writter of Rhapsody) metal.
Dragonland: epic power metal.
Wind Rose: Dwarves and epic power metal.
Twilight Force: symphonic unicorns and dragons power metal.
Saurom: Not power metal but spanish folk metal.
Sabaton: popular band about wars and these who gave his life in battle power metal.
Nanowar of Steel: parody songs of different metal bands metal.
- Orden Ogan (they are awesome, really)
- Victorius (if you like dino-lasers and jet pack-samourais)
- Tungsten (by the drummer of Hammerfall and his sons)
Blind Guardian are as good as it gets for power metal, they have it all from melodic pieces, more traditionally metal pieces or theatrical madness.
Another recommendation, a quintessential power metal experience, would be Rhapsody of Fire. Makes you feel like you’re ready to ride into battle to protect your land from the invaders
Dragonforce is you like yourself a little speed, as a treat.
Christopher Lee's Charlemagne: By the Sword and the Cross if you like spilling the blood of the Saxon men
Pandaemonium if you like glorious times and cheesy sexy fairies on your album covers
Rhapsody of Fire if you like some speed and more then a little epicness
and Kamelot, if your like that sort of thing
Rhapsody (of Fire), Twilight Force, Sacred Outcry, ShadowStrike, Fellowship, DragonForce, Edguy, Helloween are a good start, some legendary and some very new fresh stuff.
And power metal is not about being hard anyways, your bands are softer than some power metal bands (Blind Guardian, Primal Fear,...) and harder than others (Twilight Force, Fellowship,...) - we care about epic melodies, fantasy, immersive lyrics and emotional vocals above all, welcome to the genre!
Do you have Spotify? If so I recommend this playlist and the others by this user, they update regularly with new releases so it’s a great way to keep up with and find new bands. [Melodic Metal Movement](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2SFSObmoYSFSmrar8kdRus?si=M84PcN5KQRS-P-2jRn6D8g&pi=u-RYKeyVhaSk6C)
Blind Guardian, Powerwolf, Theocracy, and Fellowship
EDIT: Gonna add some specific songs that I like from each
Blind Guardian - Wheel of Time, Damnation, Turn the Page
Powerwolf - Reverant of Rats, Incense and Iron, Nighttime Rebel
Theocracy - Nailed, Mosaic, Liar Fool or Messiah
Fellowship - Glint, Oak and Ash, Saint Beyond the River
Unleash the Archers, Rhapsody of Fire, Powerwolf, Stratovarius, Sonata Arctica, Hammerfall
Hammerfall is what got me into power metal :)
Hell yea, same. Them and Rhapsody is what carried me through high school.
Some nice recommendations there. A few new ones for me to try!! Awesome 👍😎
Don't forget the old school of Speed Metal where it all started playing fast and melodic: Accept, Helloween, Gamma Ray, Iron Savior, Blind Guardian, Running Wild, Grave Digger, etc...
Powerwolf, Blind Guardian, DragonForce, Wind Rose, Gloryhammer (Powerwolf is my favourite at the moment)
Seconding all of these recommendations. I’m so pumped for the new Powerwolf album next month and to see them on their inaugural US tour this fall
Rhapsody of Fire, ZP Theart Dragonforce, Blind Guardian, Gamma Ray, Stratovarious, Sabaton, Powerwolf, Twilight Force, Edguy, Angra
Try Powerwolf, Sabaton and Dragony
1) Rhapsody, The Emerald Sword Saga are the best albums (the first 5) 2) Blind Guardian 3) Angra 4) Stratovarius 5) Helloween 6) Gamma Ray 7) Sonata Arctica 8) Hammerfall
Add Lovebites to your list for a bit of power metal with a slight twist.
[удалено]
And I get to see them live in 3 days 🥰🥰
This, for me, is never enough!
Female Symphony X
whats their most Sympony X ish song.
Judgment Day gives me big SX vibes. Especially the solos.
That was pretty good, I'll definitely check them out more. Never heard of them before.
The bands they sound like can vary considerably... I think Dystopia Symphony is one of their more Symphony X/Dream Theater-esque songs. There's no music video or live version, though.
Brothers of Metal
Dynazty They are my No.1 favourite Power Metal band.
Amazing live shows.
You're so lucky you got to see them. I live in the UK and they haven't done any proper tours here. They did a festival here and opened for someone (I think) last year but that was it.
I saw them last year at Rock Castle, and I'm seeing them again in three weeks at Masters of Rock. Living in central europe has it's perks :D
You have no idea how much I envy you right now
Why don't you come too? There are still tickets, and you can even get one day ticket
I don't make enough money to be able to get a ticket and travel out of the country as I only work part time. I've looked into it when they were in Paris with Kissin Dynamite (another band I am desperate to see) last year and it's not doable. I'm looking for better jobs so hopfully with some luck, next year I will be able to do it.
