List of power metal bands

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This is a list of power metal bands including notable bands that have at some point in their careers played power metal or heavily contributed to the genre's development. Power metal is a subgenre of heavy metal music combining characteristics of traditional metal with speed metal, often within symphonic context. Generally, power metal is characterized by a more uplifting sound, in contrast to the heaviness and dissonance prevalent in styles such as doom metal and death metal. Power metal bands usually have anthem like songs with fantasy based subject matter and strong choruses, thus creating a theatrical, dramatic and emotionally "powerful" sound. Power metal has two distinct early styles, which developed in parallel. US Power Metal was developed in the mid/late 80s, pioneered by bands such as Omen and characterized by harsh thrashy sound and a focus on speed and soaring operatic vocals. It was directly influenced by speed metal and NWOBHM, and had a drop in popularity in the 90s. A more widespread and popular style, European Power Metal, was developed in the late 80s by key bands such as Helloween, and was more melodic, employing keyboards, synths and anthem like songs.

Name Origin Years active Brief summary Note 3 Inches of BloodCanada1999–2015Style strongly influenced by NWOBHM, combining both operatic and growled vocals.

Name Origin Years active Brief summary Note AcceptGermany1968–1989, 1992–1997, 2004–2005, 2009–presentPlayed an important role in the development of speed and thrash metal. AdagioFrance2000–presentKnown for technical precision and dark orchestration. After ForeverNetherlands1995–2009Strong progressive metal influences, use of both soprano vocals and death grunts. Agent SteelUnited States1984–1988, 1999–PresentForged a reputation due to their lyrical themes of apocalyptic sci fi. Ainavarious (supergroup)2003–2004Together created the metal opera Days of Rising DoomAlestormScotland2004–presentExclusively pirate themed band with folk metal incorporation. AldiousJapan2008–presentJapanese all female power metal band from Osaka. Aldious have been labelled pioneers of the Girls Metal Band Boom that began in Japan in the 2010s. AlmahBrazil2006–presentSide project from the singer of Angra, now a full fledged band. AltariaFinland2000–2016, 2020–presentKnown for recruiting guitarist Jani Liimatainen of Sonata Arctica in their earlier years. AmaranSweden2000–2005Gothic style with clean female vocals. AmarantheSweden2009–presentFuses melodic metal with pop melodies and vocals of Elize RydAmberian DawnFinland2006–presentLyrics often influenced by Finnish and Norse mythologyAncient BardsItaly2006–presentTheir Black Crystal Sword Saga was said to be inspired by fellow Italian band Rhapsody of Fire's fantasy styled concept albums. AngbandIran2004−presentConceived as a progressive instrumental band, the addition of a vocalist moved towards power metal. Angel DustGermany1984–1990, 1998–presentAfter 1998, moved away from thrash metal to a power/progressive metal style. AngraBrazil1991–presentKnown for symphonic interludes, technical instrumentation and Brazilian regional elements. AntiquusCanada2000–presentIron Maiden influenced band writes concept albums with unifying themes or stories. Anubis GateDenmark2003–presentProgressive band nominated for multiple Danish music awards in 2008 and 2009. AnvilCanada1978–presentTheir documentary illustrated how staying together as a band for them was more important than making as much money as possible. ArktidaRussia2003–presentOne of the relatively few English lyrics Russian power metal bands. Symphonic style. ArmageddonSweden1997, 2000, 2002, 2012–presentStarted as a melodic death metal band formed by Arch Enemy guitarist Christopher Amott. Armored SaintUnited States1982–1992, 1999–presentFounders in close relation to members of Metallica, their lyrics helped shape today's power metal. ArtchNorway1983–PresentEarly power/heavy metal band