power metal
what it is
Power Metal is a generally up-beat metal genre consisting of fast guitar hooks and catchy tunes, often associated with neo-classical metal and progressive metal, and occasionally glam metal. The earliest influences of power metal are traced back to 1976 when the musical group Rainbow(led by Ronnie James Dio) released the track, "Stargazer". The track is widely considered the first power metal song.
✦ start here: albums
✦ who's making it, level by level
level 2 · the door
big names with a sharper edge
level 3 · one step out
cult favorites and indie darlings
level 4 · further
art pop, hyperpop, and the underground
level 5 · all the way
deep experimental
✦ make power metal a playlist
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questions
What is power metal?
Power Metal is a generally up-beat metal genre consisting of fast guitar hooks and catchy tunes, often associated with neo-classical metal and progressive metal, and occasionally glam metal. The earliest influences of power metal are traced back to 1976 when the musical group Rainbow(led by Ronnie James Dio) released the track, "Stargazer". The track is widely considered the first power metal song.
What are good power metal albums to start with?
Try Inhuman Rampage by DragonForce, The Last Stand by Sabaton, Visions by Stratovarius, and Blood of the Saints by Powerwolf.
Who are some women making power metal?
musicisforgirls.com/genres/power-metal/girls lists women, non-binary artists, and bands with women making power metal, from mainstream to underground.
genre notes from last.fm listeners · artists and albums from last.fm, updated 2026-10-19