The distinction between power metal and heavy metal has long been a topic of debate among fans all around the world. Some say that it’s just a matter of personal preference, while others claim that there are distinct sonic differences between the two genres. So, what’s the truth? Are they really that different from each other? In this article, we will explore the differences between power metal and heavy metal, and you can be the judge of which genre is better!
Table of Contents
American power metal (protopower)
American power metal is a subgenre of power metal that originated in the United States during the 1980s. It takes traditional heavy metal and speed metals to create an even faster and more aggressive sound than what European power metal typically delivers. Oftentimes, American power metal bands are influenced by fantasy/sci-fi elements and use melodic vocal styles similar to those used by classic hard rock groups.
Power metal is now extremely popular in the United States, with bands like DragonForce, Powerglove, and Iced Earth leading the charge. Give American power metal a go if you’re looking for face-melting guitar solos and high-pitched vocals! [1]
Symphonic power metal
If you’re a metalhead who also happens to love classical music, then symphonic power metal is the perfect subgenre for you. Combining the best of both worlds, this type of metal often has a more epic and grandiose sound than other types of power metal.Symphonic power metal bands frequently employ keyboards and orchestras to construct a bombastic soundscape, and many of them write about fantasy and science fiction themes.
Nightwish, who formed in 1996 in Kitee, Finland, are one of the earliest and most influential symphonic power metal bands. Their debut album from 1998, Angels Fall First is considered a genre classic that helped open the doors for other greats like Rhapsody of Fire, Epica and Within Temptation.
If you want to be transported to another world through music, look no further than symphonic power metal! [2]
Theme and musical characteristics of the style
Power metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music characterized by an aggressive, faster tempo than other varieties of heavy metal. Power metal bands are frequently inspired by fantasy and science fiction, and many of them make use of soaring vocal melodies reminiscent of traditional hard rock bands.
The genre’s origins date back to the early 1980s, when American band Queensrÿche was one of the genre’s most prominent pioneers. Symphonic power metal became popular in the 1990s, with Finnish band Nightwish as one of the genre’s most well-known practitioners.
Power metal is now a mainstream genre, with groups such as DragonForce, Powerglove, and Iced Earth leading the charge. If you’re searching for face-melting guitar solos and high-pitched vocals, power metal is the music for you!
Hard-n-heavy
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, ‘hard n heavy metal was born. With their thick riffs and power chords, bands like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, and Judas Priest shaped the genre. While these artists are still classed as metal today, the term has since been divided into numerous subcategories.
As one of metal’s subgenres, power metal is distinguished by its focus on speed, melodic singing, and fantasy or science fiction themes. Power metal bands often use double bass drums and guitar solos to create a fast-paced soundscape. Though most power metal groups are based in Europe, there are some notable exceptions from other countries like Dragonforce (United Kingdom) and Angra (Brazil). [3]
Glam metal
Glam metal is another subgenre of heavy metal that emerged in the early 80s. Bands like Mötley Crüe, Poison, and Cinderella defined the genre with their catchy hooks and over-the-top image. Glam metal bands often use flashy clothing and makeup to create a visually arresting look. And while most glam metal bands are from the US, there are a few notable exceptions from other parts of the world, like Hanoi Rocks from Finland and Girlschool from the UK. [4]
Spreading of each genre
Power metal began in the United Kingdom in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Power metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that emerged during the 1980s. Heavy metal gained popularity in the United States throughout the 1970s, whereas power metal didn’t become widespread there until the 1990s.
The aggressive sound and lyrics of heavy metal are set apart from power metal by the use of high-pitched vocals and fantasy-themed lyrics in the latter. Also, whereas power metal bands often employ double bass drumming, this technique is less common among heavy metal groups.
Power metal lyrics, unlike heavy metal lyrics, are typically more optimistic and deal with themes such as hope and bravery. Heavy metal bands are much less likely than power metal groups to sing about fantasy or science fiction themes.
What is the difference between power metal and heavy metal, exactly? In a nutshell, power metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that features high-pitched vocals, double bass drumming, and lyrics with a fantasy theme. Heavy metal, on the other hand, is characterized by its loud sound and dark themes.
Heavy metal today
Today, heavy metal is one of the most popular genres of music in the world. It has spawned countless subgenres and has influenced other genres, such as punk rock and grunge. While it is not as commercially successful as it was in the 1980s, heavy metal still has a large and passionate fanbase.
