I'm a metalhead at, um, heart (metalhead at heart?). But I'm not into most mainstream metal bands preferring instead lesser known bands in the power metal, symphonic metal, and progressive metal sub-genres. So I'm gonna give you a taste of my tastes. Whether you like it or not.
1. "Kingdom for a Heart" by Sonata Arctica
One of my favorite rock bands, Sonata Arctica is a power metal band hailing from Finland. "Kingdom for a Heart" is from the first album, Ecliptica (1999). The band plays a style marked by speedy guitars, soaring vocals, and ubiquitous keyboards.
2. "I Died for You" by Iced Earth
Iced Earth was founded in Tampa, Florida in 1984. Like Sonata Arctica, they are often classified as power metal. However, Iced Earth's brand of power metal (American power metal) is more influenced by thrash metal and therefore less "melodic" than their European counterparts. Interestingly, "I Died for You" is from an album (1996's The Dark Saga) based on the comic book character Spawn.
3. "April Rain" by Delain
A symphonic metal band fronted by a female vocalist, the Dutch band Delain balances heavy guitars, beautiful vocal melodies (almost pop-like), and symphonic flourishes via the band's keyboardist. Delain has a highly engaging style that is addictive. "April Rain" is from the 2009 album of the same name. And they actually have a music video for the song!
4. "Chance" by Savatage
Founded way back in 1978, Savatage started off as a fairly conventional heavy metal act. But as the years went by they began incorporating progressive, symphonic, and operatic influences into their music. "Chance", one of their most popular songs, is from their 1994 album "Handful of Rain". Oh, Savatage's better known alter ego is Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
5. "Forever" by Kamelot
Though three-fifths of the band members are American, Kamelot's brand of power metal is definitely more European in style (though perhaps it is most accurate to call them a symphonic metal band). Another act originally from Tampa, Florida, Kamelot really didn't "make it" until Norwegian vocalist Roy Khan joined the band for their third studio album. Khan, just about the best singer around, took Kamelot to the next level and they haven't looked behind since.
6. "On the Wane" by Sirenia
At the risk of alienating the five remaining readers of the Big Blog of Lists, I've included a song that employs death metal vocals. The song doesn't only employ death metal vocals as they also include pretty female vocals, choir vocals, and normal male vocals in the mix, too. But I want to warn you. Sirenia is a symphonic/goth metal band. I think they're awesome. Your mileage may vary.
7. "Dawn of a Million Souls" by Ayreon
Ayreon is a tricky band to describe. Not really a band, Ayreon is the musical project of Dutch musician Arjen Lucassen. Every Ayreon album features guest singers and musicians in multitude (some albums have featured over a dozen lead vocalists and twice that many guest musicians). Another aspect of Ayreon's music is the variety. You'll get one song that sounds like something a bard from the Middle Ages would play while the next song sounds like the Beatles and still the next one is a power metal rocker. Good stuff all the way around.
8. "Soldiers of the Wasteland" by DragonForce
British act DragonForce does straight-up European power metal better than anyone. Yeah, it's over-the-top and it sounds like these guys play a lot of Dungeons & Dragons while watching Krull, drinking mead, and sharpening their battle-axes. But so what? Their music is fun and they make no pretensions about who they are or what they play: it's fantasy-tinged power metal. Nothing more, nothing less.
9. "Used" by Pain of Salvation
Sweden's progressive metal outfit Pain of Salvation plays a highly complex yet engaging style that incorporates many forms of music. Dark, depressing, and envelope-pushing, POS is one of the most unique bands I've ever heard. Not for the feint-hearted.
That's it for now. If you like this list, maybe I'll write it's sequel soon.
