Top 10 Best Power Metal Bands

A very good argument could be made for Nightwish, Helloween, Stratovarius, or even Judas Priest or Iron Madien simply because of the huge influence that they have had on the development of Epic Power metal. But Blind Guardian is The band Against which all other power metal bands are measured, they set the bar and they set it high. Not only does the singer have an amazing voice but they also have a large variety of music ranging from folk rock like Skalds and Shadows, Curse my Name, or the Bard's Song (In the Forest) to Symphonic Power Metal like The Wheel of Time or Sacred Worlds. They play fantastic Power-prog like Fly, and Nightfall in Middle Earth is just a class all its own. Even their old speed metal stuff is excellent. It is hard to pick a best Power Metal band but if pressed, Blind Guardian definitely has the best resume.

The band that got me in to metal. There is no other band that can compare with Blind Guardian when it comes to power, skill, originality, and evolution. And they did that while keeping and refining their core sound. They don't release an album every year to make money, they spend years on each album making them sound just the way they want. On their last album, they took a stab at orchestrating a few songs, combining classical instruments and traditional heavy metal in mind-bending ways.

Blind Guardian forever!

Blind Guardian is a great band. Hansi, the lead vocals, has a great voice. The guitarists keep the tunes fresh and the percussion has an empowering feeling. Their early albums have fast beats, with the Bards, as the band is referred to (search for "The Bard's Song" and you'll see why) beginning to produce songs that feel even more epic starting with their album "Nightfall in Middle-Earth". "At the Edge of Time" is one of the best albums I have ever heard from any music band.

Blind Guardian Saved my life from the horrible music that was being shoved down our throats in America in the early 90's.. they are the masters of their craft and their live shows, let's just say, I'm in a wheel Chair because of Advanced R.A and I was still out of my wheel chair for most the concert, and everyone is just so happy at their concerts, no fights.. it's a very enjoyable activity and the music, Hansi I told you this when I met you, your voice is a gift from God and I've enjoyed every single song you've sung.. thank you for making life a little more bearable

Halloween just does power metal better than anyone else! They don't take anything to far (don't get cheesey) and have aged better than any other power metal band out there.

Helloween is the best power metal band and is still excellent today, unlike many metal bands... The last Helloween albums are better than those of the heavy gods (Iron maiden, Judas priest), and I think I even prefer Helloween's career. Underrated and unforgettable Crimson Glory's first two albums are pure art, at least equally good than the Keepers, but Helloween has made so many great works and still has so much to offer...
In the power genre, Iced Earth, early Queensryche, and then Blind Guardian are great too.

Is justification really necessary for putting Helloween at the top of this list? Well if it is, here's what I have to say: They are probably the most consistent power metal band around. Most power metal bands with careers as long as Helloween have several albums that leave you scratching your head, but Helloween has far fewer than most. Also, they are willing to explore different territory on different albums. I don't think I really need to say more.

I know some of you hardcore fans are going to flip out like... Dude?. Why the heck is helloween so low on the list?. Well I will tell you... These guys are a great band, with tones of potential. Being around since the mid to late 80s I'm thankfull they payed so much contribution to this genre of metal. But hears the thing, though I'm a huge fan of their style of heavyness, I'm not much of a fan of their singer. He just doesn't sound all that appealing to me, his vocals just sound Akward and sometimes uncomfortable to me. Like that one singer from iron maiden that stayed around for like two albums deus x and some other album I don't remember nor find worth mentioning. I would Also like to add that this band can have cheesy lyrics from time to time. But it's worth noting that you can only play fantasy lyrics for so long till it sounds like the same hansel and grettle story mommy and daddy told you when you were a wee little tike. But don't get me wrong, this just my opinion, so don't ...more

There are just so many good bands in Power Metal. I could've picked Hammerfall, Blind Guardian, Primal Fear, Crimson Glory etc. I went with Sabaton because I think they're the definition of power metal. They sing about so many interesting topics such as War and History. Joakim is also a powerful vocalist whose voice sounds beautiful and bombastic at the same time.

I absolutely love Sabaton. I love their style and their live performances. And they write songs about history, unlike many others. I think they get so much hate because they're successful and popular, and they don't have the sort of "power" in thrash metal. Like new and popular metal bands often receive hate from the old, conservative fans, but I think when this band gets as old as Iron Maiden, they're gonna be one of the best bands ever. by the way, if you like historical lyrics, why not check Civil War? Their founding members are former members of Sabaton that can't keep up with the preforming rate (they wanna spend time with their families and friends).