originating from Sarpsborg, Norway. Astral DoorsSweden2002–present"Jerusalem", the sixth album by Astral Doors is a clear singing from vocalist Nils Patrik Johansson. At VanceGermany1998–presentTheir first album included covers of a Vivaldi piece Summer and ABBA's Money, Money, Money AvantasiaGermany1999–presentA metal opera hosted by Tobias Sammet, different renowned musicians/vocalists participate in every album. AvianUnited States2002–presentFormed after being inspired by a metal festival that featured performances by Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian, Edguy, and others. AxenstarSweden1998–presentOriginally formed as a cover band, now producing power metal that shies away from typical mythical themes. AxxisGermany1988–presentTheir debut album, "Kingdom of the Night", became the best selling debut album ever by a hard rock band in Germany in 1989. AyreonNetherlands1995–2008, 2012–presentA rock opera type solo project. Battle BeastFinland2008–presentKnown for winning two major band competitions prior to procuring a record contract. BattleloreFinland1999–presentFolk mixed with power and melodic death metal, growled vocals with clean female accompaniment and lyrics inspired by Tolkien's TLOTR. Beast in BlackFinland2015–presentA five piece Helsinki based band founded by Anton Kabanen after parting ways with the band Battle Beast. BenedictumUnited States2005–presentFemale fronted harder style power metal from band members who were previously a Dio tribute band. Beto Vázquez InfinityArgentina2000–presentSymphonic/gothic style band hailing from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Beyond FearUnited States2005–presentA side project band of Tim "Ripper" Owens. Black DeathUnited States1977 1984Marketed their band as the first all African American heavy metal band. BlackguardCanada2001–presentMelodic death metal with power/folk metal influences. Black MajestyAustralia2001–presentFormed by ex members of prominent bands on the Australian metal sceneBlind GuardianGermany1984–presentOften credited as one of the seminal and most influential bands in the power metal and speed metal subgenres. BloodboundSweden2004–presentMelodic power metal band that uses corpse paint in promotional photos, in a style similar to black metal acts. BorealisCanada2005–presentHeavy and progressive with deep vocals, known for their excellent live performances. BrainstormGermany1989–presentKnown to play a somewhat darker style of music than most power metal groups. Brothers of MetalSweden2012–presentNorse Mythology inspired heavy metal band from Falun, Sweden. Brocas HelmUnited States1982–2013Known for founding their own record label after disappointment with their affiliated labels. Burning PointFinland1997–presentOriginally doom influenced, the band moved towards a power metal feel. Cain's OfferingFinland2009–presentFormed by ex Sonata Arctica members Jani Liimatainen, Mikko Härkin and Stratovarius vocalist Timo Kotipelto. CatharsisRussia1996–present Early demos the band played a style with a mix of death metal and doom metal. CelladorUnited States2004–presentContrasts the popular death metal and metalcore scenes of the American Midwest with melodic speed metal. ChastainUnited States1984–presentKnown for David Chastain's shred guitar work. Children of BodomFinland1993–2019One of Finland's best selling artists of all time, incorporating power metal and melodic death metal. ChinchillaGermany1988–presentA band with a reputation of being serious heavy performers, despite their ironic band name. Cirith UngolUnited States1972–1992Sword and sorcery themed songs contributed to the development of power metal as a genre. Cloven HoofUnited Kingdom1979–1990, 2000–presentA NWOBHM band that helped carve a path for Power Metal. After a long departure in 1990, the band reformed in 2000. ConceptionNorway1989–1998, 2005, 2018–presentFeatures ex Kamelot vocalist Roy Khan. Crystal ViperPoland2003–presentPolish band founded by singer/songwriter and recently guitarist Marta Gabriel

