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Revision as of 23:33, 16 October 2007 editTuremetalfan (talk | contribs)211 edits Yeah right that would be Iron Madien that did that not Helloween. List Queen under Helloweens page not the Power Metal page.← Previous edit Latest revision as of 18:33, 25 November 2024 edit undoBattyBot (talk | contribs)Bots1,932,705 editsm Removed/fixed incorrect author parameter(s), performed general fixesTag: AWB 
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{{Short description|Subgenre of heavy metal}}
:''This article refers to the sub-genre of ]. For the Pantera album, see ].''
{{About|the music genre|the Pantera album|Power Metal (album)|the Metallica demo|List of Metallica demos#Power Metal demo}}
{{genrebox
{{Redirect|Epic metal|epic doom metal|Doom metal#Epic doom}}
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|cultural_origins= Early to Mid ] ] Early to Mid ], ]
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|instruments= ] - ] - ] - ]s - ]
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|popularity=Popular in ], ], ] and ], with a strong underground following in ], the ], ], ], ] and many other countries.
{{Infobox music genre
|derivatives= ]<br>]
| name = Power metal
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| image = Blind Guardian - Wacken Open Air 2016-AL2717.jpg
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| caption = Power metal band ] at ] in 2016
|other_topics=]
| stylistic_origins = * ]
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| cultural_origins = Europe and United States in the 1980s
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'''Power metal''' is a style of ] typically with the aim of evoking an "epic" feel, combining characteristics of ] with ] or ], often within symphonic context. The term refers to two different but related styles: the first pioneered and largely practiced in ] with a harder sound similar to ], and a later more widespread and popular style based in ] (Especially ], ] and ]) with a lighter, more melodic sound and making frequent use of ]. With mainstream metal's fall from popularity and the growth of the underground metal scene, power metal can be seen as a parallel counterpart to ] within the ] subculture. It is one of the most popular genres amongst metalheads{{Fact|date=September 2007}} yet has achieved low mainstream success in the United States.


'''Power metal''' is a subgenre of ] combining characteristics of traditional heavy metal with ], often within a ] context. Generally, power metal is characterized by a faster, lighter, and more uplifting sound, in contrast with the heaviness and dissonance prevalent in, for example, ]. Power metal bands usually have anthemic songs with fantasy-based subject matter and strong choruses, thus creating a theatrical, dramatic and emotionally "powerful" sound.<ref> (progrockandmetal.net)</ref><ref name=Rockdetectordesc>{{Cite book|last1=Sharpe-Young|first1= Garry|author-link1= MusicMight|title= A–Z of Power Metal|series= Rockdetector Series|year= 2003|publisher= Cherry Red Books|isbn= 978-1-901447-13-2}} "Riffs became labyrinthine, vocals scorched higher altitudes—and they even managed to crank out some more volume."</ref>
==Musical characteristics==
Power metal is today associated with an epic sound tempered by characteristics of ], power metal's musical forerunner. Power metal's lyrical themes, though as varied as metal itself, typically focus on ] and ] (eg. ], ]), comradeship and hope (eg. ], ]), war (eg. ], ]), personal struggles and emotions (eg. ], ]) or combinations of the listed themes. Many typical metal themes such as anti-] and ] are comparatively rare but not unheard of.


The term was first used in the mid-1980s<ref> (guitarmasterclass.net)</ref> and refers to two different but related styles:
Power metal is highly focused on the vocalist, with "clean" vocals being much more prevalent than the growling vocals often associated with ] and ]. Following in the tradition of ], ], ] and other ] vocalists, power metal vocals are often in a high register. The majority of the genre's vocalists sing in the ] range, capable of hitting very high notes. There are however many exceptions such as ]/ex-] frontman ], ] frontman ], and ] frontman Joakim Broden; they sing in either ] or ] range, though in certain songs like Creator Failure, Barlow hits very high notes reminiscent of Rob Halford. Power metal vocalists ] of ] and Matt Smith of ] record multi-layered vocals reminiscent of ], creating a choral effect.<ref name="Queen influence on Blind Guardian">{{citation|title=Queen influence on Blind Guardian'|publisher= The Metal Observer|url=http://www.metal-observer.com/articles.php?lid=1&sid=4&id=4487}}</ref><ref> (Blabbermouth net)</ref> Few power metal vocalists double as instrumentalists, but the setup is not unheard of.
* the first largely practiced in North America with a harder sound similar to speed metal;
* a later, more widespread and popular style based in Europe<ref name="Rockdetectorstyles">{{Cite book|last1=Sharpe-Young|first1= Garry|author-link1= MusicMight|title= A–Z of Power Metal|series= Rockdetector Series|year= 2003|publisher= Cherry Red Books|isbn= 978-1-901447-13-2}} "American metal such as Queensrÿche, Attacker, Jag Panzer, Iced Earth, Liege Lord, and Savatage; European bands such as Helloween, Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian, Running Wild, and Grave Digger;"</ref> with a lighter, more melodic sound and frequent use of ].