Fantastic power metal from Sweden. Unlike the fantasy-inspired lyrics found in much power metal, Sabaton prefer to write about war, and their lyrics usually convey this very well: "Through the gates of Hell/As we make our way to Heaven/Through the Nazi lines/Primo Victoria/On the 6th of June/On the shores of western Europe/1944/D-Day upon us". The only problem I have ever had with this band is that the guitarists never seem to get their chance to truly shine.

Truly the most powerful music there is currently. If you need a good natural injection of pure energy and power just listen to The Lion From The North, it will get your heart pumping pure adrenaline and it is more effective then caffeine in the morning. I also consider it the Epic Metal Battles Of History. I think I just came up with the perfect name for their future album right there.

Dragonforce get way to much hate and criticism just because of how fast and melodic their songs are. Its like if somebody tries something that sounds outrageous there's always going to be people who will hate it. But the only reason that people hate on DF is because they are just brilliant at what they do (Gotten better)

I personally think that dragon force is what power metal should be all about with its fast paced songs with melody, long guitar fast technical guitar solos, they even have some fast keyboard solos and even a bass solo in body breakdown. But most of all the sound effects they create and perform live is truly unique.

I can't think of any other band in the power metal category that make their own sound effects. I think other bands should take note of them especially as they are one of a few power metal bands that have achieved mainstream success.

They don't always make stupidly fast songs and Three Hammers is a great example of that. It shows that ...more

This is the first power metal band I ever listened to. DragonForce will always be the king of power metal to me. They are original with their music and lyrics. DragonForce has a powerful effect on me. Their songs never fail to leave me awestruck. I could listen to them all day. DragonForce hasn't been phased by today's "cool" label. They're unique, and they aren't afraid to express themselves in different ways. DragonForce is the most amazing power metal band ever!

These were the guys that got me into power metal. If it wasn't for them I might not know any of these other amazing bands in this list, so I guess they mean a lot to me in that sense.

On top of that, I love all their stuff, have all their albuns and can't help but lose my self in just about every single song.

And to top it, seeing them live shed a light onto the dark rumours that haunt them, because they blew me away. All this make Dragonforce the most awesome band to me.

Hammer fall. This band sounds like a Norris tale to be told to you're children's children's children. It has songs so Harry you're kids will grow premature beards by just hearing a few seconds of one of these guys songs. That's all I have to say about this band. So just listen to these guys and you will understand what I'm saying.

Iced Earth is one of, if not THE, most underrated band ever. Jon Schaffer is a genius and one of the best guitar riff writers of all time. Even though I'm still a huge fan of their new stuff, it's hard to argue that their old material is their best. Anybody that doesn't know them should start with"Days Of Purgatory" which takes the best songs from their first few albums and re-records them with a better line-up and MUCH better singer, Matt Barlow. Barlow is up there with the greatest singers in history (do you notice a "this band is the greatest _____ of all time" formula occuring here). I respect him so much I named one of my pets Barlow. It's tough trying to decide who wins in a Iced Earth vs Blind Guardian debate but I think I'd give the edge to Iced Earth by a very small amount

John Schaffer is the best rhythm guitarist the world has to offer, his music is my food, the band is my life.. Their songs are epic and composed with passion, The band's nonesuch altering rhythms and metronomes within it's songs, and their superb and mobilizing galloping techniques are nowhere to be seen. My favourites are Dante's Inferno, The path I Choose, Travel in Stygian, Pure Evil, Stormrider, I Died For You, My own Savior, Question Of Heaven, Dracula, The Hunter, Desert Rain, The Coming Curse, Ten Thousand Strong, Birth of the Wicked, Angels Holocaust, Melancholy, Reckoning Don't Thread on Me, Dystopia, Burning Times, Brainwashed, Dark Saga, Iced Earth, The Last Laugh, Prophecy,1776, Stand Alone, Vengeance is Mine, When The Night Falls and many others and if the motto of power metal is "power" then you may count Iced Earth in power metal bands as you may easily draw that power from Iced Earth, one more thing, In my point of view the pure power metal song of iced earth is ...more

Iced Earth is the absolute best power metal band from the US. They have also had some of the greatest vocalists to grace this godly subgenre: Matt Barlow, Tim "Ripper" Owens and Stu Block. They are also masters of composition and Jon Schaffer has written numerous incredible riffs. They deserve to stand eternally among the likes of Helloween and Blind Guardian.