Name Origin Years active Brief summary Note Damien ThorneUnited States1983—presentOne of the leading bands during the American power metal movement in the 80s. Dark EmpireUnited States2004–2013Progressive, power, and thrash mix band originating from New Jersey. Dark MoorSpain1993−presentNeo classical and symphonic elements. One of the most prominent Spanish power metal acts. DarkSunSpain2002–presentSpanish band influenced by bands such as Blind Guardian and Angra. Demons and WizardsGermany1998–2021Formed by the vocalist for Blind Guardian, Hansi Kürsch, and the guitarist of Iced Earth, Jon Schaffer. Destroy Destroy DestroyUnited States2003–PresentAlso demonstrates styles of Melodic Death Metal and Symphonic Black Metal. DGMItaly1994–presentStarted as a power metal oriented instrumental band, gradually moved towards a progressive feel. DioUnited States1982–1991, 1993 2010The lyrics of renowned vocalist Ronnie James Dio greatly influenced development of power metal and heavy metal as a whole. DionysusSweden1999–2008Formed by the drummer of Sinergy. DomineItaly1984–presentLinked to heroic fantasy and sword and sorcery themes. DoomswordItaly1997–presentInfluences from themes such as ancient and medieval history, fantasy literature and European mythology. DragonForceUnited Kingdom1999–presentKnown for its long and fast guitar solos, fantasy based lyrics, and electronic sounds in their music to add to their retro video game influenced sound. DreamakerSpain2003 2011Composed of former Dark Moor members. Dream EvilSweden1999–presentKnown for their respect to classic heavy metal and their 1980s style sound. DreamtaleFinland1999–presentSpeedy and light style, with occasional accompaniments of symphonic instruments. Dreamtone & Iris Mavraki's NeverlandGreece, Turkey2005–presentSymphonic power metal collaboration between the Turkish band Dreamtone and Greek singer Iris Mavraki. DungeonAustralia1989–2005Australian heavy/power metal band formed in the mining town of Broken Hill, Australia.

Name Origin Years active Brief summary Note EdenbridgeAustria1998–presentSymphonic power metal band with a female singer and considerable orchestration. EdguyGermany1992–presentOne of the most famous modern power metal bands, highly metaphorical lyrics and a style true to the power metal denomination. EidolonCanada1993–2007On the heavier side of power metal, after the founding members became a part of Megadeth they stopped recording new albums. EldritchItaly1991–presentProminent band within Italian progressive metal in the late 1990s. ElvenkingItaly1997–presentSpeed metal with rustic folk influence. EpidemiaRussia1995–presentBest known for its series of metal operas, Elven Manuscript. Esprit D'AirUnited Kingdom2010–2013, 2016–presentJapanese lyrics and artwork are centered around ethereal and otherwordly themes and inspired by X Japan. In 2018 their album Constellations won the Independent Music Awards (IMAs) for Best Metal Album judged by Slayer, Sepultura and Amy Lee. ExcalionFinland2000–presentLyrical themes originate in different moods and hardships, experiences of life.

Name Origin Years active Brief summary Note FairylandFrance1998–presentFormed by keyboardist Philippe Giordana with melodic and symphonic elements. FalconerSweden1999–2020Utilizes folk instrumentation and melody to create a medieval sound and atmosphere. Fifth AngelUnited States1983–1990, 2009–presentBand which brought guitarist James Byrd to prominence. Forgotten TalesCanada1999–presentFronted by powerful female vocalist Sonia Pineault. Neoclassical guitars with folk keys and effects. Freedom CallGermany1998–presentKnown for their upbeat, feel good sound free from melancholy undertones or darker styles of some power metal groups. Frozen CrownItaly2017 presentLed by Federico Mondelli and Giada Etro

Name Origin Years active Brief summary NoteGalneryusJapan2001–presentNeo classical power metal with many speed metal style songs. Gamma RayGermany1989–presentKnown as one of the most prominent bands of the German heavy metal scene. Grave DiggerGermany1980–1987, 1991–presentOne of the earlier heavy metal bands that contributed to the development of power metal as a genre. GwyllionBelgium2003–2009Released two albums before splitting up, symphonic power metal group.

