Power Metal Facts

Origins and early development

Power metal's groundwork was traced to the late 1970s, with Ronnie James Dio's fantasy-oriented lyrics for Rainbow and specific early songs cited as possible early examples. Rob Halford's high-pitched vocal delivery and Judas Priest's twin-guitar sound were noted as major influences on the developing style. Early influences also included Iron Maiden, Scorpions, Accept, Yngwie Malmsteen, and Manowar, and during the early 1980s a North American power metal style emerged from traditional heavy metal, the new wave of British heavy metal, and thrash and speed metal with acts such as Cirith Ungol, Jag Panzer, Manilla Road, Omen, Riot, Savatage, Metal Church, and Warlord contributing.

Evolution or diversification

The term "power metal" was first used in the mid-1980s to describe two related styles: an earlier North American style with a harder sound similar to speed metal and a later European style that was lighter, more melodic, and frequently used keyboards. The 1987 release Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part I by German band Helloween is cited as a landmark recording that influenced the European style, which proliferated globally and by the start of the 1990s became the most commonly heard style of power metal.

Cultural or musical significance

Power metal is associated with a faster, lighter, and more uplifting sound compared with extreme metal and is characterized by fast guitar riffs and drumming, twin melodies, operatic singing, anthemic songs with strong choruses, and frequent use of keyboards. These traits combine with fantasy-based subject matter to create a theatrical, dramatic, and emotionally powerful sound.