==Stylistic origins==
Power metal ]s and ]s generally play rapid streams of notes, but change ] comparatively slowly, with a ] of once per measure or slower. Fast and demanding guitar solos, however, are almost guaranteed.
] of ] during a show in Barcelona. Hansen is regarded as one of the biggest influences in the early development of power metal.]]


Anthropologist ] traced the origins of power metal back to the late 1970s, when the groundwork for power metal lyrical style was laid down by ]. The fantasy-oriented lyrics he wrote for ], concentrated around medieval, renaissance, folk, and science fiction themes, directly influenced modern power metal bands.<ref>''Metal – A Headbanger's Journey'', DVD, ASIN B000FS9OZY (2005).</ref> According to Dunn, the songs "Stargazer" and "A Light in the Black" from the 1976 album '']'', as well as "Kill the King" and "Lady of the Lake" from the 1978 album '']'', might be among the earliest examples of power metal. In his 2011 documentary series '']'',<ref>{{cite web |author=Dunn, Sam |title=Metal Evolution, Episode 110: Power metal |url=http://www.vh1.com/shows/metal_evolution/episode.jhtml?episodeID=181795 |publisher=] |access-date=2 July 2012 |archive-date=20 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920101210/http://www.vh1.com/shows/metal_evolution/episode.jhtml?episodeID=181795 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Dunn further explained how ] of ] created a blueprint for power metal vocal delivery. His almost constant high-pitched singing became one of the main characteristics of power metal. The twin-guitar sound promoted by Judas Priest's duo of ] and ] also highly influenced this subgenre.
A number of power metal ]s generally play with two ]s for added speed, utilizing them to play a constant stream of ] with snare drum accents on the beat. This style is fairly common in power metal as in other ] subgenres, though it is by no means universal.


Another British band, ], brought epic and melodic sensibility to metal, creating anthemic, singalong music, an approach widely embraced by modern power metal musicians. Referred to as the "main prototype" of the power metal genre, Iron Maiden was heavily influenced by '']'' and '']'' (the first two albums of ]'s ]), which would also go on to influence modern power metal.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Irwin |first1=William |editor1-last=Irwin |editor1-first=William |title=Black Sabbath & Philosophy: Master of Reality |date=2013 |publisher=Wiley-Blackwell |page=83 |quote="Power metal may in general have Iron Maiden as its main prototype, but actually the first two releases from Black Sabbath's Dio-era Heaven and Hell and Mob Rules, were an influence on Iron Maiden, and remain important references for today's power metal bands.}}</ref>
Power metal bands often incorporate keyboards into their musical arrangements, though their usage varies from subtle accents to a full-blown melody line. Some Symphonic Power Metal bands such as ] and ] have also been known to record with more symphonic elements, and as such, they utilize a full orchestra to fill the role a keyboard plays in other power metal bands.


The emergence of the early German power metal scene in particular was made possible by ] and ]. Swedish guitarist ] made a significant impact on many future power metal guitarists, with his accurate and fast ] style. His bandmate ] modernized the keyboard sound of ]'s ], which was further incorporated into the genre. ]'s mythological ] lyrics influenced a number of power metal bands.
This style is very popular in ], ], and some countries of ] (including ], ], ], ] and ]), and has a slow popularity in ], notably in the province of ], ], where it has a very strong fan base.{{Fact|date=March 2007}}


Throughout the early 1980s (especially during 1982 and 1983), the US power metal style first emerged from traditional heavy metal, the ] (NWOBHM), and ]/] backgrounds. Although the genre's precise stylistic origins are often contested, acts such as ], ], ], ], ], ], and ] are generally believed to have influenced the earliest development of the style.<ref>{{cite web |author=Marco |title=Marco's Guide to USPM Part 1 |url=https://rideintoglory.com/marcos-guide-to-uspm/ |publisher=Ride Into Glory |access-date=20 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Sharpe-Young |first=Garry |date=2007 |title=Metal: The Definitive Guide : Heavy, NWOBH, Progressive, Thrash, Death, Black, Gothic, Doom, Nu |publisher=Jawbone Press |location=] |page=262 |isbn=978-1-906002-87-9 }}</ref>
==Types of power metal==
===American/classic power metal===
] power metal emerged in 1980s America as an offshoot of ] and ]. It is usually fast, straightforward and somewhat heavy and aggressive, but with a distinct epic 'fighting' feel. Keyboards never take a major role in this style, with the focus on vocals and riffs. The music is very similar to its influences but coined the term 'power metal' and was vital in inspiring the later melodic power metal movement. ] has its own bands playing in a very similar style such as ].<br>
Main Influences: ], ], ], ], ]<br>
Examples: ], ], ], ]<br>


