Power metal

Power metal is a style of heavy metal music with the aim of evoking an "epic" feel, incorporating characteristics of primarily traditional metal along wit

Power metal is a style of heavy metal music with the aim of evoking an "epic" feel, incorporating characteristics of primarily traditional metal along with thrash metal or speed metal, often within a fantastic or (less often) symphonic context. There is some dispute about the term, which can refer to two different, but related styles: one pioneered and largely practiced in North America, and one based in Germany and Scandinavia. In contemporary usage, "power metal" generally refers to the European style, with American band Iced Earth being a notable exception.

American power metal, like European power metal, is influenced by Queen, Rainbow, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, and Queensrÿche. Some consider modern American bands like Iced Earth and Nevermore to be the descendants of this style, but others claim that the movement has ended, swallowed by better known styles such as thrash and European power metal. In the 80's bands such as Lizzy Borden and Savage Grace on the one hand, and Sanctuary, Crimson Glory and jag panzer on the other represented the U.S. power metal. Others consider the genre in America on the rise again, with fledging American power metal bands in places such as New York (home to Manowar, and pioneering NY band Virgin Steele). Florida's Kamelot has recently emerged as a forerunner in the genre with the release of their albums Epica and The Black Halo. However, it should be noted that musically, Kamelot resembles European power metal more closely. Following Kamelot, the Nebraska-based power metal band Cellador was signed in August of 2005 to Metal Blade Records, signalling a return of the style by a homegrown band to a noted record label in America, although their sound is also more similar to that of European power metal.