Whether or not Iced Earth is truly 'power metal' is questionable- at least half of their albums I would probably class more under 'thrash metal. ' However, going by their power metal side, Iced Earth is worthy of being one of the top power metal bands.

One of the best power metal band in the whole world! Full of speed notes combined with a very cool keyboard, in which is found a lot of smoothes melodies. For whom that likes songs made of riffs that remember the medieval time with a strong personality, that is the right one for listening!

Very few bands can make songs as melodic and lyrics as thought-provoking as early Sonata Arctica, with greats like Don't Say a Word, Fullmoon, Kingdom for a Heart, Letter to Dana, Mary-Lou, Replica, San Sebastian, Victoria's Secret, Wolf & Raven. And honestly, their new stuff isn't too bad either.

Having 14 albums total the Sonata Arctica is possible the best bands of power metal. Been with at their concert of 'Reckoning Night' and it is amazing music to sight. Great in School it appears as also. Awesome team the Sonata Arctica they do real good.

One of the most under rated music such as with hoobastank. Would not expect something so friendly to be so unknown. Anyhow they would have the applause from here again. Good rendition of music to the Sonata Arctica.

I've no idea why people put Iron Maiden in Top Ten power metal band list. I agree that Maiden is one of the greatest NWOBHM band so far, but obviously it's not a speed/power metal band. Any mean necessary, one of the best songs of Hammerfall, is my very first song of listening to power metal and it made me to become a huge fan of power metal. I also like all the bands on this top 10 list but Hammerfall is my most favorite power metal band. I think they should be at the top 3 place of the list because of their epic songs like Glory to brave, Hammerfall, Hearts on Fire, Any Mean Necessary and... Well, almost all of their songs are epic. Let the hammer fall on the haters!

Hammerfall really turns things around with their newest album Hammer of Dawn 2022. They use to have songs like 'Let The Hammer Fall' which are kind of too obvious for the band name. The new album is much cleaner and more well together giving the band back what it needs to escape those poorer songs and albums once again.

1- Hammerfall
2- Avantasia
3- Nightwish
4- Manowar
5- Helloween
That's my top 5, with Stratovarius and Edguy right on the edge. I respect Blind Guardian as a #1 choice, but most of their songs just don't do it for me.

There is no song that I do not like coming from this band. Sure I have some better like than others but can listen everything from Hammerfall. That I can not say on any other band.

Hunting High and Low, The Unbreakable, Black diamond... Stratovarius has way better songs than most of the power metal bands... Why are they so low in the list... They should be in #4 if not in top 3...I heard these guys back in 2003 at Tuska Open in Helsinki and believe me... They really do capture the audience...just like iron maiden which is my favorite followed by stratovarius

Seeing them so far down the list really shooked my mind. They've been around for more than 3 decades, and have influenced plethora of power metal bands that popped up over time. Despite being such an influential, and a musically tasteful band they're not rated properly, which is also apparent on other ranking, and opinion based music websites.

Stratovarius changed my view on power metal for the good. They are most definitely the best power metal band I have ever listened to! Especially albums like Nemesis and Visions. I could listen to those all day and never grow old of it. Listen to the songs "Black Diamond" and "Legions" on Visions.

Fun to listen to, it has many great albums brand new - Polaris, Elysium, Nemesis, Eternal and year 2000 the album named Infinite - all finest albums. Bands similar to are Sonata Arctica and Gamma Ray.

I'm not to fond of metal bands with chicks in them, now don't get me wrong, I'm not sexist. I have tried time after time listening to metal bands with chick singers in them, but unfortunately most of them fail to deliver that aggression that I like in my metal. But out of the so few metal bands with chick singers this actually one of them. This band is aggressive, heavy and overall appealing to the ears as far as power metal goes. So if you are not as much a fan of chick leading metal band as I am. Give these guys a try, you won't be disappointed.

One of the best metal bands to ever emerge from Finland for sure. Until they lost their minds and decided to "replace" Tarja Turunen ("replace" being in quotations since this task is utterly impossible), they were fantastic. Songs like The Kinslayer, The Phantom of the Opera and so many others are just essential symphonic power metal. Everything about this band (in its TRUE form) is amazing - the guitar, the bass, the keyboards, the drums and the vocals of both Tarja Turunen and Marco Hietala. Nightwish may only be number 4 for power metal, but they are number one for symphonic power metal.