More concretely, in 1987 German band ] released their second album, '']'', cited by ] as "a landmark recording that remains arguably the single most influential power metal album to date. Its volatile combination of power and melody would inspire an entire generation of metal bands".<ref></ref> This release influenced a European power metal style to evolve, which proliferated throughout the globe and since the start of the 1990s is still the most commonly heard style of power metal.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}
===European/melodic power metal===
], an important album in the development of Power metal.]]
This style emerged in 1980s ] with ]'s ] and ]'s ] with a strong focus on melody and uplifting, positive themes. ] mixed fast ]d ] riffs with high pitched clean vocals and guitar inspired by bands like ]. ] further developed this melodic direction by making heavy use of ] and neo-classical guitar solos. This genre branched and spread over Europe and into most of power metal's subgenres, incorporating further influences from classical and folk music and reinforcing the ] imagery as well as sometimes developing a more emotional, romantic edge. The style has become one of the largest metal subgenres (outside the ] movement) and its popularity is far from waning. It should be noted that America also has its share of European style power metal bands, examples of which include ] and ].<br>
Main Influences: ]<ref name="power metal Iron Maiden influence">{{citation|title=Power Metal Iron Maiden Influence'|publisher=tripod.com|url=http://members.tripod.com/~JustinHarvey/power1.html}}</ref>, ], ], ], ]<br>
Examples: ], ], ], ]


==Musical characteristics==
===Extreme power metal===
Power metal "bears all the hallmarks of traditional metal" is today associated with fast guitar riffs and drumming, twin melodies, operatic singing. The sound is tempered by characteristics of ], power metal's musical forerunner.<ref name="DiVita">{{Cite web |last=DiVita |first=Joe|date=2020-07-02 |title=Who Really Invented Power Metal? |url=https://loudwire.com/who-invented-power-metal/ |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=Loudwire |language=en}}</ref>
The harsh vocals and aggressive feel of ] mixed with with the neo-classical guitar and keyboard melodies of power metal. It is often debated whether these bands can truely be called power metal as many see melodic singing as what most sets power metal apart from extreme metal. This genre is heavily based in ].<br>


===Vocals===
Examples: ], ], ], ]
Power metal is highly focused on the vocalist, with "clean" vocals being much more prevalent than the growling vocals often associated with ]. Inspired by ], ], ], ], and other ] vocalists, power metal vocals are often in a high register, and the singer's vocal range is usually wide.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425112002/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/heavymetal101/p/powermetal.htm |date=25 April 2009 }} (about.com)</ref> The majority of the genre's vocalists sing in the ] range and are capable of hitting very high notes, for example ] of ], ] of ], ] (]) and ] (ex-]). There are many exceptions who sing in either ] or ] range. Some vocalists sing in a harsh, ] style, including ] of ], ] of ], ] of ], and ]'s ].<ref>{{cite web |author=Stagno, Mike |title=''Wintersun'' review |url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/10945/Wintersun-Wintersun |publisher=Sputnik Music |access-date=4 January 2012}}</ref> Many power metal vocalists, most notably ] of ], record multi-layered vocals reminiscent of ], creating a choral effect.<ref> (Blabbermouth net)</ref>


===Folk-power metal=== ===Lyrical themes===
] are based on fantasy, mythology and science fiction, and their live shows often feature fantasy decorations.]]
There are some ] and ] bands that take more influence from power metal then the darker atmosphere of ] and some bands go as far as to replace ] screaming with melodic singing. Lyrics may cross into both power metal and folk metal, sometimes featuring themes of both nature and fantasy. The genre sometimes crosses into ].


Themes that frequently feature throughout other metal subgenres, such as religion and politics, are comparatively rare in power metal - albeit not unheard of. Power metal's lyrical themes often focus on ] and ],<ref name="DiVita"/> ] and hope, personal struggles and emotions, war and death, or combinations of the aforementioned. For example, Finnish band ] have been known for focusing their lyrics of their songs on fantasy but also have many songs based on reality, love and relationships.
Influences: ]


Many power metal bands based their ] on fantasy books and ]s; ] based '']'' on ] '']'', while ] based '']'' and '']'' on ]. Some bands have even written their own imaginary stories, like ]'s '']'' and '']'', ]'s '']'', or '']'' by ]'s ].
Examples: ], ], ], ]


Historical themes have also seen usage in the works of bands, most famously ], whose lyrics extensively focus on historical wars, battles, and individuals that received notable recognition for their wartime accomplishments. Examples include ], ], ], ], and much more from around the world including the ], ] and ]. ], an Austrian (symphonic) power metal band, focuses mainly on historical figures and events, including ], ], ], ], and ].
===Prog-power metal===
Music that combines the long insturmetal passages and unusual time signatures of ] like ] with the uplifting vocals and neo-classical guitar and keyboards of power metal. Lyrics often are more introspective than the optimistic fantasy based lyircs of typical power metal, and some bands like ] present a darker atmosphere to their music.<br>


