Top 10 Best Power Metal Bands

There are many power metal bands, some of which are pure power metal. But who will be considered the greatest?

The Top Ten

Blind Guardian

Blind Guardian is a German power metal band formed in the mid-1980s in West Germany. They are widely credited as one of the seminal and most influential bands in the power and speed metal subgenres. Heavily influenced by Queen, they use the technique of overdubbing and incorporate extensive orchestral... read more

A very good argument could be made for Nightwish, Helloween, Stratovarius, or even Judas Priest or Iron Maiden simply because of the huge influence 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 in a class all its own. Even their old speed metal stuff is excellent. It is hard to pick the best power metal band, but if pressed, Blind Guardian definitely has the best resume.
Helloween

Helloween is a German power metal band founded in 1984 in Hamburg, Northern Germany. The band is a pioneering force in the power metal genre, and their second and third studio albums, Keeper of the Seven Keys: Part I and Part II, are considered masterpieces of the genre. The group has continued to release... read more

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 as good as the Keepers, but Helloween has made so many great works and still has so much to offer.
In the power metal genre, Iced Earth, early Queensryche, and 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's 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.
Sabaton

Sabaton is a Swedish power metal band from Falun, formed in 1999. The band's main lyrical themes are war and historical battles.

I absolutely love Sabaton. I love their style and their live performances. 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.
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 going to be one of the best bands ever. By the way, if you like historical lyrics, why not check out Civil War? Their founding members are former members of Sabaton who couldn't keep up with the performing rate (they want to spend time with their families and friends).
Sonata Arctica

Sonata Arctica is a Finnish power metal band from the town of Kemi. Originally formed in 1995 as a hard rock band called Tricky Beans, they changed their name to Tricky Means before adopting the name Sonata Arctica in 1999 when their musical direction shifted toward power metal. Their debut album, Ecliptica... read more

One of the best power metal bands in the whole world! Full of speedy notes combined with a very cool keyboard, which produces a lot of smooth melodies. For those who like songs made of riffs that recall medieval times with a strong personality, Sonata Arctica is the right one to listen to!

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

DragonForce are a British power metal band based in London, England. Formed in 1999, the group is known for their long and fast guitar solos, fantasy-themed lyrics, and use of electronic elements to enhance their retro video game-influenced sound. Their 2006 song Through the Fire and Flames gained widespread... read more

DragonForce receives way too much hate and criticism just because of how fast and melodic their songs are. It's like if somebody tries something that sounds outrageous, there's always going to be people who will hate it. But the only reason people hate on DragonForce is that they are just brilliant at what they do. They have gotten better.
I personally think that DragonForce is what power metal should be all about with its fast-paced songs with melody, long, 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 are truly unique.
I can't think of any other band in the power metal category that makes their own sound effects. I think other bands should take note of them, especially as they are one of the 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 they are optimistic and look for new ways of music-making.
Yes, they aren't always amazing live (partly because they sometimes go too far by getting themselves drunk), but when they are, they really are amazing at what they do. They have gotten way better at performing live than how they used to be, and they do work really hard on their own songs.
And no, I don't think "Through the Fire and Flames" is their best song. I personally think it's overrated compared to a lot of the songs they have made, such as "The Last Journey Home" and "Cry for Eternity", which are two of my very favorite DragonForce songs. In fact, they have made a lot of songs that are way better than "Through the Fire and Flames".
Iced Earth

Iced Earth is an American heavy metal band from Tampa, Florida. It was formed in 1984 under the name Rose, then Purgatory, by guitarist and main songwriter Jon Schaffer and original drummer Greg Seymour. The band's music has also been described as thrash metal and power metal.... read more

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 isn't their best. Anyone who 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 lineup and a 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 occurring here?). I respect him so much I named one of my pets Barlow. It's tough trying to decide who wins in an Iced Earth versus Blind Guardian debate, but I think I'd give the edge to Iced Earth by a very small amount.
Hammerfall

HammerFall is a Swedish heavy metal band from Gothenburg, Sweden. The band was formed in 1993 by former Ceremonial Oath guitarist Oscar Dronjak. They are credited with helping revive traditional heavy metal in the late 1990s and have released several successful albums since their debut.

