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The Next Best Power Metal Albums Of All Time


If you already checked my previous list (http://metalstorm.net/users/list.php?list_id=312) and are aware about most of the albums on that list then you might want other solid power metal albums to check out. This is my list of 2nd line power metal albums that are really good and should be included in your musical library.

Notes:

- The first track in the favorite tracks description section of each album is usually my favorite on the album
- I avoided adding albums of bands that are included in the previous list

If you have a thing for stats like I do then countries by albums:

Germany - 7
Sweden - 5
Italy - 3
Finland - 2
USA - 2
Brazil - 1
England - 1
Netherlands - 1
Austria - 1
Mixed - 1

Created by: Mountain King | 04.01.2020



1. Victorius - Dreamchaser
(2014 - Germany) I am placing this album in the first not necessarily because it's the best in this list but due to the fact that it's not famous at all. This is a pretty solid piece of non-symphonic power metal that doesn't disappoint from start to end. The songs are enchanted with epic guitar solos that are impressive even to the tenured guitar player just like in "Speedracer" and the drum section adds to the intensity of the band's sound like in "Twilight Skies". To add to all the goodness, "Thomas Laszlo Winkler" of Gloryhammer shares vocal duties in "Dragonheart" and if you're into that 1 great ballad in your metal album just like myself, then you have one of the best ballads "Silent Symphony" on this record. Favorite tracks: "Where Ravens Fly" "Silent Symphony" "Speedracer" "Twilight Skies" Black And White"
2. Dreamland - Future's Calling
(2005 - Sweden) For the same reason, I am placing this album at number 2 because I feel that it's under appreciated. This is pure in your face Swedish power metal in the vein of Stratovarius and Hammerfall done in a very mature way and doesn't disappoint at all. Hearts Like Lions is one of the best openers I have ever listened to and Fade Away is a captivating ballad that doesn't fail to impress even your non-metalhead girlfriend. Favorite tracks: "Hearts Like Lions" "Fade Away" "Dreamland"
3. Theocracy - As The World Bleeds
(2011 - USA) This my favorite Theocracy album. The band matured it's sound and production in order to create some of the most memorable Power Metal anthems. Definitely, the highlight of this band are Matt Smith's vocals. Favorite tracks: "Nailed" "The Master Storyteller" "I Am"
4. Serious Black - As Daylight Breaks
(2015 - Germany) I fell in love with this band's debut since they released their first single "High And Low" and the whole album continues to improve until the end. If you are familiar with the band's later releases and haven't checked this one then do so. You will be in for a treat and it beats anything they did later on which could be partly due to the presence of Roland Grapow's (Masterplan ex. Helloween) and Thomen Stauch (ex. Blind Guardian). The band play German Power Metal done mastered by the great Urban Breed on vocals, Akhenaton being the best track the band has done and is usually the opener in their live concerts. Favorite tracks "Akhenaton" "Sealing My Fate" "As Daylight Breaks" "Listen To The Storm" "High And Low"
5. Mob Rules - Savage Land
(1999 - Germany) One of the best Power Metal albums and metal albums in general on the German metal scene. These guys started with 2 excellent albums that they never matched later on (although some later records were great as well). This is my favorite Mob Rules album and closely tied with the 2nd album "Temple Of Two Suns" however, I still consider this catchier and with more memorable songs. Just listen to the first 2 songs and tell me if you're not hooked! Favorite tracks: "Insurgeria" "Temple Of Two Suns" "Coast To Coast" "End Of All Days"
6. Shaman - Ritual
(2002) Andre Matos (R.I.P) striked back with another classic in 2002 after recording and fronting a few classics with his ex band Angra, one of Brazil's most famous metal bands. Ritual continues Andre's great songwriting trend, amazin piano fills and parts, high pitched vocals but also the whole band sounds great and they, like Angra, incorporate Brazilian and some tribal influences however, a different style so don't be afraid to stumble upon an Angra copy. Favorite tracks: "Here I Am" "Distant Thunder"
