Interesting list, though I have to admit that I've only listened to about half of those bands (so much catching up to do), so I'll discuss the five I have listened to.

Stratovarius - As I mentioned on my list, I'm picky about my power ballads and Stratovarius' never really click with me. I think I'd sooner pick "Eternity" or "Phoenix," songs that feel epic but don't get lost in its own scope.

Sonata Arctica - I admit that I prefer their earlier stuff (their cover of "Still Loving You" is amazing!), but they've been a pretty interesting band to follow. I should probably listen to their later albums more.

Kamelot - Picking a favorite Kamelot song would be difficult indeed. I don't know if I'd go with Lost and Damned, but I'd be hard pressed to pick another. (I need to listen to the new album, too).

Nightwish - Once was one of the first metal albums I ever listened to, and was the one that cemented my interest in metal as a whole. I admit that I prefer Ghost Love Score, Dark Chest of Wonders, and I Wish I Had an Angel, but that whole album is full of great songs.

Hammerfall - I think it's amusing that you feel Hammerfall is cheesier than Manowar. Hammerfall was my first metal band and "Heeding the Call" will always be the first metal song I heard when I decided to really start listening to metal, so it will always hold a high ranking in my heart. "Fury of the Wild" was another that totally blew me away. (I guess I'm just not a power ballad guy.) It's a shame that their later albums haven't had quite the same magic.

Well, that's my thoughts for now. Maybe when I get around to those other bands, I'll add a few other thoughts.

Hey there, thanks a lot for your response!

Stratovarius - Maybe I buy in too much to their music. You and I seem to see very different on Stratovarius, and I find that very intriguing. I wonder what it is that separates our interests in this band's music.

Sonata Arctica - Their Scorpions cover of "Still Loving you" was one of my first favorite songs from them! It is indeed amazing. I do prefer their first two albums over the rest of their discography, but the song I mentioned above, "White Pearl, Black Oceans", somehow beats out all of their songs for me. If you're going to check out their later stuff, I'd recommend avoiding their latest release and sticking to Reckoning Night and Unia. The Days of Grays has a few cool tracks.

Kamelot - The new album features a new vocalist, if you weren't already aware. But listening to the new album without first knowing that information wouldn't shed any light on it...because he sounds just like Roy Khan! The new album is unsurprisingly astounding, as one would expect with Kamelot, and my favorite from it so far is "Leaving Too Soon".

Nightwish - "Ghost Love Score" would be my instant 2nd choice. It is one long ass song that is entirely worth listening to, and I absolutely LOVE the orchestrations. They aren't just thrown in there - they actually have purpose, and not just when accentuated.

Hammerfall - I admit that was probably an impulsive comment of mine, as I've only just come upon Manowar recently and listened to a few songs of theirs. Thus, not a fair comparison on my part. I'd have to agree you're not a power ballad guy. But that's okay - we all have our tastes.

Thanks again for commenting, I appreciate having someone else's opinion to counter my own and to conceive fruitful discussion. Come back soon!

Is this soon enough? Too soon? Anyways:

Written by Stunning Cactus on 17.07.2013 at 09:47

Stratovarius - Maybe I buy in too much to their music. You and I seem to see very different on Stratovarius, and I find that very intriguing. I wonder what it is that separates our interests in this band's music.

I actually consider Stratovarius (up to 2008) my favorite metal band. I've just never been into power ballads. Their other stuff is amazing.

Written by Stunning Cactus on 17.07.2013 at 09:47

Sonata Arctica - If you're going to check out their later stuff, I'd recommend avoiding their latest release and sticking to Reckoning Night and Unia. The Days of Grays has a few cool tracks.

Oh, I've listened to everything but The Stones Grow Her Name or whatever it is. I remember liking Unia, but they didn't stick quite as hard as the stuff on Ecliptica, which, let's be honest, was some catchy stuff. However, i have to respect Sonata Arctica. They showed up at time full of Power Metal bands and instead of just repeating the successful sound over and over again, they pushed off in their own, slightly progressive direction, which was pretty fascinating to follow. They've ended up with a pretty distinct sound over the years.

Written by Stunning Cactus on 17.07.2013 at 09:47

Kamelot - The new album features a new vocalist, if you weren't already aware. But listening to the new album without first knowing that information wouldn't shed any light on it...because he sounds just like Roy Khan! The new album is unsurprisingly astounding, as one would expect with Kamelot, and my favorite from it so far is "Leaving Too Soon".

I did know that, but I haven't gotten to it yet. After being disappointed by Ghost Opera and Poetry for the Poisoned, I'm under the impression that Silverthorn is a return to form (I saw the first music video for the album and liked what I heard). I just haven't gotten to it yet.

Written by Stunning Cactus on 17.07.2013 at 09:47

Nightwish - "Ghost Love Score" would be my instant 2nd choice. It is one long ass song that is entirely worth listening to, and I absolutely LOVE the orchestrations. They aren't just thrown in there - they actually have purpose, and not just when accentuated.

Agreed.

Written by Stunning Cactus on 17.07.2013 at 09:47

Thanks again for commenting, I appreciate having someone else's opinion to counter my own and to conceive fruitful discussion. Come back soon!

I'm sure if you dig through the comments I've made throughout the Metal Storm forums, you'll see that I like pushing buttons with critical thinking (though I have my fair share of stubbornness). I hope I don't come across as too bold, especially since I've only been listening to metal for about seven years and there is so much that I still haven't listened to. I just like talking about these kinds of things.

I love talking about it too. I appreciate your comments and welcome them. Carry on critically pushing buttons, my friend!

Written by bj_waters on 17.07.2013 at 20:43

Written by Stunning Cactus on 17.07.2013 at 09:47

Kamelot - The new album features a new vocalist, if you weren't already aware. But listening to the new album without first knowing that information wouldn't shed any light on it...because he sounds just like Roy Khan! The new album is unsurprisingly astounding, as one would expect with Kamelot, and my favorite from it so far is "Leaving Too Soon".

I did know that, but I haven't gotten to it yet. After being disappointed by Ghost Opera and Poetry for the Poisoned, I'm under the impression that Silverthorn is a return to form (I saw the first music video for the album and liked what I heard). I just haven't gotten to it yet.

It is definitely a return to form! And a fantastic return at that!