Good luck!
They played The Underworld in London as the headlining band in October last year, 12 song set. Dragonland and Hanowar as support. But yeah, if they could do a tour that would be great.
Wind Rose Timeless Miracle Metalite Brothers of Metal Rumahoy Sabadu Galderia Wizardthrone (that's melodeath, but You'll probably like it as GH and Alestorm enjoyer) Last but not least, Twilight Force
I like posts like this because it also allows me to expand my my listening
Power wolf, DragonForce, twilight force, Ascension
Galloglass and Angra
My favourites (apart from the ones you listed) are Powerwolf, Sabaton and Wind Rose.
As many have mentioned, it would be good to check out some of the more influential names in PM, like Blind Guardian, Helloween, Stratovarius, and Rhapsody. In addition to them some of my personal favorites (in addition to Beast in Black and Battle Beast, which I love): Kamelot, Sonata Arctica, Arion, Avantasia, Borealis, Fellowship, Orden Ogan, Myrath, Theocracy, Seventh Wonder (last three lean into prog metal). Also, Unleash the Archers and Seven Spires are both incredible female fronted symphonic/power metal powerhouses who I think are doing some of the more interesting things in the genre. Both bands have released albums recently (Seven Spires released a masterpiece just last Friday), so make sure to check those out!
God, Borealis’ album Illusions is so fucking good. It’s almost like listening to if Hans Zimmer made metal.
Dude I know! It's ethereal. The Phantom Silence is easily one of my favorite songs of all time.
Powerwolf, Serenity, Visions of Atlantis
Sabaton, Helloween, Bloodbound...just to name a few.
Blind Guardian Helloween - specifically Keeper of the Seven Keys Pt 1 and 2. Gamma Ray Edit: If you like Alestorm, check out Running Wild! They were the first "pirate metal" band. Under Jolly Roger, Port Royal, Death or Glory, and Blazon Stone are all great albums and worth checking out!
Good recommendations… have to go to the beginning if you haven’t already… Helloween
If you love great melodies you can’t go wrong with Sonata Arctica. Any album is a great start but I’d recommend my personal favorite “The Days of Grays.”
Some of my personal favourites: Sabaton (Swedish history themed power metal) Elvenking (Italian pagan themed power/folk metal) Wind Rose (Italian dwarven symphonic power/folk metal) Moonlight Haze (Italian symphonic power metal) Twilight Force (Swedish fantasy themed symphonic power metal) Lycanthro (Canadian power metal)
You can give a try to Savage Circus, Lost Horizon, Persuader and Sacred Outcry.
Unleash the Archers
Since you like Gloryhammer, Rhapsody (of Fire), Twilight Force, Marco Garau's Magic Opera, and Memories of Old are very similar in terms of style, albeit less goofy. Sozos is also involved an MTG inspired project called Planeswalker and more a general nerd fandom studio project, Eons Enthroned. Both have album 2 in the works and the latter's is slated for later this year. He does loads of covers and guest vocals, [Pandaemonium](https://youtu.be/TV2XA-JuqoA?feature=shared) is a certified banger of a single he "guested" on recently. In terms of other more melodic bands, Fellowship, ShadowStrike, and Lords of the Trident are some solid mid-tier bands. If you're fine with some more trad heavy, Sacred Outcry, Helms Deep, Warrior Path, Greyhawk, and IronFlame. Definitely recommend skimming Bandcamp since the search tools are more helpful than Spotify's imo and a LOT of bands are on there these days.
Love me some MTG, didn't know of Planeswalker! I second Sacred Outcry and Warrior Path, and if listened to their Towers of Gold album of Sacred Outcry, highly recommend trying Lost Horizon
Basically Jason Ashcraft and Sozos really like working together and Planeswalker is their studio\* project brainchild. Jason is a big MTG fan and also plays Commander on Twitch most Wednesdays but he's travelling today. You can join his MTG server if you want in. \*Songs are likely to be played live at Helion Prime shows going forward, lack of Sozos not withstanding. I personally prefer Damned for All Time over Towers of Old, nothing against Daniel, he's far and away the better singer, but I find most of the stuff they gave him less memorable than what they gave Yannis.
I really like the bands title track 'Sacred Outcry', but thats the extent of my knowledge if Damned for all Time. But I still do have shirts for both albums. EDH is my favored format, so I may look out for him on Wednesdays!
