| Power metal | |
|---|---|
| Stylistic origins | NWOBHM, speed metal |
| Cultural origins | Early–mid 1980s, Germany |
| Typical instruments | Vocals − electric guitar − bass − drums − keyboards |
| Mainstream popularity | Medium in Europe, Japan and South America; Underground in North America |
| Fusion genres | |
| Symphonic metal - progressive metal - folk metal - neo-classical metal | |
| Regional scenes | |
| Epic power metal - Melodic power metal | |
Power metal is a style of heavy metal music combining characteristics of traditional metal with thrash metal or speed metal, often within symphonic context. The term refers to two different but related styles: the first pioneered and largely practiced in North America with a harder sound similar to speed metal, and a later more widespread and popular style based in Europe (especially Germany, Italy, Scandinavia), Brazil and Japan (early Visual Kei bands) with a lighter, more melodic sound and frequent use of keyboards.
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Musical characteristics
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Power metal is today associated with fast tempo and melodic harmonies, the sound tempered by characteristics of speed metal, power metal's musical forerunner.
Vocals
Power metal is highly focused on the vocalist, in which most usually consists of high singing vocals.
Instrumentation
Power metal guitarists and bassists generally play heavy riffs, but change chords comparatively slowly, with a harmonic tempo of once per measure or slower. Fast and demanding guitar solos, however, are almost guaranteed. Power metal often makes use of Major chord progressions as well as circle progressions.
Types of power metal
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Epic power metal
"Epic power metal"[1]emerged in 1980s United States as an offshoot of thrash metal and heavy metal. It is usually fast, heavy, and aggressive, with a distinct epic 'fighting' feel. 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 metal movement.
Examples: Manowar, Iced Earth
Melodic power metal
Originating from New Wave of British Heavy Metal, "melodic power metal"[2] emerged in 1980s Europe with Germany's Helloween and Finland's Stratovarius in the 1990s, with a strong focus on melody and uplifting, positive themes. Helloween mixed fast palm muted speed metal riffs with high-pitched clean vocals and guitar. The album Keeper of the Seven Keys Part 1 was an album that made a staple for the birth of power metal. Stratovarius further developed this melodic direction by making heavy use of keyboards and neo-classical guitar solo duels which are now prevalent in almost all power metal. 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 high fantasy imagery as well as sometimes developing a more emotional, romantic edge. The style has become one of the largest metal subgenres and its popularity is far from waning. The United States also has its share of European style power metal bands, an example of which is Kamelot. It should be noted that some other power metal bands put less emphasis on speed.
Examples: Helloween, Stratovarius, Blind Guardian
See also
References
- ^ Also known as "American power metal" and "North American power metal".
- ^ Also called European power metal
External links
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