Listen: Power metal examples
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About Power metal
Power metal is a music genre that emerged in Europe in the 1980s. It is usually classed as a form of metal music.
Artists closely associated with the genre include Nightwish, Tarja Turunen, Sabaton, Helloween, Anette Olzon and Stratovarius.
Power metal has given rise to 1 subgenre on this site, such as Pirate metal.
From Wikipedia
Power metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music 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; and a later, more widespread and popular style based in Europe with a lighter, more melodic sound and frequent use of keyboards.
Genre family tree
Parent genres (↑) and subgenres (↓) of Power metal.
- ↑ metal music
- ↓ Pirate metal
Key artists
- Nightwish
- Tarja Turunen
- Sabaton
- Helloween
- Anette Olzon
- Stratovarius
- Sonata Arctica
- Rainbow
- DragonForce
- Blind Guardian
Frequently asked questions
What is Power metal?
Power metal is a music genre that emerged in Europe in the 1980s. It is usually classed as a form of metal music.
Where and when did Power metal originate?
Power metal originated in Europe in the 1980s.
Who are famous Power metal artists?
Nightwish, Tarja Turunen, Sabaton, Helloween, Anette Olzon and Stratovarius.