Contrary to traditional power metal music, ] focuses on ]n werewolf and ] legends and dark ]s. The lyrics of the band are characterized by the treatment of Christianity and ancient Romanian legends. Powerwolf, however, do not consider themselves a religious band, but rather call themselves spiritual.
Influences: ]


===Instrumentation===
Examples: ], ], ], ]
{{Listen|filename=Helloween_halloween.ogg|title=Helloween - Halloween (sample)|description=A brief sample of the track ''Halloween'' from '']'', the second album of ], and one of the first albums to represent the European Power Metal style.}}
Power metal guitarists and bassists generally play rapid streams of notes,<ref name="DiVita"/> but change ] comparatively slowly, with a ] of once per measure or slower. Fast and technically demanding guitar solos, however, are almost guaranteed.<ref name=Sharpe>{{Cite book|last1=Sharpe-Young|first1= Garry|author-link1= MusicMight|title= A–Z of Power Metal|series= Rockdetector Series|year= 2003|publisher= Cherry Red Books|isbn= 978-1-901447-13-2}}</ref> The slow changing of chords is significant in defining power metal just as the fast rapid chord changes often define traditional ]. Power metal often makes use of Major chord progressions as well as circle progressions. Some of the most influential and acclaimed power metal guitarists are ] of ], ] of ], and ] formerly of Stratovarius. It is a common trait in power metal for the bass guitar to take a back seat, so to speak; often simply providing the chord root notes and being drowned out by the more prevalent rhythm guitars. However, some power metal bands incorporate bass that is more audible with colorful patterns distinct from the rhythm guitars, such as Helloween, ], and ].


Many power metal drummers play double bass patterns with either two ]s, or utilize a ]; using them to play a constant stream of ] with snare drum accents on the beat, a style not restricted to, but most often associated with, power metal. The style was used by drummer ] of ], setting a blueprint for many other drummers to follow. Others, such as the drummers of ] and ], use a more thrash metal style of drumming with rapid bursts of double bass that involve three to six beats with the double kick.
===Symphonic power metal===
Power metal bands that make extensive usage of instruments normally found in classical music or keyboards imitating them similar to ]. These additional elements are often used as key elements of the music when compared to normal power metal, contributing not only an extra layer to the music, but a greater variety of sound. Keyboard heavy bands such as ] who use their keyboards simply as synths without an orchestral sound are not truly part of this genre.<br>


Power metal bands often incorporate keyboards into their musical arrangements,<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 7 Mind-Blowing Metal Keyboard Solos |url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/top_7_mind-blowing_metal_keyboard_solos-115025 |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=www.ultimate-guitar.com |language=en}}</ref> something popularized by ] of Stratovarius (though their prominence varies). Some power metal bands also record with symphonic elements, and as such, they utilize a full orchestra to fill the role usually played by the keyboardist.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blum |first=Jordan|date=2024-03-13 |title=The 10 Best Prog Metal Guitar + Keyboard Duos |url=https://loudwire.com/best-prog-metal-guitar-keyboard-duos/ |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=Loudwire |language=en}}</ref>
Examples: ], ], ]


==Styles==
===Thrash-power metal===
Power metal with musical influences from ]. The high clean vocals and melodies of power metal are always retained (setting the genre apart from ]), but often with aggressive riffing, some shouted vocals and lyrical themes inherited from ]<br>
<br>
Examples: ], ], ], ]


===Epic metal=== ===American style===
{{Listen|filename=Riot_-_Thundersteel_(Clip).ogg|title=Riot - Thundersteel (sample)|description=Music sample of ]'s "Thundersteel" from their 1988 album '']'', an early example of USPM.}}
] with fantasy/warrior themes or an overall epic feel to the instruments. This term often crosses over into ], ] and ].
The American branch of power metal emerged in early 1980s in the United States, drawing influence primarily from traditional metal and the ]. Though very close to its roots, US power metal (often abbreviated USPM) is often faster and more energetic than traditional heavy metal, with a more riff-driven approach and a relative lack of keyboard usage compared to its later European counterpart. However, it is often more melodic than ], with a greater emphasis on guitar leads. USPM is also notable for its widespread (but not universal) use of high-register operatic vocals, a trend which would continue with the rise of European power metal in the late 1980s and early 1990s.<ref name=Sharpe/> This style is not exclusive to North America, as European bands such as ], ], and Australian band ] later adopted a style inspired by USPM bands in the 1990s.