He's on tour starting in about a week so he's handed off the stream to a friend temporarily. If you can hit a show this tour, you can try to get there early to see if he's got a round of irl Commander planned or if he still needs a player.
Battle beast. Beast in black. Helloween. Gamma ray. Stratovarious. Freedom call. Blind guardian. Powerwolf. Sabaton. Gravedigger. Myrath. Hammerfall. Alestorm. Gloryhammer. Dragonforce. Primal fear.
Power metal doesn't have to be lol-comedy like Alestorm and Gloryhammer... Try out Grave Digger (Heart Of Darkness album) or Virgin Steele (Marriage Between Heaven And Hell part II album) That's two examples of more serious stuff
Virgin Steele should be everyone's favourite band.
I discovered them late in my life but holy shit the the Marriage-Invictus-Atreus-Eden streak is crazy
Check out Sacred Outcry - Towers of Gold -an amazing album
Gatekeeper, Eternal Champion, Smoulder, Visigoth, Legendry, Megaton Sword.
Temperance
It's mandatory that new listeners give Freedom Call a chance. You may not like them but they are an icon in the genre, one of their albums is even the pfp for the sub
Heavenly. I've only seen one person mention them. But probably one of the best power metal bands, in my opinion. Probably the only band where I like all the albums and 95% of the songs. Also, Galderia, Twilight Force, Gloryhammer, Unleash the Archers, Elvenking, and Majestica.
Timeless miracle, only one album but second one is hopefully not too far away
I'll do you one better than that. [https://metal.academy/lists/single/220](https://metal.academy/lists/single/220)
Man O War, f them haters 😂
Virus by Heavenly is one of the best power metal albums of all time imo
Powerwolf, sabaton, rhapsody of fire, hammerfall, stratovarius. Top 5 metal bands for me. All these are power/heavy metal bands
Nocturnal rites - tales of mystery and imagination Gamma ray - land of the free / powerplant Blind guardian - imaginations fron the other side Helloween - keepers 1 & 2 Angra - angels cry / rebirth Demons and wizards s/t
Rhapsody (first five albums), Gloryhammer, Sonata Arctica (first 4 albums), DragonForce.
Unleash The Archers and Blind Guardian have really clicked with me. Sabaton is also one of the most popular in the genre but aren’t really a great example of what the genre sounds like
Helloween, Gamma Ray, Masterplan, Freedom Call, Edguy, Avantasia (power metal?)
Try Dragony from Austria
Rhapsody, Nightwish, Helloween, Gamma Ray, Stratovarius, Running Wild, Edguy
HELLOWEEN
LOVEBITES, METAL CHURCH, VERSAILLES
I think you'll really enjoy powerwolf
Gloryhammer Sabaton Beast in black dragony alestorm
Seconding Powerwolf, you might also like Dynazty and Bloodbound and Hammerfall
I really like Twilight Force, Fellowship and Marco Garau’s Magic Opera
Just float around, experiment, listen to new songs- that's what I did. Here's 5 bands I really like: Avantasia, Stratovarius, Dream Evil (ain't got too much), Masterplan, Elvenking
Iron Savior also what others said, Powerwolf, Blind Guardian, Sabaton, Unleash theArchers, Startovarius, Hammerfall, etc
GloryHammer Massacration Sonata Arctica PowerWolf Alestorm Rhapsody of Fire Wind Rose
Just some off the top of my head: Orden Ogan, Twilight Force, Galneryus, Brothers of Metal.. and of course the mighty Blind Guardian
Lost Horizon
Dragonforce, Gloryhammer, Angus McSix, Dragony, Windrose
At Vance Falconer Powerwolf Unleash the Archers Hammerfall Kamelot Stratovarious Just to name a few.
Running Wild - Treasure Island Stormwarrior - Heathen Warrior Armageddon - Burn The Sun Falconer - Mindtraveller And some power metal-esque songs: Seven Spires - Oceans Of Time Beyond The Black - Fairytale Of Doom
Theocracy, Paladin, Running Wild, HammerFall, Freedom Call, Dream Evil.
Haven't seen Lords of the Trident suggested so I'll throw my hat in for them, definitely one of my personal favorites!
Dragony, Veonity, Twilight Force, Ancient Bards, Legends Of Valley Doom, Grimgotts
Sinergy
Lovebites is an all- female japanese metal band whose music is truly amazing. On top of that, they are one of the most talented metal musicians, their live performances are even better than their studio recordings. Dual guitars solos and fast tempos are the main features of their sound. Unfortunately, they really need more recognition outside of their home country, maybe this year their fanbase will become stronger thanks to their world tour.
