The difference, by ear
European power metal has keyboards, a fantasy libretto and a polished production. US power metal is rawer, harder-edged and much closer to thrash.
Both are sung cleanly and move at much the same pace, around 150 to 200 bpm. To hear the difference, play Manowar next to Helloween. They share a root in heavy metal, and US power metal came first, by a year.
In figures
US power metal
Where it sits
Heavy metal › Traditional heavy metal › US power metal
In short
The American version, rawer and closer to thrash than its melodic European cousin.
How it sounds
- Riffing closer to thrash, with aggressive palm muting and variable tempos.
- Very high vocals, often at the top of the register.
- Epic, martial or mythological lyrics; rawer production than the European version.
Key acts
- Manowar
- Riot
- Jag Panzer
- Vicious Rumors
Start here
The pickJag Panzer - Ample Destruction. The best US power metal album, no argument.
Full page →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.
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