What is the best power metal album of all time?

With soaring vocals, galloping rhythms, and epic fantasy themes, power metal delivers triumphant music built for arenas and imaginary kingdoms alike. Which power metal album is the greatest champion of the genre?

1

Keeper of the Seven Keys Part I

Helloween's 1987 debut concept album that defined European power metal with soaring melodies and fast tempos.

2

Keeper of the Seven Keys Part II

Helloween's 1988 sequel expanding the power metal template with even catchier hooks and epic songwriting.

3

Imaginations from the Other Side

Blind Guardian's 1995 progressive power metal epic blending intricate arrangements with fantasy storytelling.

4

Visions

Stratovarius' 1997 album considered the pinnacle of Finnish melodic power metal, brimming with keyboard-driven anthems.

5

Land of the Free

Gamma Ray's 1995 power metal statement by Kai Hansen, one of the founding fathers of the German power metal scene.

6

The Black Halo

Kamelot's 2005 progressive power metal masterpiece, a dramatic concept album with operatic sweep and emotional depth.

7

Painkiller

Judas Priest's 1990 album that revitalized their career with hyperspeed metal, inspiring the power metal generation.

8

Symphony of Enchanted Lands

Rhapsody of Fire's 1998 debut that created neo-classical power metal with orchestral bombast and fantasy storytelling.

9

Kings of Metal

Manowar's 1988 heavy metal hymnal combining power metal bombast with mythology-laden self-mythologizing.

10

Something Wicked This Way Comes

Iced Earth's 1998 concept album blending American power metal aggression with literary horror themes.

11

Glory to the Brave

HammerFall's 1997 debut that single-handedly revived traditional heavy/power metal during the alternative rock era.

12

Somewhere Far Beyond

Blind Guardian's 1992 album widely regarded as a foundational power metal record bridging speed metal and elaborate production.

13

Inhuman Rampage

DragonForce's 2006 speed-power metal album featuring the globally viral 'Through the Fire and Flames'.

14

The Art of War

Sabaton's 2008 concept album about Sun Tzu's military strategy, blending catchy power metal with historical warfare themes.