Okay, now this really IS the swansong, amigos. The last act. The parting song. The final curtain call. The big send off. The blaze of glory. The final campaign. The last bender. The final twitch. The death rattle. THE CLOSING CEREMONY FOR WE HAVE THE POWER PRESENTS: THE TOP 100 POWER METAL ALBUMS OF ALL TIME. [pompous horns and excessive but extremely impressive pageantry]
Bottom line: This is mostly a convenient way to gather all 100 entries into one place, but it also gives me a chance to RANK THE TOP 25 IN THE MOST PERFECT ORDER EVER [gets run over by an ice cream truck], with the remaining 75 listed in righteous alphabetical order thereafter.
As an added bonus, though, why not include some (hopefully) interesting numbers to further sum things up. For example: 31 out of the full 100 albums are debut full-lengths, which speaks not only to the impact of power metal’s earliest footprints, but to my personal preference for bands that come right out of the chute with every limb flailing.
Also, if you’re in the mood to be pedantic and peel things back even further to consider specific sub-genres… Well, that actually gets a bit tricky. I wanted to be “all-embracing” as much as possible, so my attending spreadsheet included a column for style, separated by six sort of off-the-cuff off-shoots: Pure (for classic Euro power, including the more speedy variety), progressive, symphonic, neoclassical, hard rockin’ and, um, folk. Of course, one person’s prog is another person’s pure, so let’s call these “soft numbers”:
Pure: 55
Progressive: 23
Symphonic: 14
Neoclassical: 4
Hard Rockin’: 3 (Heaven’s Gate, Dynazty and Keldian)
Folk: 1 (Dark Forest)
Other numbers highlighted after the full list below have to do with geography, eras / most popular years, plus a convenient stack of all the artists responsible for the album covers. So, yeah, just a convenient way to tie everything together, which maybe I should have done similarly for the US Power portion of this exercise, but that was a bit more straightforward with only two entries:
» The Top 50 US Power Metal Releases of All Time, Part 1
» The Top 50 US Power Metal Releases of All Time, Part 2
If you haven’t done so already and still wish to read about every one of the albums represented in the top 100, you can obviously still do so here:
» The Top 100 Power Metal Albums of All Time, Part 1
» The Top 100 Power Metal Albums of All Time, Part 2
» The Top 100 Power Metal Albums of All Time, Part 3
» The Top 100 Power Metal Albums of All Time, Part 4
And in case you need one last refresher on the ground rules:
» (4) articles celebrating (25) albums each, every other week
» Only one album per band will qualify
» The order of the albums is totally randomized
» Progressive power allowed entry
Right! Just one last thing before we go: I owe a very heartfelt THANK YOU to any and all who have taken the time to read and share these articles, even if your objective was to reveal how deluded my choices were (nyuck nyuck). Fellowship and an open discussion about power metal was always the ultimate goal here, so if you had any sort of part in that, I appreciate you and your participation.
THE TOP 100 POWER AND PROGRESSIVE POWER METAL ALBUMS OF ALL TIME // TOP 25 IN DESCENDING ORDER
«»
25. Dark Moor – The Gates of Oblivion [2002]
