This is not a poll. I just want your opinion. Please list what you consider to be the top five power metal bands of all time. Thanks!

To do this effectively, I think a definition of power metal is necessary. No one can agree on that.

I can name a few of mine, but don't wanna limit the list to merely 5.

Helloween
Gamma Ray
Freedom Call
Iron Fire
Blind Guardian
Firewind
Mystic Prophecy
Power Quest
HammerFall
Stratovarius
Nightwish
Sinergy
Jag panzer

Just to name a few!

Depends on your definition of power metal.

ultmetal wrote:

Some that came to mind: Grave Digger Brainstorm Enola G ay Dream Evil Hammerfall Sinner Primal Fear Symphorce Angel Dust and if they still be considered power metal Metal Church Vicious Rumors Nevermore Recon Vanize and an old band I only recently discovered: RapidFire (CA)' I guess I consider bands like U.D.O., Accept, Judas Priest, Armored Saint to be traditional heavy metal. Early Grave Digger is traditional heavy metal. Even a band like Metalium seem more traditional heavy metal than power metal to me. Power metal in the 80's were those bands that rode a fence between heavy metal and thrash. Metal Church would be the perfect example. In the 80's Ultimatum would have been considered power metal. Modern power metal is much, much different.

JUDAS PRIEST
IRON MAIDEN
FATES WARNING
METAL CHURCH
QUEENSRYCHE

Pick 5 without operatic vocals and songs about hobbits...I'll go with those.

Iced Earth
Blind Guardian
Helloween
Gamma Ray
Angel Dust

I also love Axxis and Stratovarius (+Kotipelto solo).


Reading the other replies: if Savatage counts, they are my #1. Impellitteri would be high up, too.

If we're going to include the modern definition:

Helloween
Metal Church
Blind Guardian
Nevermore
Rage

Are nevermore a power metal band?? Sanctuary for sure, but not nevermore

Helloween
Crimson Glory
Fates Warning
Blind Guardian
Nightwish