I have no idea why people put Iron Maiden in the Top Ten power metal band lists. I agree that Maiden is one of the greatest NWOBHM bands so far, but obviously, it's not a speed/power metal band. Any Means Necessary, one of the best songs of Hammerfall, was my very first song I listened to in power metal, and it made me become a huge fan of the genre.
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 in the top 3 places on the list because of their epic songs like Glory to the Brave, Hammerfall, Hearts on Fire, Any Means Necessary, and well, almost all of their songs are epic. Let the hammer fall on the haters!
Gamma Ray

Gamma Ray is a power metal band from Hamburg, northern Germany, founded and fronted by Kai Hansen after his departure from the German power metal band Helloween. The band has released multiple albums and is known for its influence on the European metal scene. Hansen's work with Gamma Ray helped define... read more

I can't believe Gamma Ray has so few votes! Just listen to Land of the Free, Somewhere Out in Space, Powerplant... Kai is a genius - one of the best songwriters on the metal scene. He and Weikath INVENTED the whole power metal genre, for God's sake! And he is an exceptional guitar player and a very positive and funny guy. Not to mention I just LOVE his voice - it is so unique and diverse, always keeps me interested.

Gamma Ray should be in the top 3 along with Helloween and Blind Guardian. This band has no weak album. Kai's voice seems to get better and better with every record, and the guys are just awesome live and always so nice with the fans. Great band!
Stratovarius

Stratovarius is a Finnish power metal band that formed in 1984. Since their formation, they have released sixteen studio albums, four DVDs, and three live albums. Stratovarius is recognized as one of the pioneers of the European power metal scene and is known for their melodic and symphonic sound.

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 on the list? They should be at #4, if not in the 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 shook my mind. They've been around for more than three decades and have influenced a plethora of power metal bands that popped up over time. Despite being such an influential and musically tasteful band, they're not rated properly, which is also apparent on other ranking and opinion-based music websites.
Nightwish

Nightwish is a symphonic metal band from Kitee, Finland. It was formed in 1996 by Tuomas Holopainen, Emppu Vuorinen, and Tarja Turunen. The current lineup includes Holopainen, Vuorinen, Floor Jansen, Troy Donockley, and Kai Hahto, who is temporarily replacing drummer Jukka Nevalainen.

Amazing singer. Much better with Floor (great amount of range in her voice). Everybody in the group is a master of their instrument. Too bad they don't release more music than they do.

I'm not too fond of metal bands with women in them. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not sexist. I have tried time after time to listen to metal bands with female singers, 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 female singers, this is 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 bands led by women as I am, give these guys a try, you won't be disappointed.

The Newcomers

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Beast in Black

This band should be higher (even though it's at 81, my favorite number, as of 8/14/19). They combine power metal, EDM, and everything that made '80s music awesome! This is one of the greatest sounds in metal and an amazing band.
They formed very recently (2015), and their two albums are AWESOME. Both of their albums are some of my favorites from the years they were released! Their lyrics are kind of cheesy, but their sound and downright awesomeness heavily make up for it.

The most unique power metal band in an already peculiar genre, Beast in Black has produced some outstanding music throughout its entire career.
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Majestica

So criminally underrated! Above the Sky is such an overlooked album in the genre with some of the best neo-classical guitar riffs ever created by man. The fact that I had to put them on the list is honestly kind of sad.

The Contenders

Rhapsody of Fire

Rhapsody of Fire is an Italian symphonic power metal band founded by Luca Turilli and Alex Staropoli. The band is widely regarded as a pioneer of the symphonic power metal subgenre, combining classical music, fantasy-themed lyrics, and metal instrumentation. Originally named Rhapsody, the band changed... read more

Some guy put Iron Maiden on 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 listening to them about one year ago, and now they are one of my favorite power metal bands with their awesome sound. My favorite thing about them are their solos, made by LUCA TURILLI! If you haven't heard any song from them, you should start with "Emerald Sword" and "Dawn 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 five-year drought starting in the early nineties. But Rhapsody/Turilli are still the best of the lot, in my opinion.
I have to say, though, they're just not the same since Luca left to form his own version of Rhapsody, which I'm super stoked about. I can't wait for the new album!
Kamelot

Kamelot is an American power metal band formed in Tampa, Florida, in 1991 by Thomas Youngblood and Richard Warner. Norwegian vocalist Roy Khan joined for the album Siége Perilous and worked closely with Youngblood on songwriting until leaving the band in April 2011.... read more

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 to 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.

