The difference, by ear
Progressive power metal keeps the sound and adds odd metres and long forms - the difficulty becomes visible again.
Both are sung cleanly and move at much the same pace, around 140 to 200 bpm. To hear the difference, play Helloween next to Symphony X. Progressive power metal grew out of power metal, ten years later.
In figures
Power metal
Where it sits
In short
Galloping tempos, choral hooks and lyrics about dragons and battles. Optimistic by definition.
How it sounds
- Sustained galloping tempos with nearly continuous double kick.
- Choruses harmonised across many voices, choir style.
- Keyboards, neoclassical solos and lyrics about battles, dragons and hope.
Key acts
- Helloween
- Blind Guardian
- Gamma Ray
- DragonForce
Start here
The pickHelloween - Keeper of the Seven Keys Part II. The closing track runs thirteen minutes and deserves them.
Full page →Progressive power metal
Where it sits
Heavy metal › Power metal › Progressive power metal
In short
Power metal choruses laid over prog structures and meters.
How it sounds
- Long structures and odd meters, with the memorable chorus left intact.
- Keyboards in a lead role, on equal footing with the guitar.
- Technical vocals with wide range and complex phrasing.
Key acts
- Symphony X
- Kamelot
- Angra
Start here
The pickSymphony X - The Divine Wings of Tragedy. The title track runs twenty minutes.
Full page →