Metal Reviews

I wanted to pose this question to the forums because I am curious about your opinions on the subject:

Is Power Metal as a whole in a state of decline? I ask this because recently it has gotten harder to find material that is on par with the music I was listening to in the early 2000's. I am looking for new bands to rekindle my interest and was hoping someone could make a recommendation, but as it is I have been pretty dissappointed with what I have listened to of late.

Kamelot was at their peak a decade ago, with Fourth Legacy, then Karma, Epica, and the Black Halo. But Ghost Opera was a let down, and Poetry for the Poisoned even more so.

Sonata Arctica had four awesome albums, then tried the Unia and Amazing Days of Grays experiment with mixed results.

Stratovarious have had their ups and downs.

Helloween is going pretty strong, but 7 Sinners hasnt really grown on me that well.

You get the idea. Basically, I am looking for ideas on newer bands that are carrying the torch these bands left behind. Any ideas would be appreciated.

Royal Jester
Keldian

"Becoming"?

Keldian is pretty damn cool. Royal Jester gets old quickly, though. Shouldn't have given it as high a score as I did.

I listened to clips of each last night. Royal Jester seemed pretty good, straight foward Power Metal. But my jaw hit the floor with Keldian. That was exactly what I was looking for, a unique (and darker) take on power metal. Looking foward to more of them. Thanks for the recommendation!

I guess Anubis Gate's "The Detached" is more of a prog/power but I'd surely give them a try if you haven't before.

As soon as I finished reading the first post, I immediately thought of Keldian. Obviously that was quickly suggested, so I'll strongly back up the recommendation.
Both of their CDs are 5/5 in my book, and according to the band, their 3rd CD (scheduled for a spring/summer release) is going to be their best to date.


Other new bands that I've liked (and are similar to bands you seem to dig) are Instanzia, Destination's Calling, Sacrecy and especially Sunrise. There are plenty of others though...

I too have actually noticed a decline in quality power metal, and imo, a lot of that has to do with established bands trying something different - many times unsuccessfully. Personally, I look forward more to a debut from a new band than the 6th CD from an established band.
Just curious, has Metal CD Ratings been helpful at all lately?

Also, if you're up for the Russian language, checking out Kolizey and Troy is an absolute must.

To me, last year's Blind Guardian new album really felt like I was back in those days.

Just captured that energy and the passion in songwriting again

I would agree with that, to an extent. It reminded me of Nightfall (minus umpteen interludes), and I certainly enjoyed it.

Probably the biggest letdown for me was Kamelot. I was expecting them to bounce back from Ghost Opera, and instead I got another meh album. Hopefully this will be a better year than 2010 was.

I thought 2010 had some awesome power metal releases. Blind Guardian, Gamma Ray, Dream Evil, Helloween, Rhapsody of Fire (2 albums), Freedom Call, all released some of their best albums in years.. There was also 2 Avantasia albums (not all power metal anymore, but some), Royal Jester as I mentioned, Elvenking (not their best but quite good). And I'm sure there has been many many more.. I thought 2010 was quite good for power metal. At least as far as established bands are concerned.

I disagree. Lumping them in with patently homosexual bands like Rhapsody of fire, Gamma ray, and Helloween does a tremendous disservice to their music.

Hasn't gotten old yet for me, most of the songs on the album have made it into my workout song list. Definitely gets me energized.

I never heard of Keldian. I will give them a listen.

I ordered both Journey of Souls and Heavens Gate off Amazon. Ill give them some time to sink in, then probably post reviews when able. Very excited, as even the low quality youtube recordings have been stuck in my head. Nice recommendation.

Don't be slandering homosexuals by putting them in with Rhapsody.

I'm assuming this thread is meant for power metal only, meaning no prog. If that's the case, Anubis Gate don't belong. As awesome as they are, they are more prog than power.

For power metal, I think it is declining (more so than recent years), but there are still bands putting out quality stuff. I'll think of a list and post it later with some examples.

That would be appreciated. Much better to get someones recommendations than blindly grab at whatever is out there.

And though prog wasnt really on my mind, feel free to throw out any bands worth checking out.

And speaking of which, anyone know of plans for the next Pagans Mind album? God's Equation was mediocre, so hoping they step it up next time.

There's nothing homosexual about these bands or power metal.

If you're looking for progressive power metal, I can't recommend Seventh Wonder enough. They lean more progressive metal, but they're heavy enough and their CD 'Mercy Falls' is quite possibly my favorite CD of last decade.


... you forgot to tell me - has Metal CD Ratings been helpful to you lately?

Sinbreed is a good band to check out.

I still check it every few weeks. Keep up the good work.