Power Metal

Power Metal burst forth in the 1980s, mainly in Europe, when heavy metal decided it needed more dragons, mythical quests, and operatic vocals to really kick things up a notch. Characterised by fast tempos, soaring melodies, and guitar solos that could make even a squirrel weep, it often sounds like an epic film score left unchecked. Once you get past the heroics and high-flying theatrics, you'll realise it's just metal that refuses to take itself too seriously, and thank goodness for that.