power metal Concerts

Find upcoming concerts of popular power metal touring artists.

Power metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that originated in the 1980s and gained popularity in the 1990s. It is characterized by its fast tempo, melodic guitar solos, vocals, and epic lyrical themes. Power metal often features fantasy, mythology, heroic narratives, and uplifting messages. In the early 1980s, more precisely around 1982 and 1983, a distinctive US power metal style surfaced, drawing inspiration from traditional heavy metal, the new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM), and thrash/speed metal. Bands like Cirith Ungol, Jag Panzer, Manilla Road, Riot, Savatage, and Warlord are often credited with influencing the initial evolution of this power metal style.

MUSICALITY

The genre incorporates elements from traditional heavy metal, classical music, and sometimes even folk music. As a result, power metal songs usually have fast-paced drumming, basslines, and intricate keyboard or orchestral arrangements that add depth and texture to the music.

As for the vocals in power metal, they are typically clean and melodic, often featuring high-pitched and soaring vocal ranges. The vocalists display a wide range of emotions, from powerful and majestic to emotional and introspective, complementing the epic and uplifting nature of the music.

THEMES

Lyrically speaking, power metal explores themes of heroism, fantasy, mythology, epic battles, and personal triumphs. The lyrics often transport listeners to imaginary worlds, telling tales of adventure, mythical creatures, and historical events.

The genre also emphasizes positive and empowering messages, encouraging listeners to embrace their inner strength, follow their dreams, and overcome adversity. Power metal lyrics often celebrate the power of unity, courage, and the triumph of good over evil.

For example, Saxon's "Crusader" lyrically paints a vivid picture of medieval chivalry and the Crusades, portraying a warrior's dedicated journey with anthemic calls to collective action and valor.

FAMOUS ARTISTS

Power metal has given rise to numerous influential bands and artists who have made significant contributions to the genre. Some notable power metal artists include Helloween, Stratovarius, Blind Guardian, Gamma Ray, Rhapsody of Fire, Sabaton, and Sonata Arctica.

By the mid-1990s, European-style power metal gained widespread popularity, surpassing its US counterpart, with bands like ElvenkingFalconerMägo de Oz, and Wuthering Heights helping the development of the genre in Europe.

North American bands, including Theocracy, Forgotten Tales, Circle II Circle, and Kamelot, also played a very important role in popularizing the genre among audiences in the United States.

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