I don't understand what you people are talking about. Nightwish became real power metal only with their album Imaginaerum. With Tarja it was mostly sad and depressive gothic style emotional songs, Dark Passion Play was written mostly by Marco and Nightwish (without Anette) and when Anette got to write an album it became all about fairytales just as it should be in power metal. So Nightwish with Tarja was a great band worth listen to but for me as a true and clean power metal lover they became great only with last album. With Floor Jansen now replacing Anette and knowing Floor's work I doubt that Nightwish will ever become true power metal band ever again because it seems that those guys are not into fantasy.

Even though I don't like Power Metal, Nightwish is my favorite band of all time! But, obviously, Nightwish is more of a Symphonic Metal band. Of course, they do Gothic Metal (which my favorite music genre due to the fact I'm Goth), Folk Metal, and, of course, Power Metal. And oddly, I love all of their songs but I don't think Power Metal fits the band. I'm not saying that because I don't like Power Metal, I just don't know why I think that Power Metal doesn't fit them.

Roy Khan, the vocalist, makes this band.

Most metal vocalists are just gravelly-voiced or know how to hype up the audience, which are good skills in their own right, but no other metal bands have the operatic pipes of Roy Khan.

He is comparable as a male Tarja Turunen.

In addition, the songwriting of Kamelot is very noteworthy. Their albums aren't just about their feelings or lives, but they correspond with underlying stories.

If you're interested, check out songs like "The Haunting" and "March of Mephisto". Those are my favorites.

I think Kamelot stand out from the crowd of power metal, mixing in a darker and more progressive vibe to their music. Both Rhoy and Tommy have amazing voices, and the soloing style is amazing between Thomas and Oliver. Most of their albums I believe are concept albums as well, which contain darker lyrics, which I like a lot. Though I like many power metal bands, Kamelot are my favourite but not necessarily for being a typical power metal band.

For me, it is one of the rare band that released an album, I listen to it, and I like every songs! I always think they couldn't do better, but they impressed me every time. III Ways to Epica will be my favorite song forever and there is a lot of songs from Kamelot that give me chills when I listen to it. Roy Khan had bring a intense touch with his powerful voice and Tommy managed to match him perfectly. Epic band, love them!

Kamelot is very unique to me, they don't have that generic power metal voice; however, they make up much more from Khan's voice. They have a huge variety of songs in a single album. I won't criticize other bands, I'll just praise Kamelot. If it comes to a list, I want diversity in it, not just being subtle aspects that judge superiority.

I wanted to vote for Sabaton, but that is an obvious choice. Their lyrics prove that these guys are absolute lyrical geniuses. Powerwolf also makes songs that are extremely catchy, such as Prayer in the Dark and Resurrection by Erection.

Okay half the bands in the top ten aren't even power metal! Iron maiden? Night wish? Sorry but symphonic metal and heavy metal do not a power metal band make. Anyway these guys are pretty sick and definitely my favorite straight up power metal band.

This is the number 1 power metal band, this is TRUE power metal and there are few who can match it!

Their songs are great, especially if you listen to the lyrics and make an understanding for the whole thing.

And by the way, what is iron maiden doing here?

My goodness very very underrated this band is. I think it's mainly because they are relatively new. Anyway, Powerwolf will rise to the top. Sabaton and Powerwolf are the best, their modern theme and voice and instrumental give mme chills which old power metal bands don't have.

Some guy put Iron Maiden in this list, that's good because Iron Maiden is actually power metal; but if Iron Maiden is here, Judas Priest also should be here in second...
Rhapsody of Fire is a really great symphonic power metal band, I started to listening them about one year ago, and now they are one my favorite power metal bands with their awesome sound. My favorite thing from them are their solos, made LUCA TURILLI! If you haven't heard any song from them, you should start with "Emerald Sword" and "awn of Victory"

Rhapsody, Gamma Ray, Symphony X, Iced Earth - and to some extent, Skyclad - were the bands that got me back into heavy metal after about a 5 year drought (for me) starting in the early nineties. But Rhapsody/Turilli are (still) the best of the lot (in my opinion) - though I have to say, they're just not the same since Luca left to form his own version of Rhasody... which I'm super stoked about & can't wait for the new album!