Name Origin Years active Brief summary Note HammerFallSweden1993–presentCited as producing some of the highest acclaimed power metal albums, HawaiiUnited States1981–1985One of the first heavy metal bands that formed within Honolulu, Hawaii. HeavenlyFrance1994–presentThey were signed by record label Noise Records after winning a competition sponsored by the label's website. Heavens GateGermany1982–1999One of the earliest German power metal bands. and were known for their Viking themes. Heir ApparentUnited States1983–1989, 2000–presentTechnical style band from Seattle. HelstarUnited States1982–presentA key band in the development of the American power metal scene emerging in the mid 1980s. HibriaBrazil1996–presentSpeed metal and technically influenced Brazilian band. Highland GloryNorway2001–presentTheir first album, From the Cradle to the Brave, was released in 2003. HittmanUnited States1984–1994, 2017–present HollowSweden1995–presentHighly technical progressive style. Human FortressGermany1997–presentStrives for an epic feel with their music, calling their music "epic battle metal".

Name Origin Years active Brief summary Note Iced EarthUnited States1985–presentSuccessful band that has played many different styles of metal with members changing constantly other than the founding guitarist Jon Schaffer. IliumAustralia1998–presentIn 2012 they recorded a music video dedicated to Greenpeace. ImpulseBulgaria1979–1991, 1995–1998, 2012 presentOne of the first Bulgarian heavy metal bands. Into EternityCanada1997−presentProgressive/melodic death with a bit of power metal influence, from Regina, Saskatchewan. Ion VeinUnited States1995–presentProgressive/Power metal band from Chicago. Iron MaidenEngland1975–presentNot considered Power Metal, but often listed as a major influence. Iron MaskBelgium2002–presentContains ex Yngwie Malmsteen members. Iron SaviorGermany1996–present Blends power metal with a high concept science fiction story, immediately embarking on a multiple album tale of a fictional space vessel of the same name. Founded by Piet Sielck and Kai Hansen.

Name Origin Years active Brief summary Note Jacobs DreamUnited States1997–present Ohio originating technical power metal, known previously as Iron Angel. Judas PriestUnited Kingdom1969–presentOne of the most famous heavy metal bands of all time, as well as the origin of many sounds that influenced the many subgenres of heavy metal today.

Name Origin Years active Brief summary NoteKalmahFinland1998–presentTheir melodic death/power metal style sound is often compared to prominent Finnish band Children of Bodom. Katagory VUnited States1999–PresentAmerican power metal band with thrash and progressive elements. KeldianNorway2005—presentThis band's digital release Outbound was voted the best power metal album of 2013 on Reddit. Space exploration themes. KerionFrance2003–presentFeatures a choir directed by Phil Gordana of Fairyland. Mainly labelled as a symphonic metal band. KiuasFinland2000–2013, 2021–presentThe name of the band is derived from the word 'hiidenkiuas', which means 'barrow consisting of a pile of rocks'. KotipeltoFinland2001–presentFormed by Stratovarius member Timo Kotipelto while the aforementioned band was on hiatus.

Name Origin Years active Brief summary Note Lääz RockitUnited States1982–1992, 2005–presentOne of their signature elements were Ibanez guitars adorned with elaborate airbrushed scenes of warfare. LabyrinthItaly1991–presentProgressive power metal from Italy. LeatherwolfUnited States1981–presentTheir three guitarist setup for their band set them apart from other bands of similar style in early years. Liege LordUnited States1982–1989, 2000, 2012–presentOriginated as a Judas Priest cover band, aided development of the power metal genre. Lizzy BordenUnited States1983–2004, 2006–presentBoth the band and the lead vocalist are named after Lizzie Borden, a woman accused and acquitted of murder in the late 19th century. Glam metal influence. LordAustralia2003–presentFormed as a solo project for former Dungeon frontman Lord Tim. Lords of the TridentUnited States2008–presentKnown for its mixture of classic and modern heavy metal, expansive fantasy backstory, and energetic live shows. Lost HorizonSweden1990–1994, 1999–presentKnown for taking the epic feel of power metal to new levels, having been described as "Metallica will make you feel angry, but Lost Horizon will make you feel like a god. "LovebitesJapan2016–presentAll female power metal band formed by former members of Destrose. In 2018 they won the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Award for Best New Band. Luca Turilli's DreamquestItaly2005 2011A past side project of Luca Turilli (known for his work in Rhapsody of Fire and Luca Turilli's Rhapsody). Luca Turilli's RhapsodyItaly2011–2018After a friendly split with band members of Rhapsody of Fire, guitarist/keyboardist Luca Turilli continued with this project. Luna MortisUnited States2001 2010, 2013–presentCombination of melodic death, power, thrash, and progressive, band with a female vocalist who sings/growls. Lux PerpetuaPoland2009–presentPower metal band from Poland. Their name is inspired by Andrzej Sapkowski's book and means "eternal light".

