A relatively modern style of Metal,
inspired by classic legends like Iron Maiden and Europe.
It is characterised by guitar play that is quite simple (usually
power chords) during most of the song, which gets extremely fast and complex during the intro, solo, and outro. Apart from the guitarist, a lot is expected from the vocalist, who has to reach extremely high notes, and have an immense vocal range. The drum beat is usually repetitive, but insanely fast.
Great power metal bands include Manowar, Altaria, Gorgoroth,
Dragonforce, and perhaps the best of them all: Sonata Arctica.
Lyrics in these songs often deal with fantasy, war, and the medieval/renaissance age. They have no hidden, deeper message, but with the amazng music they're set to, no one really cares. An exception is Sonata Arctica, who have the running theme of love and loss.