Rhapsody of fire is on another level music wise, they have great catchy choruses, amazing guitar riffs and solos, and the keyboardist is one of the best out their, also they have released many great songs such as, Power of the dragon flame, Rain of a thousand flames, Holy Thunderforce, and the list goes on they should be #1 on this list.

This is one of those bands that you will love it or you will hate it.

It's incredible how epic is their sound and how talented are their members. My favourite metal band is Iron Maiden but I have to agree that in terms of talent RoF is the best metal band out there.

Fantastic band... Unfortunately they're not famous how much they deserve it...
So many good songs like Sacrifice, Tears Of A Mandrake, Lavatory Love Machine, Forever, Superheroes... Tobias Sammet is a music genius... Listen to the Avantasia and you will know what I'm talking about..

No other band that I have ever listened to has had as many amazing songs as Edguy have. They seem to put the same amount of effort into every song. If you like Edguy you must listen to Avantasia. Best Band Ever

Edguy is a very stereotypical power metal band, but they play the part well with consistently good releases and very catchy songs.

They are awesome! The only band that would produce a single about banging a stewardess on a plane before it crashes...

My absolute favorite band of all time. They don't have a single bad song. You can listen to any of their albums and love it (Though I personally recommend The Scarecrow, Angel Of Babylon and Ghostlights).

Definitely better than the majority of the other bands. Iron Maiden shouldn't be here because it is not power metal.

Avantasia is one of the most creative, heartfelt, and talented bands out there, which is why I'm surprised to see it ranked as no. 19 of the top power metal bands. I would personally rank them as no. 1, but a top ten spot would also work.

Avantasia so low? Why? They are one of the most epic bands I have ever heard and their last album, Ghostlights, is a masterpiece! Love them

I know, they sometimes come off as cheesy and strange, but especially "Battle Hymns", "Sign of the Hammer" and "Kings of Metal" are classics for a reason. Manowar clearly are a milestone in Power Metal and one of the Pioneer Bands. Yes, some of the things they do seem somewhat sexist and yes, their last few Albums were not that great, but when you take your time to realise, how great and important their pioneering role was, and when you don't take them to seriously, you will deferentialy appreciate them more. Personally, I would place the on top of this list, but they at least should be in the top 5

I may be alone in believing this, but in a way I view ManOwaR as an American version of Helloween, in the sense that they brought a raw powerful sound, and the fantasy side of the genre, as opposed to the more real life aspects of the music that Helloween focused on. I don't think they are the BEST but their influence on the genre as a whole shouldn't ever go without notice when power metal is discussed.

Either you'll absolutely hate ManOwaR, or you will dedicate yourself fully to their music and follow them to hell and back. I'm the second one. ManOwaR are truely the true metal kings. Once you get how cheesey a bit of the stuff is, you'll instantly be a Manowar fan for life. I'm going to get the Sign of the Hammer tattooed on my arm.

Manowar are the real Vikings of power metal, no question about it, and their music is really good, you will never found a boring song. They are as important as Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Accept and Saxon were for the power metal legacy.

The awesome shredding from Gus G. In the latest albums is killer! Along with the fact that they are all actually really good musicians, I too think they should be up there, I would say Iron Maiden is the best band of this list, well they're the best band of most lists, but they aren't really power metal, and I can see why people would think so, but I would see them more as NWOBHM to be honest, Firewind for me should be around the area of Stratovarious also

Amazing band! I agree with some of these bands being on this list, but I feel like Firewind should definitely be in the top five with songs like Mercenary Man. I could never get enough with listening to these guys. They're quite unique.

So underrated! Amazing band to listen to, recommend this band to all metal fans, should be top 5 at least! I mean come on, I am the anger is awesome!

Firewind should be 2nd, Blind Guardian is the undisputed no1, but man... Firewind deserves much more praise! in my opinion best of the rest!

Excellent band, should be higher - in my personal top 5 power/speed metal bands. They play an updated version of traditional metal of Judas Priest type but also power metal and speed metal (equal portions of those 3).

Songs are perfectly written and performed - memorable riffs, choruses, solos. Awesome twin lead guitars, harmonies. All band members show musicianship - remarkable vox, drums, guitars, bass.

Power and speed metal songs:
Riding the eagle, Where Angels Die, And there was Silence, Unbreakable-2, Demons And Angels.
Heavy metal songs:
King For A Day, Strike, All For One, Diabolus, Blood on your hands, Six Times Dead (16.6).