Name Origin Years active Brief summary Note Machinae SupremacySweden2000–presentCombines modern heavy metal/power metal and alternative rock with chiptunes. MagicaRomania2002–presentA Romanian power metal band with mythical themes and gothic metal influences. MajesticSweden1997–2001Recorded two albums in 1999 and 2000 with largely varied band members between albums, split up in 2001. MajestyGermany2000–presentHeavily influenced by Manowar both musically and lyrically. ManiganceFrance1995–presentA French language band. Manilla RoadUnited States1977–1990, 2001–presentEarly albums have more in common with progressive rock and proto heavy metal than the band's later heavier speed/thrash metal sound. ManticoraDenmark1996–presentProgressive power metal with speed metal influences. ManowarUnited States1980–presentKnown for its lyrics based on fantasy (particularly sword and sorcery), and mythological topics (particularly Norse mythology). Mary's BloodJapan2009–presenta Japanese all female power metal band from Tokyo, formed in 2009 by four former members of Destrose. MastercastleItaly2008–present MasterplanGermany2001–presentFounded by ex Helloween members. Meliah RageUnited States1987–presentCharacterized primarily by their thrash metal vibe married to more classical metal melodies. MercenaryDenmark1991–presentUsually labelled as a melodic death metal band, they use aspects of power metal in their music, as well as thrash metal in their earlier work. Metal ChurchUnited States1980–1994, 1998–2009, 2012–presentLyrical topics such as conflict and paranoia later expanded into philosophical and social commentary. MetaliumGermany1998–2011Traditional power metal sound which was pioneered in Hamburg by bands such as Helloween and Blind Guardian. Mob RulesGermany1994–presentMelodic power metal from Germany. Morgana LefaySweden1989–1997, 1999–2001, 2004–2007, 2012–presentNamed after Morgan Le Fay of the Arthurian cycle. MorifadeSweden1992–2015Symphonic power metal band hailing from the town of Vikingstad. NightwishFinland1996–presentNightwish performs symphonic metal with soaring female operatic vocals. One of the most successful symphonic/power metal acts. Nocturnal RitesSweden1990–presentPower metal with melodic influences such as Iron Maiden. NostradameusSweden1998–2016Melodic speed metal style. Orden OganGermany1996–present Progressive and folk metal elements. OstrogothBelgium1980 1988, 2002, 2010 presentHeavy metal band from Belgium. OzFinland1977 1991, 2010–presentPart of the group of early Finnish power metal bands. ParadoxGermany1986–1991, 1998–presentLate 80s speed metal band from Würzburg, Bavaria. PegazusAustralia1993–present90s power metal band who wished to revive studs and leather in a straightforward metal act, rather than fantasy themes. PharaohUnited States1997–presentKnown for multi layered instrumentation and well produced albums. Phoenix RisingSpain2007–presentSpanish symphonic power metal similar to bands such as Rhapsody Of Fire, Heavenly and Dark Moor. PowergloveUnited States2005–presentOne of the more prominent nintendocore bands, Powerglove covers classic video game tracks in an epic technical power metal style. PowermadUnited States1984–1990An innovative early American speed metal act that mixed progressive and European styles in their sound. Power QuestEngland2001–2013, 2016–presentThe founder of the band being the keyboardist, the songs are more key driven than typical power metal bands. Power SymphonyItaly1991–2005Female fronted Italian power/progressive metal. Primal FearGermany1997–presentMain lyrical themes are science fiction, often metaphorical. Founded by ex Gamma Ray vocalist Ralf Scheepers and Mat Sinner. PyramazeDenmark2001–presentCollaborated with Iced Earth singer Matt Barlow for their third album.

