Originally posted by metalstorm

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Power metal in its most stereotypical form is fast-paced, 'epic' and rather optimistic, with high-pitched and sometimes multi-layered vocals, double-bass drumming and an extensive use of keyboards, includic keyboard solos. Power metal bands sometimes use fantasy themes in their lyrics, but despite the common stereotype, most Power metal bands nowdays don't sing about dragons and magical kingdoms, but rather focus on metaphysical themes, personal experiences, mythology, history, philosophy and environment.

Power metal was born in the mid-80's, as a natural extension of the traditional Heavy metal. Early forms of Power metal also include what many called 'Speed' metal. Helloween are regarded by many as the 'fathers' of the genre, though some earlier songs by Dio, Accept and Europe (f.e. Scream Of Anger) can be considered Power metal as well.

Power metal existed mostly in its 'pure' form until the end of the 90's, with bands like Blind Guardian and Stratovarius reigning unchallenged, when the 'second generation' of Power metal rapidly started appearing - Nightwish, Kamelot, Hammerfall, Rhapsody and a great number of other bands, mostly european. That's also when Power metal started mixing with Progressive, Symphonic, Thrash and Death metal, forming interesting and sometimes quite original combinations.

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