Power Metal: The Heavy Metal Sound of the 80s

Power Metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that combines the heavy sound of metal with the speed and aggression of punk rock.

Power Metal History

The term “power metal” was coined in the early 80s to describe a new style of heavy metal that was influenced by the speed and sounds of traditional heavy metal, but with a more melodic approach. This style of metal often features high-pitched vocals, fast guitar riffing, and double bass drumming. Power metal is known for its positive and uplifting lyrics, which are often about fantasy or science fiction.

Origins in NWOBHM and USPM

The history of power metal can be traced back to the early 1980s, with the rise of two distinct subgenres: UK-based new wave of British heavy metal (NWOBHM), and US-based speed and thrash metal. NWOBHM bands like Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Diamond Head were early pioneers of the genre, fusing traditional heavy metal with more aggressive, high-speed sounds. In the US, meanwhile, bands like Metallica and Megadeth were pushing the boundaries of speed and thrash metal with their blend of technique and raw power. These two scenes would come together in the mid-80s to form the foundation of power metal.

In Germany, a third subgenre was taking shape in the form of melodic heavy metal. Bands like Helloween and Blind Guardian combined the speed and aggression of power metal with catchy, hook-laden melodies. This German style would come to dominate power metal in the 1990s and beyond.

Today, power metal is one of the most popular subgenres of heavy metal, with bands like Dragonforce carrying on the legacy of jaw-dropping musicianship and fist-pumping anthems

The New Wave of British Heavy Metal

The New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) was a movement that started in the late 1970s and continued through the early 1980s. Bands such as Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Diamond Head were at the forefront of this movement, which blended the sounds of hard rock and heavy metal. The NWOBHM had a major impact on the development of power metal, as many of the bands from this movement went on to influence future power metal bands.

Power Metal Sound

Power metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that combines the heaviness of metal with the melodicism of pop music. It typically features fast tempos, soaring guitars, and dramatic vocals. Power metal is often based on fantasy or science fiction themes, and many power metal songs feature lyrics about fighting and overcoming evil.

The Heavy Metal Sound of the 80s

Power metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music characterized by a more aggressive sound, often with faster tempos, heavier guitars, and simulating grandiose Spandau Ballet-esque 1980s metal album covers.

The Power Metal Sound Today

Today, power metal is enjoying a resurgence in popularity, thanks to a new generation of bands that are keeping the sound alive. These bands are carrying on the tradition of writing complex, technical songs with catchy hooks and sing-along choruses. If you’re looking for some new power metal to check out, here are a few of the best bands keeping the sound alive today.

Power Metal Bands

Power metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that combines the powerfully distorted guitar-driven sound of metal with the fast tempos, highly emissions, and flourish of keyboard playing of traditional heavy metal. Power metal bands usually have adopted classical and heroic themes.

Maiden

Formed in East London in 1975, Maiden helped invent the sound of British heavy metal in the 1980s. The band’s lineup has changed over the years, but singer Bruce Dickinson and bassist Steve Harris have remained constant members. Maiden’s music is characterized by extremely fast tempos, intricate guitar work and Dickinson’s powerful operatic vocals. The band’s most well-known songs include “The Trooper,” “Aces High” and “Run to the Hills.” Maiden has released more than 20 studio albums, including 2016’s highly successful The Book of Souls.

Metallica

Metallica is one of the biggest and most influential heavy metal bands of all time. Formed in 1981, the group rose to prominence with their groundbreaking 1986 album, Master of Puppets. With hits like “Enter Sandman” and ” Sad but True,” the album cemented Metallica’s place as one of the most popular metal bands in the world. The band has since released nine more studio albums, including the multi-platinum selling 1991 self-titled record, known simply as “The Black Album.” Metallica has sold over 110 million albums worldwide and won nine Grammy Awards. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009.

Megadeth

Megadeth is an American thrash metal band from Los Angeles, California. The band was formed in 1983 by guitarist Dave Mustaine and bassist David Ellefson, shortly after Mustaine’s dismissal from Metallica. A pioneer of the American thrash metal scene, the band is credited as one of the genre’s “big four” with Anthrax, Metallica, and Slayer; Megadeth’s debut album Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good! was released in 1985. Despite its debut effort received a mixed response from critics, Megadeth rose to international fame with its next two albums, Peace Sells… but Who’s Buying? (1986) and So Far, So Good… So What! (1988). These albums were certified platinum in the United States for exceeding 1 million copies sold. Megadeth’s fourth album Rust in Peace brought their biggest commercial success in 1990; it debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and featured the singles “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due” and “Hangar 18”, which received heavy airplay on radio and MTV.

Power Metal Fans

As a power metal fan, you’re probably used to being misunderstood. Your taste in music is often seen as too theatrical, too over-the-top, and just too heavy. But you know there’s more to it than that. Power metal is about more than just the music- it’s about community, and about living life to the fullest.

The Power Metal Community

Power Metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music that began in the 1980s. Musically, power metal bands are often influenced by traditional heavy metal, speed metal, and progressive metal, and occasionally borrow elements from other genres such as folk music and classical music. Lyrically, power metal songs often deal with fantasy or epic themes.

The Power Metal community is a tight-knit group of passionate fans who love the genre for its high energy sound and positive lyrics. Power Metal fans are some of the most dedicated in the heavy metal scene, and they are known for their loyalty to their favorite bands.

If you’re new to Power Metal, we recommend checking out some of the genre’s classic albums, such as “Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I” by Helloween, “Heading Home” by Gamma Ray, or “The Legacy” by Testament. Welcome to the community!

Power Metal Festivals

Power metal fans can often be found at festivals dedicated to the genre. Some of the most popular include Wacken Open Air in Germany, Loud Park in Japan, and Bloodstock Open Air in England. These festivals usually feature a mix of well-known bands and up-and-coming acts, giving fans the chance to see their favorite groups perform live as well as discover new music.

Whether you’re a diehard fan or just getting into power metal, these festivals are a great way to experience the best the genre has to offer. If you’re lucky enough to attend one, you’re sure to have a blast – just be prepared for some serious headbanging!