7. Aina - The Metal Opera - Days Of Rising Doom
(2003 - Netherlands) If you're looking to a Power Metal opera similar to the outstanding first 2 Avantasia albums then pick this one out! Has all the great metal vocalists like Michael Kiske, Glenn Hughes, Olaf Hayer etc... Favorite tracks: "Rebellion" "Oriana's Wrath" "Revelations" "Silver Maiden"
8. Freedom Call - Legend Of The Shadowking
(2010 - Germany) Freedom Call have released a couple of really good albums and are one of the most established power metal acts in the world. This album was the peak of the band's creativity and is the only showing a darker side of the band. Favorite tracks: "Out Of The Ruins" "Resurrection Day" "Merlin - Requiem"
9. Wizard - Odin
(2003 - Germany) Holy lord! What is this? It's not Manowar! This is the greatest album by Wizard and one of the best true power metal out there. Favorite tracks: "Powergod" "Loki's Punishment" "March of The Einheriers"
10. Falconer - Falconer
(2001 - Sweden) Many Falconer albums can be included here, but this album holds a special place because Falconer are one of the most unique bands in power metal. Mathias Blad's vocals forever grace Falconer albums with the great storytelling medieval vibe that is not absent on this record and the guitar is exception as usual. The solos have greatly improved since the beginning of the band so you're in for a treat. Favorite tracks: "Lord Of The Blacksmith" "Upon The Grave Of Guilt" "Mindtraveller"
11. At Vance - Dragonchaser
(2001 - Germany) Another band chasing something and not surprisingly, it's dragons! Don't be deceived by the album's title because you're not into any symphonic Rhapsody-like dragon stuff. This is neoclassical power metal with near guitar perfection that give Yngwie Malmsteen a run for his money. I might be slightly exaggerating however, Olaf Lenk is one of my favorite power metal guitarists and sure knows what solo to play over his awesome licks. People might prefer the "Only Human" album but I picked this record due the great impression the title track does on the listener and the great ABBA cover. Favorite tracks: "Dragonchaser", "Too Late", "Winner Takes it All [ABBA cover]"
12. Serenity - War Of Ages
(2013 - Austria) This was the first album I got into for this band back when "Wings Of Madness" was released as a single and I was hooked. Yes, there are some Kamelot influences but it's by no means a copy of Kamelot a definitely better than anything Kamelot have released post "Ghost Opera". The album starts with a great opener and continues relentlessly to deliver intense european power metal throughout. Definitely my favorite band http://metalstorm.net/bands/bandmembers.phpcoming from Austria and I am still following up with all their releases. Favorite tracks "Age Of Glory" "Wings Of Madness" "Symphony For The Quiet"
13. Bloodbound - Nosferatu
(2005 - Sweden) I was tempted to place "Tabula Rasa" here because it's more original and less Iron Maiden than this album however, in terms of songwriting and impression, this is the first album for Bloodbound that one should definitely check. Despite the Iron Maiden like twin guitar harmonies and the galloping sections, the band and mainly the singer Urban Breed who is currently fronting Serious Black, does a great job at creating an atmosphere of intensity & lust that you won't forget about it for some time. Favorite tracks "Behind The Moon" "Nosferatu" "Desdemonamelia"
14. Vision Divine - Stream Of Consciousness
(2004 - Italy) To be honest, all 3 albums with Michele Luppi on vocals can be added to this list and I was tempted to include "The 25th Hour" however, I realize that this album offers a more intense experience that is not easy to let go of. The title has nothing to do with Dream Theater. Michele Luppi is one of the best singers and Olaf creates some cool technical licks at times that leaves the listener asking for more. Favorite tracks: "La Vitta Fugge" "Shades" "Identities"
15. Orden Ogan - Easton Hope
(2010 - Germany) This band was one of the most original in the power metal genre back then and their sound can be described as a mix of Blind Guardian with Metalcorish riffs. This album is still my favorite from this band due to its consistency and interesting compositions. Favorite tracks: "Nobody Leaves" "Goodbye" "Nothing Remains"