The early releases of progressive metal bands ] and ], such as '']'' (1984) and '']'' (1985), heavily influenced a number of bands that were to develop a common sound towards the late 1980s. Among the better known representatives of the style, such as ], ], ], ], or ], a small number of bands enriched their sound with progressive and epic elements (the most obvious examples being ], ], ] and the ] band ]); or even with ] elements, e.g., ].<ref> (progarchives.com)</ref> US power metal saw a sharp decline in popularity at the beginning of the 1990s, though the style has rebounded somewhat in the past decade, with bands such as ] or ] reforming for live performances<ref>.</ref> and many, such as ] and ], still releasing new material.
Examples: ], ], ]

===European style===
{{Listen|filename=Rhapsody_-_Wisdom_of_the_Kings_(clip).ogg|title=Rhapsody - Wisdom of the Kings (sample)|description=A brief sample of the track 'Wisdom of the Kings' from '']'', the second album of band ] illustrates European stylings as well as aspects of ]}}

] performing in Buenos Aires in 2010]]
European power metal originated from ] and the ], emerging in late 1980s, particularly in Germany, with ], ], ], ], and ]. The second and third Helloween albums; '']'' (1987) and '']'' (1988) are usually considered the first proper European power metal albums.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090425112002/http://heavymetal.about.com/od/heavymetal101/p/powermetal.htm |date=25 April 2009 }} (about.com)</ref> Alongside the early German bands came Finland's ] in late 1980s. These bands pioneered the genre, but took it in somewhat different directions. Helloween, followed by early ], mixed fast ]d ] riffs with high-pitched clean vocals, and with a strong focus on melody and uplifting, positive themes. Stratovarius further developed this melodic direction by making heavy use of ], with lyrics dealing with emotions and personal issues. Blind Guardian utilized the technique of vocal and guitar ] to create an epic atmosphere, with lyrical content strongly based on fantasy novels, myths and legends. The symphonic and neo-classical elements also found their way through power metal with bands like ] (Italy), ] (Austria) and ] (Finland).<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wang|first1=Albert|title=Albert's Beginner's Guide to Symphonic Metal|url=https://symphonicmetal.mit.edu/|access-date=2 November 2016}}</ref> At the same time, bands such as ] simplified their power metal to bring it closer to traditional heavy metal.

Over the late 90s and early 00s, power metal spread over Europe especially as well as the rest of the world, often incorporating new influences. Italy's ], Sweden's ], Spain's ], and Denmark's ] integrated elements of ] music with power metal. ], ], and especially ] are known for combining ] and power metal. Some bands are known for combining power metal with more aggressive musical forms; ] were one of the earliest who combined elements of power metal and an early form of ].

European-style power metal became widespread in comparison with US style as of the mid 1990s, with numerous North American bands such as ], ], ], ], ], ], and ] demonstrating the style. This European style of power metal is sometimes considered the "second wave" of power metal since its spread was in the late 1980s and especially the mid-late 1990s rather than proliferating throughout the 1980s, and the widespread influence and development of the genre that came in its tow while US "first wave" style markedly declined.


==See also== ==See also==
*] * ]
* ]
* ]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}


== General bibliography ==
==References==
* {{Cite book
<div class="references-small">
|last1=Sharpe-Young
<!--See http://en.wikipedia.org/Wikipedia:Footnotes for an explanation of how to generate footnotes using the <ref(erences/)> tags-->
|first1= Garry
<references/>
|author-link1= MusicMight
</div>
|title= A–Z of Power Metal
{{Unreferenced|date=May 2007}}
|series= Rockdetector Series
|year= 2003
|publisher= Cherry Red Books
|isbn= 978-1-901447-13-2
|pages= 464 }}
* {{Cite book
|last1=Dio
|first1= Ronnie James
|author-link1= Ronnie James Dio
|last2= Bukszpan
|first2= Daniel
|title= The Encyclopedia of Heavy Metal
|year= 2003
|publisher= Barnes & Noble Publishing
|isbn= 0-7607-4218-9
|pages= 300 }}
* {{Cite book
|last1=Kahn-Harris
|first1= Keith
|title= Extreme Metal: Music and Culture on the Edge
|series= Rockdetector Series
|year= 2007
|publisher= Berg Publishers
|isbn= 978-1-84520-399-3
|pages= 194 }}


==External links== ==External links==
* at ] * at ]
*


{{Heavymetal}} {{Heavymetal}}
{{Extreme metal}}
{{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 18:33, 25 November 2024

Subgenre of heavy metal This article is about the music genre. For the Pantera album, see Power Metal (album). For the Metallica demo, see List of Metallica demos § Power Metal demo. "Epic metal" redirects here. For epic doom metal, see Doom metal § Epic doom.

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Power metal
Power metal band Blind Guardian at Wacken Open Air in 2016
Stylistic origins
Cultural originsEurope and United States in the 1980s
Fusion genres
Symphonic power metal
Regional scenes
Other topics
List of power metal bands

Power metal is a subgenre of heavy metal combining characteristics of traditional heavy metal with speed metal, often within a symphonic context. Generally, power metal is characterized by a faster, lighter, and more uplifting sound, in contrast with the heaviness and dissonance prevalent in, for example, extreme metal. Power metal bands usually have anthemic songs with fantasy-based subject matter and strong choruses, thus creating a theatrical, dramatic and emotionally "powerful" sound.