Primal Fear and Saxon are simply THE best Power Metal bands; no contest. Both radiate the sound of our own legends, Judas Priest. I'm going to get shot for this, but I think Scheepers has slightly more range than Halford.

I really don't understand how this band isn't higher on this list. Songs like "King For a Day" and "Blaze of Glory" are epic, expressive and extremely entertaining. Please give this band a listen.

Amazing band! Great music and exquisite vocals. Not sure if they are Power Metal though... they definitely sound different. Should be way on top of the list along with Gamma Ray, Helloween, Edguy.

How can I resist this. Symphony X should really be number 1, it has the most powerful Neoclassical sound in the world within one of the best Guitar Players and Singers, I should really say it is the most stupid List in the world within all the other ones..

Progressive Metal, Neoclassical, Power metal. Al of these three styles defines them quite well. Among one of my favorites bands of all time. I've listened to all of the top 10 bands, and I really think Symphony is the number 1!

Progressive AND powerful. They make songs that are not only fast, but also quite melodic. Russell Allen is undeniably a great singer. Power metal at its finest.

Though more progressive, Still a great band and really deserve the support. I listen to them every day and their power and beauty are downright EPIC!

To be onest... I don't know what the heck these guys are but they sound like power metal to me so... Yeah... I don't have much to say about these guys because as you can tell about what number these guys are in on this list. They are not my most preferable band to listen to. But when I'm in the mood, these are pretty fun, simple, and overall entertaining to listen to. And just to add for the fun of it, these guys have a hilarious but surprisingly metal cover of Britney Spears "oops I did it again".

Heey! What's wrong with you guys! They're the best power metal band and they play the best power metal! They should be at the top! Even thought their vocals is not goo but music is reeaallyy! Awweessome!

Not entirely power metal but it's got the good stuff we need for metal music!

What...they should be in the top10! This is one of the best power metal bands!
Don't they?

This is the band of Hansi Kürsch (Blind Guardian) and Jon Schaffer (Iced Earth) formed as a side-project, and offers the best of Blind Guardian and Iced Earth combined. Excellent power metal with no weak spots - a must listen.
Songs: Tear Down The Wall, Crimson King, Heaven Denies, Path Of Glory, Blood on my hands, My Last Sunrise, Fiddler On The Green.

Great power rock opera band! Great mix of heavy metal and symphonic-like vocals!

This band is awesome!

I've searched a lot to find some good Power Metal to listen. I already knew DragonForce and Nightwish... But since I discovered Theocracy's music, they became my favorite Power Metal band. And then I continued to search other Christian power metal bands to compare... Nothing could keep my attention more than them.

I mean everything is perfect with Theocracy: The performances, the supreme vocal capacity of Matt Smitt, the melodies, the harmonies, the soft parts, the hard parts, the lyrics so engaged! If you don't know them, just try and you'll never forget!

Hands down the best Christian power metal band... Which makes them arguably the best! Up there with other favorites like Helloween, Blind Guardian, and Kamelot (agreed that Maiden and Priest don't count).

Thes guys carry the aggression and melody that I love, but with a more down to earth message of Christianity in a form that incorporates the emotion of the songs all the more.

While I am a Christian, I usually stay away from Christian metal. But these guys are SOOO much better than most other Christian metal bands, which usually all sound the same.

Why this group is not a household name is beyond me. Publicity, problems? They add something different - power, melody and some thrash to some special ballads. Musically VERY accomplished. What the hell happened..?

Complex, deep and downright fascinating. A very underestimated band.

YEAH! The ultimate power metal band, been around for a long time. No funny synth, strings setting on a keyboard, or edited vocals. Pure Bass, Guitar, Drums, & vocals. 3 piece band.(Now a 4 piece, added vocalist). More stronger/muscular than a-lot of bands, never been signed to a big name record company. Always sounding REAL & EPIC. That's why these guys are my favorite PM band.

Most underrated band of all time. They had a great run in the 80's, releasing many great albums like Crystal Logic and Open the Gates. Listen to The Ninth Wave and UP THE HAMMERS!

The inventors of power metal. Awesome songs, top notch musicianship. They deserve a decent spot on this list. They are always so underrated. When Dio and Rainbow are not in the top 10 - that's really embarrassing.
Gates Of Babylon - a genre defining song.