[Cover artwork: Andreas Marschall]
Elisa C. Martin: Vocals
Enrik Garciá: Guitars
Albert Maroto: Guitars
Roberto Peña de Camús: Keyboards
Anan Kaddouri: Bass
Jorge Sáez: Drums
24. Freedom Call – Stairway to Fairyland [1999]
[Cover artwork: Michael Huth]
Chris Bay: Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards
Sascha Gerstner: Guitars
Ilker Ersin: Bass
Dan Zimmermann: Drums
23. Hibria – Defying the Rules [2004]
[Cover artwork: Daniel HDR]
Iuri Sanson: Vocals
Diego Kasper: Guitars, Synthesizers
Abel Camargo: Guitars
Marco Panichi: Bass
Sávio Sordi: Drums
22. Iron Savior – Battering Ram [2004]
[Cover artwork: Marko Jakobi]
Piet Sielck: Vocals, Guitars
Joachim “Piesel” Küstner: Guitars
Yenz Leonhardt: Bass
Thomas Nack: Drums
21. Sonata Arctica – Ecliptica [1999]
[Cover artwork: “Landscape engineering” by Tero Junkkila]
Tony Kakko: Vocals, Keyboards
Jani Liimatainen: Guitars
Janne Kivilahti: Bass
Tommy Portimo: Drums
20. Falconer – Falconer [2001]
[Cover artwork: Jan Meininghaus]
Mathias Blad: Vocals, Keyboards
Stefan Weinerhall: Guitars, Bass
Karsten Larsson: Drums
19. Wuthering Heights – The Shadow Cabinet [2006]
[Cover artwork: Annika von Holdt *gulp*]
Nils Patrik Johansson: Vocals
Erik Ravn: Guitars, Keyboards, Mandolin, Narration
Martin Arendal: Guitars
Andreas Lindahl: Keyboards
Dr. Müller: Bass
Morten G. Sørensen: Drums, Percussion
18. Lovebites – Awakening from the Abyss [2017]
[Cover artwork: David López Gómez]
Asami: Vocals
Mi-Ya: Guitars, Keyboards
Midori: Guitars
Miho: Bass
Haruna: Drums
17. Unleash the Archers – Apex [2017]
[Cover artwork: Ken Sarafin]
Brittney Slayes: Vocals
Andrew Kingsley: Guitars
Grant Truesdell: Guitars, Harsh Vocals
Nikko Whitworth: Bass
Scott Buchanan: Drums
16. Sabaton – The Great War [2019]
[Cover artwork: Péter Sallai]
Joakim Brodén: Vocals, Keyboards
Chris Rörland: Guitars
Tommy Johansson: Guitars
Pär Sundström: Bass
Hannes Van Dahl: Drums
15. X Japan – Blue Blood [1989]
[Cover artwork: Masayoshi Nakajo for art direction]
Toshi: Vocals
Pata: Guitars
Hide (R.I.P.): Guitars
Taiji (R.I.P.): Bass
Yoshiki: Drums, Piano
14. Pagan’s Mind – Enigmatic: Calling [2005]
[Cover artwork: Nils K. Rue]
Nils K. Rue: Vocals
Jörn Viggo Lofstad: Guitars
Ronny Tegner: Keyboards
Steinar Krokmo: Bass
Stian Kristoffersen: Drums
13. Twilight Force – Tales of Ancient Prophecies [2014]
[Cover artwork: Martin Hanford]
Christian Hedgren: Vocals
Felipe: Guitars, Lute
Daniele: Keyboards, Piano, Violin, Cembalo, Muppet Narration
Borne: Bass
Roberto: Drums
12. Symphony X – V: The New Mythology Suite [2000]
[Cover artwork: Kazuo Hakamada]
Russell Allen: Vocals
Michael Romeo: Guitars, Orchestrations
Michael Pinnella: Keyboards, Orchestrations
Mike LePond: Bass
Jason Rullo: Drums, Percussion
11. Galneryus – Under the Force of Courage [2015]
[Cover Artwork: Yutaka Kawase]
Masatoshi Ono: Vocals, Choirs
Syu: Guitars
Yuhki: Keyboards, Hammond Organ
Taka: Bass
Junichi Sato: Drums
10. Lost Horizon – A Flame to the Ground Beneath [2003]
[Cover artwork: Mattias Norén]
Daniel “Ethereal Magnanimus” Heiman: The Best Vocals Ever
Transcendental Protagonist: Guitars
Equilibrian Epicurus: Guitars
Perspicacious Protector: Keyboards
Cosmic Antagonist: Bass
Preternatural Transmorgifier: Drums
9. Kamelot – The Black Halo [2005]