One of the rare bands in this genre that can actually be taken seriously, without cheesy lyrics and overly happy music. Their discography has been very consistent, with each album since - and including - The Fourth Legacy being great. Karma, Epica, and The Black Halo are the standout albums.
As far as musicianship goes, Casey Grillo, the drummer, is impressive and great at double bass. Bassist Sean Tibbetts is good too but is often overshadowed by the guitar riffs. The same goes for his predecessor, Glenn Barry. The current vocalist, Tommy, is excellent both live and in the studio, but he's not quite as good as his predecessor, Roy Khan, whom I consider to be among the best vocalists in all of metal, alongside Dickinson and Tate.
And then there's Thomas Youngblood - the guitarist, main songwriter, and the heart and soul of the band. He's someone I'd consider among the best and most creative guitarists I've ever heard.
If you doubt this band, go watch and listen to One Cold Winter's Night, and then compare them to the cheese-fests that are often considered the best of this genre.
Powerwolf

Powerwolf is a German power metal band created in 2003 by Charles and Matthew Greywolf. The group is notable for having dark themes and imagery, both musically and lyrically. Their theatrical live performances and use of religious and horror motifs have become trademarks of their style.

Okay, half the bands in the top ten aren't even power metal! Iron Maiden? Nightwish? 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.

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.

This is the number one 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 understand the whole thing.
And by the way, what is Iron Maiden doing here?
Edguy

Edguy is a heavy metal band from Fulda, Germany, founded in 1992 by 14-year-old students Tobias Sammet, Jens Ludwig, Dominik Storch, and Dirk Sauer. The band gained popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s with its blend of power and symphonic metal. Tobias Sammet later founded the successful metal... read more

Fantastic band. Unfortunately, they're not as famous as they deserve to be. So many good songs like Sacrifice, Tears of a Mandrake, Lavatory Love Machine, Forever, Superheroes... Tobias Sammet is a musical genius. Listen to Avantasia, and you will understand what I'm talking about.

No other band that I have ever listened to has had as many amazing songs as Edguy. 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.
Manowar

Manowar is an American heavy metal band that originated in New York City and was formed in 1980. The group is known for its lyrics inspired by fantasy, mythology, and epic themes. Manowar has influenced numerous metal subgenres including power metal, symphonic metal, Viking metal, war metal, folk metal... read more

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 is 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 realize how great and important their pioneering role was, and when you don't take them too seriously, you will definitely appreciate them more. Personally, I would place them at the 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 unnoticed when power metal is discussed.
Avantasia

Avantasia is a German supergroup rock opera project created by Tobias Sammet, the vocalist of the band Edguy. The project began in 1999 and features a rotating cast of guest musicians and vocalists. Avantasia is known for its elaborate concept albums and live performances that blend power metal and symphonic... read more

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 be fitting.
Firewind

Firewind is a Greek power metal band. Formed in 1998, the group is currently signed to Century Media Records and was originally a small project created by guitarist Gus G. The band has released several albums and is known for its melodic style and technical guitar work.

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 on this list. Well, they're the best band on most lists, but they aren't really power metal, and I can see why people would think so. However, I would see them more as NWOBHM, to be honest. Firewind, for me, should be around the area of Stratovarius 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 of listening to these guys. They're quite unique.
Symphony X

Symphony X is an American progressive metal band from Middletown, New Jersey. Founded in 1994, the band currently consists of guitarist Michael Romeo, keyboardist Michael Pinnella, drummer Jason Rullo, lead vocalist Russell Allen, and bassist Michael Lepond.

How can I resist this? Symphony X should really be number 1. It has the most powerful neoclassical sound in the world, with one of the best guitar players and singers. I should really say it is the most stupid list in the world compared to all the others.