Power metal, on the other hand, is not as popular as it once was. In the 1990s, power metal bands such as Nightwish and Blind Guardian were gaining in popularity, but since then the genre has seen a decline in popularity. Nevertheless, there are still many power metal fans around the world who continue to support the genre.
FAQ
Is power metal extreme metal?
No, power metal is not extreme metal. While both genres are heavy and aggressive, power metal is typically more lighthearted and optimistic in nature than extreme metal.
Extreme metal is a subgenre of heavy metal that developed in the 1980s. It uses fast tempos, distorted guitars, and growled vocals to create a unique sound. Extreme metal bands often sing about dark topics such as death, violence, and war.
In short, power metal is heavy and aggressive like extreme metal, but with more melody and positivity. On the other hand, extreme metal is heavier and frequently uses jarring noises to create an abrasive atmosphere.
What is unique about heavy metal music?
Heavy metal is unique in its combination of aggressive sound and dark lyrics. It is also one of the few genres that have spawned so many subgenres. Whether you like your metal fast and furious or slow and sludgy, there’s a subgenre for you. And with new bands emerging all the time, heavy metal shows no signs of slowing down.
Is Dio considered power metal?
This is a difficult question to answer, as Dio straddled the line between power metal and heavy metal throughout his career. In general, though, most people would consider Dio’s work to be closer to heavy metal than power metal. This is due in part to the fact that Dio’s music tended to be darker and more aggressive than most power metal bands. Additionally, Dio’s work with Black Sabbath – while not strictly speaking power metal – definitely had a heavier sound than his later solo work. Therefore, it is safe to say that Dio is generally considered a heavy metal artist rather than a power metal one. [5]
What is US power metal?
US power metal is a type of heavy metal music that started in America during the 1980s. It melds together aspects of traditional heavy metal with elements of speed and progressive metal. Power metal typically has speedy tempos, melodic vocal hooks, and impressive guitar solos.
Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen’s 1984 album “Rising Force” is considered one of the first examples of US power metal. Manowar’s “Into Glory Ride” (1982), Queensryche’s “The Warning” (1984), and Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” (1986) are among the earliest examples.
During the 1990s, power metal bands in the United States began to experiment with longer song structures and more advanced compositions. Bands like Dragonforce and Powerglove continued the tradition in the 2000s, pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible within heavy metal.
Today, US power metal is enjoying a resurgence in popularity thanks to bands like Sabaton, Powerwolf, and Battle Beast. If you’re looking for fast-paced, melodic, and highly technical metal music, then US power metal is worth checking out!
What is European power metal?
European power metal is a subclass of heavy metal music that started in Europe during the 1980s. It consists of aspects of traditional heavy metal with speed metal and progressivemetal elements combined. Power steel is usually fast tempos, fluent vocal melodies, and lofty guitar solos defining it.
One of the earliest examples of European power metal is the 1984 album “Rising Force” by Swedish guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen. Other influential early albums include Manowar’s “Into Glory Ride” (1982), Queensryche’s “The Warning” (1984), and Metallica’s “Master of Puppets” (1986).
In the 1990s, European power metal bands like Blind Guardian, Helloween, and Stratovarius began to experiment with longer song structures and more complex arrangements. This trend continued in the 2000s with bands like Dragonforce and Powerglove pushing the boundaries of what was considered possible within the genre.
Today, European power metal is enjoying a resurgence in popularity thanks to bands like Sabaton, Powerwolf, and Battle Beast. If you’re looking for fast-paced, melodic, and highly technical metal music, then European power metal is worth checking out! [6]
Useful Video: HEAVY METAL VS POWER METAL
Conclusion
So, what is the difference between power metal and heavy metal? Power metal tends to be more upbeat and melodic, while heavy metal is heavier and darker. There are many different subgenres of both power and heavy metal, so it’s hard to make a blanket statement about either genre. If you’re curious about some of the differences, take a listen to some power metal bands like Sonata Arctica or Iron Maiden, and then compare them to some of the heavier bands like Black Sabbath or Metallica. Hopefully, this article has helped clear up any confusion about the two genres and given you a starting point for exploring more of each type of music. Metal on!
References:
- https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/articles/features/6_bands_that_were_the_predecessors_to_modern_power_metal-107576
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symphonic_metal
- https://rateyourmusic.com/list/Rogertal/history-of-wild-crude-raw-roucous-hard-n-heavy-music/
- https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Glam%20Metal
- https://www.revolvermag.com/music/10-essential-power-metal-albums
- https://www.thetoptens.com/metal/founders-power-metal/