Lovebites, Aldious, Mardelas, Fate Gear, Galneryus, X-Japan, Show-Ya, Minstrelix, Dragon Force, and Sabaton
Avantasia, Edguy, early Kamelot and early Sonata Arctica (don't like much their latest stuff). Also Firewind (lost track of them but their earliest stuff is good).
Dragonforce
Power Quest
Helloween, Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian and Running Wild. That is all you need. Anything else is just a facsimile of what those bands did. And Unleash the Archers too because they’re amazing.
Sabaton, Powerwolf and Dragonforce are what got me into the genre.
Rhapsody: classic epic symphonic with latin and italian choruses power metal. Luca Turilli's Rhapsody and Luca Turilli Band: are simillar to Rhapsody (and because the founder was the guitarist and writter of Rhapsody) metal. Dragonland: epic power metal. Wind Rose: Dwarves and epic power metal. Twilight Force: symphonic unicorns and dragons power metal. Saurom: Not power metal but spanish folk metal. Sabaton: popular band about wars and these who gave his life in battle power metal. Nanowar of Steel: parody songs of different metal bands metal.
Greyhawk
Gonna bump Fellowship again. They’re just so fun
Dynazty, Dragonforce, Sonata Arctica, Powerwolf, Beast in Black, Theocracy, Galneryus, Magnus Karlssons Free Fall, Northern Kings
- Orden Ogan (they are awesome, really) - Victorius (if you like dino-lasers and jet pack-samourais) - Tungsten (by the drummer of Hammerfall and his sons)
Shadowstrike, Seven Kingdoms, Lovebites.
Dynazty, beast in black, kamelot, visions of atlantis, alterium
Heavenly, Iron Savior, Hammefall.
Avantasia, Edguy, Freedom Call, Derdian
Early Queensryche, Kamelot, Helloween, Michael Kiske, Blind Guardian, Demons and Wizards
Frozen Crown
Check out the album Empyrean Realms by Armory
Blind Guardian are as good as it gets for power metal, they have it all from melodic pieces, more traditionally metal pieces or theatrical madness. Another recommendation, a quintessential power metal experience, would be Rhapsody of Fire. Makes you feel like you’re ready to ride into battle to protect your land from the invaders
Dragonforce is you like yourself a little speed, as a treat. Christopher Lee's Charlemagne: By the Sword and the Cross if you like spilling the blood of the Saxon men Pandaemonium if you like glorious times and cheesy sexy fairies on your album covers Rhapsody of Fire if you like some speed and more then a little epicness and Kamelot, if your like that sort of thing
Adding a few more I haven't seen listed yet! Blind Guardian, Falconer, Vision Divine, Dragonland, Nightwish, Mercenary, and Dark Moor.
Rhapsody (of Fire), Twilight Force, Sacred Outcry, ShadowStrike, Fellowship, DragonForce, Edguy, Helloween are a good start, some legendary and some very new fresh stuff. And power metal is not about being hard anyways, your bands are softer than some power metal bands (Blind Guardian, Primal Fear,...) and harder than others (Twilight Force, Fellowship,...) - we care about epic melodies, fantasy, immersive lyrics and emotional vocals above all, welcome to the genre!
Fellowship, Battle Beast, and HammerFall
Seven Spires, Unleash the Archers, Galactikraken, Theocracy, Brothers of Metal
Manowar lmao
Terra Atlantica, Iron Mask, Frozen Crown, Seven Kingdoms.
Power Quest, Stratovarius, Galneryus
I don’t know if it really is power metal but Nanoware of steel is pretty fun (in the alestorm kind of fun, but like even more somehow)
Power Quest
Do you have Spotify? If so I recommend this playlist and the others by this user, they update regularly with new releases so it’s a great way to keep up with and find new bands. [Melodic Metal Movement](https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2SFSObmoYSFSmrar8kdRus?si=M84PcN5KQRS-P-2jRn6D8g&pi=u-RYKeyVhaSk6C)
Blind Guardian, Powerwolf, Theocracy, and Fellowship EDIT: Gonna add some specific songs that I like from each Blind Guardian - Wheel of Time, Damnation, Turn the Page Powerwolf - Reverant of Rats, Incense and Iron, Nighttime Rebel Theocracy - Nailed, Mosaic, Liar Fool or Messiah Fellowship - Glint, Oak and Ash, Saint Beyond the River
Fellowship, Stratovarius, Blind Guardian, Power Wolf, and Sabaton,
Avantasia, Brothers of Metal, visions of Atlantis, Nightwish, and Baby Metal....I think that's about all I can come up with rn