The term was first used in the mid-1980s and refers to two different but related styles:

  • the first largely practiced in North America with a harder sound similar to speed metal;
  • a later, more widespread and popular style based in Europe with a lighter, more melodic sound and frequent use of keyboards.

Stylistic origins

Kai Hansen of Gamma Ray during a show in Barcelona. Hansen is regarded as one of the biggest influences in the early development of power metal.

Anthropologist Sam Dunn traced the origins of power metal back to the late 1970s, when the groundwork for power metal lyrical style was laid down by Ronnie James Dio. The fantasy-oriented lyrics he wrote for Rainbow, concentrated around medieval, renaissance, folk, and science fiction themes, directly influenced modern power metal bands. According to Dunn, the songs "Stargazer" and "A Light in the Black" from the 1976 album Rising, as well as "Kill the King" and "Lady of the Lake" from the 1978 album Long Live Rock 'n' Roll, might be among the earliest examples of power metal. In his 2011 documentary series Metal Evolution, Dunn further explained how Rob Halford of Judas Priest created a blueprint for power metal vocal delivery. His almost constant high-pitched singing became one of the main characteristics of power metal. The twin-guitar sound promoted by Judas Priest's duo of K. K. Downing and Glenn Tipton also highly influenced this subgenre.

Another British band, Iron Maiden, brought epic and melodic sensibility to metal, creating anthemic, singalong music, an approach widely embraced by modern power metal musicians. Referred to as the "main prototype" of the power metal genre, Iron Maiden was heavily influenced by Heaven and Hell and Mob Rules (the first two albums of Black Sabbath's Dio-era), which would also go on to influence modern power metal.

The emergence of the early German power metal scene in particular was made possible by Scorpions and Accept. Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen made a significant impact on many future power metal guitarists, with his accurate and fast neo-classical style. His bandmate Jens Johansson modernized the keyboard sound of Deep Purple's Jon Lord, which was further incorporated into the genre. Manowar's mythological sword and sorcery lyrics influenced a number of power metal bands.

Throughout the early 1980s (especially during 1982 and 1983), the US power metal style first emerged from traditional heavy metal, the new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM), and thrash/speed metal backgrounds. Although the genre's precise stylistic origins are often contested, acts such as Cirith Ungol, Jag Panzer, Manilla Road, Omen, Riot, Savatage, and Warlord are generally believed to have influenced the earliest development of the style.

More concretely, in 1987 German band Helloween released their second album, Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part I, cited by AllMusic as "a landmark recording that remains arguably the single most influential power metal album to date. Its volatile combination of power and melody would inspire an entire generation of metal bands". This release influenced a European power metal style to evolve, which proliferated throughout the globe and since the start of the 1990s is still the most commonly heard style of power metal.

Musical characteristics

Power metal "bears all the hallmarks of traditional metal" is today associated with fast guitar riffs and drumming, twin melodies, operatic singing. The sound is tempered by characteristics of speed metal, power metal's musical forerunner.

Vocals

Power metal is highly focused on the vocalist, with "clean" vocals being much more prevalent than the growling vocals often associated with extreme metal. Inspired by Ronnie James Dio, Bruce Dickinson, Rob Halford, Geoff Tate, and other heavy metal vocalists, power metal vocals are often in a high register, and the singer's vocal range is usually wide. The majority of the genre's vocalists sing in the tenor range and are capable of hitting very high notes, for example Timo Kotipelto of Stratovarius, Tony Kakko of Sonata Arctica, Michael Kiske (Helloween) and Andre Matos (ex-Angra). There are many exceptions who sing in either baritone or bass range. Some vocalists sing in a harsh, thrash metal style, including Chris Boltendahl of Grave Digger, Kai Hansen of Gamma Ray, Peavy Wagner of Rage, and Wintersun's Jari Mäenpää. Many power metal vocalists, most notably Hansi Kürsch of Blind Guardian, record multi-layered vocals reminiscent of Queen, creating a choral effect.

Lyrical themes

Most songs of German band Blind Guardian are based on fantasy, mythology and science fiction, and their live shows often feature fantasy decorations.

Themes that frequently feature throughout other metal subgenres, such as religion and politics, are comparatively rare in power metal - albeit not unheard of. Power metal's lyrical themes often focus on fantasy and mythology, camaraderie and hope, personal struggles and emotions, war and death, or combinations of the aforementioned. For example, Finnish band Sonata Arctica have been known for focusing their lyrics of their songs on fantasy but also have many songs based on reality, love and relationships.