[Cover artwork: Derek Gores]
Khan: Vocals
Thomas Youngblood: Guitars
Glenn Barry: Bass
Casey Grillo: Drums
8. HammerFall – Glory to the Brave [1997]
[Cover artwork: Andreas Marschall]
Joacim Cans: Vocals
Oscar Dronjak: Guitars
Glenn Ljungström: Guitars
Fredrik Larsson: Bass
Patrik Räfling: Drums (session)
7. Rhapsody of Fire – The Frozen Tears of Angels [2010]
[Cover artwork: Felipe Machado Franco]
Fabio Lione: Vocals
Luca Turilli: Guitars
Alex Staropoli: Keyboards
Patrice Guers: Bass
Alex Holzwarth: Drums
6. Stratovarius – Visions [1997]
[Cover Artwork: Andreas Marschall]
Timo Kotipelto: Vocals
Timo Tolkki: Guitars
Jens Johansson: Keyboards
Jari Kainulainen: Bass
Jörg Michael: Drums
5. Running Wild – Death or Glory [1989]
[Cover artwork: Sebastian Krüger]
Rock ‘n’ Rolf: Vocals, Guitars
Majk Moti: Guitars
Jens Becker: Bass
Iain Finlay: Drums
4. Angra – Temple of Shadows [2003]
[Cover Artwork: Isabel de Amorim]
Edu Falaschi: Vocals, Acoustic Guitars
Kiko Loureiro: Guitars, Keyboards, Piano, Percussion, Mandolin, Orchestration
Rafael Bittencourt: Guitars
Felipe Andreoli: Bass
Aquiles Priester: Drums, Percussion
3. Gamma Ray – Land of the Free [1995]
[Cover artwork: Eike R. Gall]
Kai Hansen: Vocals, Guitars
Dirk Schlächter: Guitars, Keyboards
Jan Rubach: Bass
Thomas Nack: Drums
2. Blind Guardian – Imaginations from the Other Side [1995]
[Cover artwork: Andreas Marschall]
Hansi Kürsch: Vocals
André Olbrich: Guitars
Marcus Siepen: Guitars
Thomas Stauch: Drums
1. Helloween – Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I [1987]
[Cover Artwork: Uwe & Edda Karczewski]
Michael Kiske: Vocals
Kai Hansen: Guitars
Michael Weikath: Guitars
Markus Grosskopf: Bass
Ingo Schwichtenberg: Drums
THE EXTREMELY NOTABLE 26-100 // IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
«»
Adagio – Sanctus Ignis [2001]
Ancient Bards – The Alliance of the Kings – The Black Crystal Sword Saga Pt. 1 [2010]
Angel Dust – Bleed [1999]
Anubis Gate – Anubis Gate [2011]
Armory – Empyrean Realms [2013]
Arrayan Path – Thus Always to Tyrants [2022]
At Vance – Dragonchaser [2001]
Avantasia – The Metal Opera, Pt. 1 [2001]
Blazon Stone – No Sign of Glory [2015]
Brainstorm – Liquid Monster [2005]
Conception – Parallel Minds [1993]
Crystal Eyes – Vengeance Descending [2003]
Crystal Viper – Legends [2010]
Dark Forest – Beyond the Veil [2016]
Dialith – Extinction Six [2019]
Dimhav – The Boreal Flame [2019]
Domine – Stormbringer Ruler – The Legend of the Power Supreme [2001]
DragonForce – Sonic Firestorm [2004]
Dragonland – Astronomy [2006]
Dynazty – Renatus [2014]
Edguy – Mandrake [2001]
Elegy – Labyrinth of Dreams [1992]
Eternity’s End – The Fire Within [2016]
Evertale – Of Dragons and Elves [2013]
Fairyland – The Fall of an Empire [2006]
Fellowship – The Saberlight Chronicles [2022]
Firewind – Between Heaven and Hell [2002]
Fogalord – A Legend to Believe In [2012]
Forgotten Tales – All the Sinners [2004]
Galloglass – Legends from Now and Nevermore [2003]
Grave Digger – Rheingold [2003]
Guardians of Time – Machines of Mental Design [2004]
Heaven’s Gate – Livin’ In Hysteria [1991]
Heavenly – Dust to Dust [2004]
Highland Glory – Forever Endeavor [2005]
Human Fortress – Defenders of the Crown [2003]
Iron Fire – Thunderstorm [2000]
Judicator – At the Expense of Humanity [2015]
