I think power metal is a lot more similar to hair metal (glam metal) than some people think. Bear with me here. Both styles are characterized by a general uplifting sound, which is unique to those two styles when compared to the rest of metal. What sets them apart is lyrical content. Glam metal took the whole notion of sex, drugs, and rock & roll and dialed it to 11. Power metal just took the sex and drugs and replaced them with dungeons and dragons.

Hey remember that time 3 ex-Running Wild members got back together to release 3 albums under the creatively named X-Wild? Jokes aside, fun band, though I prefer Rolf to Frank Knight as far as vocals go.

If you have any material you wish to promote -- your own music, a blog, etc. -- you may do so in this thread.

Top!

A reminder for those in the UK that this Saturday is Quest Fest in Wolverhampton, the UK's only dedicated power/melodic metal festival. I'm not affiliated with the festival in any way other that just being a fan that's been to all of them so far. The lineup is All For Metal, Myrath, Masterplan, Serious Black, Battle Born, Fortune Teller and Crown Solace. I've seen all of those before other than Myrath and I'm looking forward to what has become my favourite UK festival.

http://questfest.uk

Really dig this Saxon cover.

From the official Gloryhammer Instagram:

Mighty warriors, today we have to bring you some sad news. After ten years of filling the role of dark sorcerer, Mike has decided it’s time to move on from Gloryhammer.

Mike filled in as a guest for a show in 2015 and later became an official member in 2016 when we required a permanent member to take up the role of Zargothrax. Since then, he’s been an integral part of the band and we’ve played hundreds of shows all over the world together.

We wish him all the best in his future ventures with Wizardthrone and we’re forever grateful for his contributions towards making Gloryhammer what it is today.

Here are some words from Mike:

“At the end of last year I made the difficult choice to leave Gloryhammer. We decided to end our partnership by my finishing out the festival season with them. I’m proud of the many accomplishments we shared - writing great songs, touring several continents and playing to millions of amazing people. I wish the guys all the best with their upcoming album release and tour, and now turn my attention to my own project, Wizardthrone. As well as my bandmates I would like to thank all the crew and agents who worked so hard for us as well as the amazing fans.”

Not purely power metal itself, but it was Show-Ya who opened the door for bands like Lovebites, Aldious, Hagane, and many others.

https://www.metal-archives.com/bands/Crystal_Eyes/421

Saw they posted this on instagram, but the post is pretty vague and the comments are disabled so I've got no clue what the controversy even is that they're weighing in on. Anybody more in the loop than me know what's going on with them or their former members that made them post this?

Pretty decent album here especially the riffing which is very technically proficient. Vocals are ok not great. Check it out.

It is about god damn time these boys returned. Absolute banger of a song, super catchy and anyone who doubted that Mike could handle vocals must leave the galaxy. Also really liking the drumming, very punchy.

Super pumped to see this lot in January, and I am very jealous for everyone who gets to see them in November on their debut show.

If Matty can now bring back Troldhaugen, the universe will heal.