Rockpedia

Compare

Two genres, side by side. The ratings are editorial judgements on a ten-point scale, not measurements. Where they come out level, the difference is in the prose underneath them.

First genre

US power metal1983

Second genre

Traditional heavy metal1976

Head to headUS power metal vs Traditional heavy metal
US power metal: heaviness 7, melody 8, speed 7. Traditional heavy metal: heaviness 7, melody 9, speed 6.Heaviness7 / 7Melody8 / 9Speed7 / 6
Each corner is a ten-point rating. The further out, the higher.

The difference, by ear

US power metal is the American continuation of traditional metal after NWOBHM, and the two overlap heavily at the start.

Both are sung cleanly, but traditional heavy metal is a little slower: 120 to 170 bpm against 150 to 200. To hear the difference, play Manowar next to Judas Priest. US power metal grew out of traditional heavy metal, seven years later. United States appears in the origins of both.

Put together from each genre's vocals, tempo, song length, key acts and place in the tree.

In figures

Heaviness
US power metal7
Traditional heavy metal7
level
Speed
US power metal7
Traditional heavy metal6
−1
Melody
US power metal8
Traditional heavy metal9
+1

US power metal

1983 · USA

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.

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Traditional heavy metal

1976 · UK / USA · 2 subgenres

Where it sits

Heavy metal › Traditional heavy metal

In short

The classic form: high vocals, twin lead guitars, choruses to raise a fist to. Leather and studs.

How it sounds

  • High vocals with controlled vibrato and sustained top notes.
  • Two lead guitars harmonising and trading solos.
  • Singalong choruses, medium to fast tempos, epic or motivational lyrics.

Key acts

  • Judas Priest
  • Dio
  • Manowar
  • Accept

Start here

The pickJudas Priest - Sad Wings of Destiny. Before the leather, and already perfect.

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