Progressive Metal, Neoclassical, Power metal. All of these three styles define them quite well. They are among my favorite bands of all time. I've listened to all of the top 10 bands, and I really think Symphony X 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.
Heavenly

Heavenly is a hidden gem. The vocals and guitar are euphoric. One of the best music discoveries I have ever made.

They have power in their melody, so what? Give them respect.

Awesome speed and melodic solo, but the vocal is boring.
Primal Fear

Primal Fear is a German metal band formed in 1997 by Ralf Scheepers and Mat Sinner. They are known for playing heavy metal, power metal, and speed metal, with a style often compared to Judas Priest, though Primal Fear is generally faster and heavier. The band features dual lead guitars, and Ralf Scheepers... read more

Excellent band, should be higher - in my personal top 5 power/speed metal bands. They play an updated version of the traditional metal of the Judas Priest type but also power metal and speed metal (equal portions of those three).
The songs are perfectly written and performed - memorable riffs, choruses, solos. Awesome twin lead guitars, harmonies. All band members show musicianship - remarkable vocals, 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.
Children of Bodom

Children of Bodom was a melodic death metal band from Espoo, Finland. Formed in 1993, the final lineup consisted of Alexi Laiho, Janne Wirman, Henkka Seppälä, Jaska Raatikainen, and Daniel Freyberg. The band was known for its blend of melodic elements with extreme metal, and disbanded in 2019 following... read more

To be honest, 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 from what number these guys are on this list, they are not my most preferred band to listen to. But when I'm in the mood, they 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."

Hey! 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 though their vocals are not good, the music is really awesome!
Demons and Wizards

Demons and Wizards was a power metal band formed as a side project by Blind Guardian vocalist Hansi Kürsch and Iced Earth guitarist Jon Schaffer. The band combined elements of both founders' primary bands, creating a melodic yet aggressive metal sound. They released two studio albums: Demons & Wizards... read more

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!
Angra

Angra is a Brazilian power metal band formed in São Paulo in 1991. The band gained international acclaim for their blend of power metal, progressive rock, and elements of traditional Brazilian music.
They are known for their technical proficiency, especially their intricate guitar work and complex... read more

Angra is a pretty technical band and should be ranked number 1. The problem is that Angra is quite prog. Power metal fans are, in general, a bit lame. They like repetition and catchy choruses, just like pop fans. That's why Angra is ranked 47 and many mediocre bands are on top. Ridiculous!

What?! How could Angra be at 17? They deserve to reach at least the top 10. Angra is a Brazilian band that incorporates various emotions and styles in their music. It's amazing how some songs can be smoother while others are heavier and faster-riffed. Amazing.
Dark Moor

I only started listening to Dark Moor in the last year, but it has already secured a big place in my music library. While their first album is a bit raw, they really hit their peak throughout the rest of their discography. They have incredibly complex melodies with some of the best shredding solos I have ever heard in power metal. If you haven't listened to them, I suggest looking them up. Maybe start with their self-titled album or Tarot.

One of the best power metal bands, especially on the albums with Elisa Martin. Hall of the Olden Dreams and The Gates of Oblivion are the two best albums, in my humble opinion, and are worth checking out. I guarantee you will get hooked.
Iron Maiden

Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band formed in Leyton, East London, in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Their most critically acclaimed period is widely considered to be from 1983 to 1989, during which they released landmark albums like Piece of Mind, Powerslave, Somewhere... read more

Jeez. Iron Maiden is by far the greatest influence on power metal around. I'd gladly put them on a list like this myself, in the top three. And no, Judas Priest shouldn't be here just because Maiden is. Just listen to the Powerslave album. Listen to Back in the Village. Does Priest have dueling solos like that?
Also, DragonForce above Iron Maiden, HammerFall, Manowar, and Stratovarius? They're playing a cheesy power metal stereotype. Their solos are like seven minutes long for no reason. It could be streamed at McDonald's for little money. Also, their lyrics are ripping off McDonald's cheeseburgers. Cheesiness is alright sometimes, 'cause, you know, it's power metal, but DragonForce in the top three is a shame when the contenders are Helloween, Blind Guardian, Iron Maiden, Manowar, HammerFall, and more.