Many power metal bands based their concept albums on fantasy books and national epics; Blind Guardian based Nightfall in Middle-Earth on Tolkien's The Silmarillion, while Kamelot based Epica and The Black Halo on Goethe's Faust. Some bands have even written their own imaginary stories, like Rhapsody of Fire's Emerald Sword Saga and The Dark Secret Saga, Iced Earth's Something Wicked Saga, or Avantasia by Edguy's Tobias Sammet.

Historical themes have also seen usage in the works of bands, most famously Sabaton, whose lyrics extensively focus on historical wars, battles, and individuals that received notable recognition for their wartime accomplishments. Examples include World War I, World War II, Vikings, Samurai, and much more from around the world including the American, Swedish and German militaries. Serenity, an Austrian (symphonic) power metal band, focuses mainly on historical figures and events, including Sir Francis Drake, Marco Polo, Galileo, Beethoven, and Napoleon.

Contrary to traditional power metal music, Powerwolf focuses on Transylvanian werewolf and vampire legends and dark myths. The lyrics of the band are characterized by the treatment of Christianity and ancient Romanian legends. Powerwolf, however, do not consider themselves a religious band, but rather call themselves spiritual.

Instrumentation

Helloween - Halloween (sample) A brief sample of the track Halloween from Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part I, the second album of Helloween, and one of the first albums to represent the European Power Metal style.
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Power metal guitarists and bassists generally play rapid streams of notes, but change chords comparatively slowly, with a harmonic tempo of once per measure or slower. Fast and technically demanding guitar solos, however, are almost guaranteed. The slow changing of chords is significant in defining power metal just as the fast rapid chord changes often define traditional thrash metal. Power metal often makes use of Major chord progressions as well as circle progressions. Some of the most influential and acclaimed power metal guitarists are Kai Hansen of Gamma Ray, Michael Weikath of Helloween, and Timo Tolkki formerly of Stratovarius. It is a common trait in power metal for the bass guitar to take a back seat, so to speak; often simply providing the chord root notes and being drowned out by the more prevalent rhythm guitars. However, some power metal bands incorporate bass that is more audible with colorful patterns distinct from the rhythm guitars, such as Helloween, Hibria, and Symphony X.

Many power metal drummers play double bass patterns with either two bass drums, or utilize a double bass pedal; using them to play a constant stream of sixteenth notes (semiquavers) with snare drum accents on the beat, a style not restricted to, but most often associated with, power metal. The style was used by drummer Ingo Schwichtenberg of Helloween, setting a blueprint for many other drummers to follow. Others, such as the drummers of Blind Guardian and Iced Earth, use a more thrash metal style of drumming with rapid bursts of double bass that involve three to six beats with the double kick.

Power metal bands often incorporate keyboards into their musical arrangements, something popularized by Jens Johansson of Stratovarius (though their prominence varies). Some power metal bands also record with symphonic elements, and as such, they utilize a full orchestra to fill the role usually played by the keyboardist.

Styles

American style

Riot - Thundersteel (sample) Music sample of Riot's "Thundersteel" from their 1988 album Thundersteel, an early example of USPM.
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The American branch of power metal emerged in early 1980s in the United States, drawing influence primarily from traditional metal and the NWOBHM. Though very close to its roots, US power metal (often abbreviated USPM) is often faster and more energetic than traditional heavy metal, with a more riff-driven approach and a relative lack of keyboard usage compared to its later European counterpart. However, it is often more melodic than thrash metal, with a greater emphasis on guitar leads. USPM is also notable for its widespread (but not universal) use of high-register operatic vocals, a trend which would continue with the rise of European power metal in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This style is not exclusive to North America, as European bands such as Sacred Steel, Majesty, and Australian band Pegazus later adopted a style inspired by USPM bands in the 1990s.

The early releases of progressive metal bands Queensrÿche and Fates Warning, such as The Warning (1984) and The Spectre Within (1985), heavily influenced a number of bands that were to develop a common sound towards the late 1980s. Among the better known representatives of the style, such as Manowar, Vicious Rumors, Virgin Steele, Riot, or Jag Panzer, a small number of bands enriched their sound with progressive and epic elements (the most obvious examples being Crimson Glory, Savatage, Sanctuary and the epic doom metal band Cirith Ungol); or even with thrash metal elements, e.g., Iced Earth. US power metal saw a sharp decline in popularity at the beginning of the 1990s, though the style has rebounded somewhat in the past decade, with bands such as Liege Lord or Heir Apparent reforming for live performances and many, such as Helstar and Omen, still releasing new material.