16. Allen/Lande - The Great Divide
(2014 - Mixed) It's more generic than "The Battle" or "The Revenge" and the solos are generic Tollki minor harmonic scales but it's still great. I mean I enjoyed it more than the previous albums because Tolkki's style & progressions fit really high vocals and who is better at that than sir Russel Allen and Jorn Lande? The album is really solid thanks to the singers of course. The guitar does little to add to the album but it's still okay if you're not looking for odd time signatures and super technical riffing. Favorite tracks "Down From The Mountain" "In The Hands Of Time" "Dream About Tomorrow"
17. Arion - Last Of Us
(2014 - Finland) One of the very strong debuts in the power metal genre. These guys came with a vitality barely matched even by established acts. The singer strains himself at times reminding us that legends are not easily born but make not mistake, this is a great album. Favorite tracks: "Shadows" "Lost" "Watching You Fall"
18. Beast In Black - Berserker
(2017 - Finland) Power metal meets Rob Halford like vocals, with 80's disco beats, orchestrations thrown in the middle and an epic ballad "Ghost In The Rain" to make you dream of eternal fields of glory far away in a land unknown. Another great debut so check this album out if you like one of the aforementioned things. Favorite tracks: "Blind And Frozen" "Beast In Black" "Ghost In The Rain"
19. Last Tribe - Witch Dance
(2002 - Sweden) I think it was Magnus' first real band or at least definitely during his beginnings and this band managed to create 3 solid albums, out of which I consider this 2nd one in their discography as one of the excellent power metal albums out there. Just what you can expect from a Swedish power metal band, great vocals and melodies, catchy songwriting and choruses, add to that amazing guitar solos by the guitar wizard Magnus and you get a very underrated and amazing Swedish power metal album. Favorite tracks: "Wash Your Sins Away" "Messenger" "Man Of Peace"
20. DragonForce - The Power Within
(2012 - England) My favorite Dragonforce album and it is consistent and not repetitive at the same time, at least by DF standards. Marc Hudson, the band's second singer, brought a breath of fresh air to the band and the overall writing approach of the band is more musical than shredding wankery which was also a very welcome change from my side and others alike. Favorite tracks: "Last Man Stands" "Seasons" "Cry Thunder"
21. Labyrinth - Return To Heaven Denied
(1998 - Italy) Another Italian power metal record in this list, this one tends to be more classic sounding with your typical 90's double bass lines and soaring vocals. The strong point of this album is solid songwriting with pretty catchy choruses, great twin solo attacks with neoclassical infuences here and there and a nice ballad. Favorite songs: "Thunder" "Falling Rain" "New Horizons"
22. Armory - Empyrean Realms
(2003 - USA) One of the most consistent metal albums that I've ever heard. The singer reminds me of old Geoff Tate but in power metal at some points, but that's a good thing because the singer is really good with a considerable vocal range. The biggest strength point is the fact that the songs are very solid, varied and you always find something new with every repeated listed. Favorite tracks: "Eternal Mind", "Dreamstate" & "Elements Of Creation"
23. Magnus Karlsson's Free Fall - Magnus Karlsson's Free Fall
(2013 - Sweden) Usually solo albums even with guest musicians are almost always average compared to the artist's work in the original/main band(s), however Magnus does a great job and for me this ranks as his best work to date. He is a great composer and guitarist alike and many of the talented power metal singers that we all like are present on this album. Favorite tracks: "Stronger" "Higher" "Our Time Has Come" "Us Against The World "
24. Secret Sphere - Portrait Of A Dying Heart
(2012) This is my favorite Secret Sphere record. I think it's superior to the band's other strong albums with R. Messina on vocals, mainly due to the great production, better guitar sound and better songwriting overall. Favorite tracks: "X", "Secrets Fear" and title track instrumental album opener.



Disclaimer: All top lists are unofficial and do not represent the point of view of the MS Staff.
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