Keldian – Outbound [2013]
Labÿrinth – Return to Heaven Denied [1998]
Lorenguard – Eve of Corruption: The Days of Astasia – Part One [2011]
Majestica – Above the Sky [2019]
Manticora – 8 Deadly Sins [2004]
Masterplan – Aeronautics [2005]
Michael Romeo – War of the Worlds // Pt. 1 [2018]
Mob Rules – Tales from Beyond [2016]
Nightwish – Wishmaster [2000]
Nocturnal Rites – Grand Illusion [2005]
Orden Ogan – Ravenhead [2015]
Outworld – Outworld [2006]
Pathfinder – Beyond the Space, Beyond the Time [2010]
Persuader – Evolution Purgatory [2004]
Power Quest – Neverworld [2003]
Powerwolf – Blessed and Possessed [2015]
Primal Fear – Seven Seals [2005]
Pyramaze – Melancholy Beast [2004]
Rob Rock – Garden of Chaos [2007]
Sacred Outcry – Towers of Gold [2023]
Savage Circus – Dreamland Manor [2005]
Scanner – Hypertrace [1988]
Seven Spires – Emerald Seas [2020]
Shaman – Ritual [2002]
Silent Knight – Conquer & Command [2015]
SinBreed – Shadows [2014]
Steel Attack – Fall into Madness [2001]
Stormwarrior – Northern Rage [2004]
Tad Morose – Modus Vivendi [2003]
Theocracy – Mirror of Souls [2008]
Triosphere – The Heart of the Matter [2014]
Twilightning – Delirium Veil [2003]
Viathyn – Cynosure [2014]
Vision Divine – Stream of Consciousness [2004]
Wisdom – Marching for Liberty [2013]
Witherfall – Nocturnes and Requiems [2017]
Wizard – Head of the Deceiver [2001]
THE EXTREMELY INTERESTING NUMBERS // ALBUM COUNTS PER COUNTRY
«»
AUSTRALIA: 1
BRAZIL: 3
CANADA: 3
CYPRUS: 1
DENMARK: 5
FINLAND: 4
FRANCE: 3
GERMANY: 26
GREECE: 2
HUNGARY: 1
INTERNATIONAL: 1
ITALY: 6
JAPAN: 3
NETHERLANDS: 1
NORWAY: 4
POLAND: 2
SPAIN: 1
SWEDEN: 17
UK: 4
USA: 12
THE EXTREMELY INTERESTING NUMBERS // ALBUM COUNTS PER ERA // TOP YEARS
«»
1980s: 4
1990s: 11
2000s: 48
2010s: 33
2020s: 4
—
2001: 8
2003: 9
2004: 11
2005: 8
2015: 6
THE EXTREMELY INTERESTING NUMBERS // THE COVER ARTISTS
«»
Alan Lathwell
Andreas Marschall 5 covers
Andrej “All Things Rotten” Bartulović
Annika von Holdt
Augusto Peixoto
Austin Bentley
Axel Hermann 2 covers
Caio Caldas
Carsten Frank
Chris Cold
Chris Moyen
Chris Rörland
Cristoph Bersch
Daniel HDR
David López Gómez
Derek Gores
Drake Mefestta
Duncan Storr
Eike R. Gall
Eric Kusters
Felipe Machado Franco 5 covers
Flush Design
Gary Tonge
Geoff Taylor
George Apalodimas
Giannis Nakos
Giovanna Corsini
Gonzalo “Genzo” Ordóñez
Gyula Havancsák
Hervé Monjeaud
Isabel de Amorim 2 covers
Jacques Marcoux
Jan Meininghaus 4 covers
Janne “ToxicAngel” Pitkänen
Jean-Pascal Fournier 3 covers
Jens Reinhold
Joachim Luetke
Jörg Scheibner
Julie Dillon
Junki Sakuraba
Katell Anne Vivier
Kazuki Aoyama
Kazuo Hakamada
Ken Sarafin
Kristian “Necrolord” Wåhlin 3 covers
Le Ali Communication
Leo Hao
Marc Klinnert
Mark Wilkinson
Marko Jakobi 2 covers
Markus Mayer 3 covers
Marta Sokołowska
Martin Hanford
Martin Häusler
Masayoshi Nakajo
Mathias Janke
Matthew Greywolf
Mattias Norén 3 covers
Michael Albers
Michael Huth
Niklas Sundin
Nikola Fritz
Nils K. Rue
Péter Sallai 2 covers
Rainer Kalwitz
Richard Corben
Rob Alexander
Robert Wilson
Sebastian Krüger
Staffan Lindroth
Sunrise Multimedia Studios
Thomas Ewerhard
Tryfonov
Uwe & Edda Karczewski 2 covers
Vira Haglund
«»
Look up to the sky above
And see the morning sun again
You’ve got so much power inside
So cry it out my friend
I’M ALIVE!!