European style

Rhapsody - Wisdom of the Kings (sample) A brief sample of the track 'Wisdom of the Kings' from Symphony of Enchanted Lands, the second album of band Rhapsody illustrates European stylings as well as aspects of symphonic power metal
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Italian band Rhapsody of Fire performing in Buenos Aires in 2010

European power metal originated from speed metal and the NWOBHM, emerging in late 1980s, particularly in Germany, with Helloween, Running Wild, Rage, Grave Digger, and Blind Guardian. The second and third Helloween albums; Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part I (1987) and Part II (1988) are usually considered the first proper European power metal albums. Alongside the early German bands came Finland's Stratovarius in late 1980s. These bands pioneered the genre, but took it in somewhat different directions. Helloween, followed by early Gamma Ray, mixed fast palm muted speed metal riffs with high-pitched clean vocals, and with a strong focus on melody and uplifting, positive themes. Stratovarius further developed this melodic direction by making heavy use of keyboards, with lyrics dealing with emotions and personal issues. Blind Guardian utilized the technique of vocal and guitar overdubbing to create an epic atmosphere, with lyrical content strongly based on fantasy novels, myths and legends. The symphonic and neo-classical elements also found their way through power metal with bands like Rhapsody of Fire (Italy), Serenity (Austria) and Nightwish (Finland). At the same time, bands such as HammerFall simplified their power metal to bring it closer to traditional heavy metal.

Over the late 90s and early 00s, power metal spread over Europe especially as well as the rest of the world, often incorporating new influences. Italy's Elvenking, Sweden's Falconer, Spain's Mägo de Oz, and Denmark's Wuthering Heights integrated elements of folk music with power metal. Angra, Kamelot, and especially Symphony X are known for combining progressive and power metal. Some bands are known for combining power metal with more aggressive musical forms; Children of Bodom were one of the earliest who combined elements of power metal and an early form of melodic death metal.

European-style power metal became widespread in comparison with US style as of the mid 1990s, with numerous North American bands such as Theocracy, Borealis, Forgotten Tales, Avian, Pharaoh, Circle II Circle, and Kamelot demonstrating the style. This European style of power metal is sometimes considered the "second wave" of power metal since its spread was in the late 1980s and especially the mid-late 1990s rather than proliferating throughout the 1980s, and the widespread influence and development of the genre that came in its tow while US "first wave" style markedly declined.

See also

References

  1. Neo-classical & Power Metal (progrockandmetal.net)
  2. Sharpe-Young, Garry (2003). A–Z of Power Metal. Rockdetector Series. Cherry Red Books. ISBN 978-1-901447-13-2. "Riffs became labyrinthine, vocals scorched higher altitudes—and they even managed to crank out some more volume."
  3. Power Metal (guitarmasterclass.net)
  4. Sharpe-Young, Garry (2003). A–Z of Power Metal. Rockdetector Series. Cherry Red Books. ISBN 978-1-901447-13-2. "American metal such as Queensrÿche, Attacker, Jag Panzer, Iced Earth, Liege Lord, and Savatage; European bands such as Helloween, Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian, Running Wild, and Grave Digger;"
  5. Metal – A Headbanger's Journey, DVD, ASIN B000FS9OZY (2005).
  6. Dunn, Sam. "Metal Evolution, Episode 110: Power metal". VH1. Archived from the original on 20 September 2015. Retrieved 2 July 2012.
  7. Irwin, William (2013). Irwin, William (ed.). Black Sabbath & Philosophy: Master of Reality. Wiley-Blackwell. p. 83. "Power metal may in general have Iron Maiden as its main prototype, but actually the first two releases from Black Sabbath's Dio-era Heaven and Hell and Mob Rules, were an influence on Iron Maiden, and remain important references for today's power metal bands.
  8. Marco. "Marco's Guide to USPM Part 1". Ride Into Glory. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
  9. Sharpe-Young, Garry (2007). Metal: The Definitive Guide : Heavy, NWOBH, Progressive, Thrash, Death, Black, Gothic, Doom, Nu. London, England: Jawbone Press. p. 262. ISBN 978-1-906002-87-9.
  10. Helloween – Biography
  11. ^ DiVita, Joe (2 July 2020). "Who Really Invented Power Metal?". Loudwire. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  12. What Is Power Metal? Archived 25 April 2009 at the Wayback Machine (about.com)
  13. Stagno, Mike. "Wintersun review". Sputnik Music. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
  14. Helloween cover Queen's song 'Sheer Heart Attack' (Blabbermouth net)
  15. ^ Sharpe-Young, Garry (2003). A–Z of Power Metal. Rockdetector Series. Cherry Red Books. ISBN 978-1-901447-13-2.
  16. "Top 7 Mind-Blowing Metal Keyboard Solos". www.ultimate-guitar.com. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  17. Blum, Jordan (13 March 2024). "The 10 Best Prog Metal Guitar + Keyboard Duos". Loudwire. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  18. Power-Progressive Metal (American style) (progarchives.com)
  19. "Reunited Liege Lord to Headline Next Year's Keep It True XVI Festival".
  20. What Is Power Metal?, by Dan Marsicano Archived 25 April 2009 at the Wayback Machine (about.com)
  21. Wang, Albert. "Albert's Beginner's Guide to Symphonic Metal". Retrieved 2 November 2016.

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