Name Origin Years active Brief summary NoteRageGermany1984–presentPart of the German heavy/speed/power metal scene to emerge in the early to mid 1980s, along with bands such as Helloween, Running Wild, Blind Guardian and Grave Digger. RainbowEngland1975–1984, 1994–1997, 2015 presentStarted out combining mystical lyric themes with neo classical metal prior to Dio's departure from the group. Rata BlancaArgentina1986–1997, 2000–presentThis Argentinian band was born out of a demo tape made as an attempt to connect with the UK market. ReverendUnited States1989–1993, 2000–presentPart of the "holy trinity" of US thrash metal, as well as Metal Church and Heretic. Revolution RenaissanceFinland2008–2010Formed by a former Stratovarius member. Rhapsody of FireItaly1993–presentOne of the most prominent symphonic style power metal bands, recording with orchestras and involving vocalists such as Christopher Lee. Riot VUnited States1975–1984, 1988–2012, 2013 presentInitially started out as straightforward heavy metal, upon revival in 1988 they began a departure towards power metal styles. Rob RockUnited States1983–presentRobert "Rob" Rock is best known for his guitar virtuoso acts.

Name Origin Years active Brief summary NoteSabatonSweden1999–presentKnown for historical lyrical themes and a heavy but still European sound. Sacred OathUnited States1985–1988, 2005–presentThe original four band members reformed after disbanding for 17 years, releasing successful new material. Sacred SteelGermany1996–presentThey intended to use the words "metal" and "steel" at least once in every song on their first album. Savage CircusGermany2004–presentFormed by drummer Thomen Stauch as a side project before leaving Blind Guardian. Savage GraceUnited States1981–1993, 2009 2010Early power/speed metal style band from Los Angeles. ScannerGermany1986–presentKnown for early forms of science fiction based power metal. ScorpionsGermany1965–presentOne of the best selling heavy metal bands of all time, influencing many of the 1980s subgenres including power metal. Seven KingdomsUnited States2007–presentA mix of European power metal and thrash. Seventh AvenueGermany1989 2012Traditional metal from a Christian band, melodic inclinations. Seven ThornsDenmark1998 2005; 2007−presentA mix of Scandinavian and German power metal with neoclassical influences Seven WitchesUnited States1998–presentComposed of members of Symphony X, Savatage, and Helstar. ShadowkeepEngland1999–presentOne of the small amount of late 90s power metal bands to become prominent quickly. ShadowsideBrazil2001–presentBand with female vocals from Brazil drawing from influences of Thrash metal and Hard rock. ShamanBrazil2000–presentA successful spinoff of the largely popular Brazilian power metal band Angra. Six MagicsChile1996–presentBand known for leading the Chilean Metal scene. Skull & BonesArgentina2011−presentPirate styled power metal. Sonata ArcticaFinland1995−presentOne of the most successful power metal groups of post 1990s. Known for their usage of keys and tenor/falsetto vocals, as well as emotional themes and wide ranging style. Steel AttackSweden1997–presentEvolved from typical power metal medieval themes to more mature, mystical themes, including religion. StormwarriorGermany1998–presentTheir debut album was produced by members of Gamma Ray. SymfoniaFinland2010–2011Short lived band formed by well known Finnish power metal musicians as a new project. Symphony XUnited States1994–presentPopularized the mixing of progressive metal sounds with power metal themes, influenced by pure progressive bands such as Dream Theater. SymphorceGermany1998–2011Symphonic power metal band upheld by vocalist Andy B. Franck. TarotFinland1984–presentFrontman Marko Hietala was considered as the next in line for vocalist of Iron Maiden. Thy MajestieItaly1999–presentSymphonic power metal with a darker tone than the norm. Tierra SantaSpain1997–2008, 2010–presentEpic power metal, supported Dio in Spanish tours in the 90s. Timeless MiracleSweden1995, 2001–2008,
2014–presentOriginally named Trapped. Trapped was a traditional heavy metal band, whose sound evolved to become the melodies driven power metal with influences of the classical and folk music; the lyrics are inspired by the horror movies and the Nordic tales. TraumaUnited States1981–1985, 2011–presentKnown for being the original band of Cliff Burton, the original bassist of Metallica. Turilli / Lione RhapsodyItaly2018–presentCreated by former Rhapsody of Fire members Luca Turilli and Fabio Lione. Prior to the band's formation, the same lineup performed under the Rhapsody moniker for the 20th Anniversary Farewell Tour, which celebrated 20 years of the original band's existence. Twilight ForceSweden2011–presentKnown for heavy usage of symphonic elements and writing announcements in fantasy style text. TwilightningFinland1998–2009Split up after the band's sound slowly shifted from power metal to a more 1980s rock sound.

Name Origin Years active Brief summary NoteU. D. O. Germany1987–presentTraditional heavy metal founded by vocalist Udo Dirkschneider of veteran metal band Accept. Unleash the ArchersCanada2007–presentA modern melodic death/power metal band from British Columbia with a female vocalist. Unlucky MorpheusJapan2008–present

Name Origin Years active Brief summary Note Van CantoGermany2006–presentAn a cappella group employing a drummer, they sing what they call "hero metal a capella". Vanishing PointAustralia1995–presentSymphonic and progressive with power metal influence. VersaillesJapan2007–2012, 2015–presentThis Symphonic Power Metal band's concept is "the absolute youshikibi (beauty of form) sound and extremes of aestheticism". ViathynCanada2006–presentProgressive/power with a natural folkish feel likenable to Falconer. Themes of existentialism, storytelling, and natural beauty. Vicious RumorsUnited States1979–presentRecognized for their guitar works and harmonies, as well as the variety of their musicViperBrazil1985–1996, 2004–2009, 2012–presentHeavily European influenced speed metal style act which started in 1985. Vision DivineItaly1998–presentPower/progressive style.

Name Origin Years active Brief summary Note WarCrySpain2001–presentOne of Spain's most famous metal acts. WarmenFinland1999–presentBrainchild of the keyboardist of Children of Bodom Janne Wirman. WarriorUnited States1983–presentOne of the earlier US acts that developed a power metal style. Wind RoseItaly2009–presentWind Rose's aesthetic is based around Dwarves in a fantasy setting (notably from Warhammer Fantasy and The Lord of the Rings). Winter's BaneUnited States1990–presentTim "Ripper" Owens's first successful act prior to joining Judas Priest or Iced Earth. Winter's VergeCyprus2004–presentSongs often have pirate themes and local character. Pioneers of the modern Cyprus metal stage. Wuthering HeightsDenmark1989–presentSongs often feature traditional folk instruments such as bagpipes, violins, and flutes.

Name Origin Years active Brief summary Note X JapanJapan1982–1997, 2007–presentPioneers of the Japanese heavy metal movement promoting a shift towards western glam style.

Name Origin Years active Brief summary Note Yngwie MalmsteenSweden1978–presentThe virtuosity of his guitar work in any lineup aided the development of neoclassical metal.

Name Origin Years active Brief summary Note ZonataSweden1998–2003Known for heavy classical influences on both guitar and keyboard parts.