Witchcraft

Witchcraft was formed in 2000. These Swedish rockers play a Sabbath or Pentagram style of Traditional Doom Metal - good catchy riffs without the keyboard wankage, certain to interest fans of Spirit Caravan or The Sword. The band was originally formed to record a tribute to Pentagram, but was discovered by Rise Above Records and signed. They have played with such bands as Orange Goblin, and will be playing with The Sword and Clutch later this year. The group's third album is planned for release on Easter 2007.

Witchcraft - (2004)
Firewood - (2005)
The Alchemist - (2007)

Xystus

Xystus is a symphonic Power Metal group from the Netherlands. These guys are a part of the new wave of metal emerging from the Netherlands. Taking influences from many movie soundtracks, such as Minority Report, and bands such as Blind Guardian and Kamelot, this group combined well-balanced composition with good choruses and solos. Worth a check.

Recieving Tomorrow - (2004)

Dragonland

Dragonland is a symphonic power metal group from Sweden. The group is most notable for basing their two first albums upon the self-produced The Dragonland Chronices fantasy albums and for the original symphonic/electronic parts by Elias Holmlid. Dragonland also did a cover song for the song Rusty Nail by X-Japan. Nightrage's Marios Iliopoulos and Jimmie Strimell has provided some help in their newest album Astronomy.

Battle on the Ivory Plains - (2001)
Holy War - (2002)
Starfall - (2004)
Astronomy - (2006)

Message #1

Just giving a shoutout and a message. If, while downloading something from this blog, you come across a link to an album that comes up as a dead link, send me an email with the title [Forest of November Dead Link] specifying which album is the dead link to finchforever03@yahoo.com or leave me a comment and I will upload it again as soon as possible.

Týr

Týr is a Viking Metal band hailing from... the Faroe Islands? Where the hell is that? Regardless, these guys are some of the best Viking Metal I've ever heard, right up there with Ensiferum. Yes, they're playing in chainmail in the picture - that's how awesome they are. The band, in classic Opeth fashion, consists of two guitarists, one of which is their lead singer, one bass player, and one drummer. The band has released 3 albums so far, the best being Eric the Red, as well as two EPs.

How Far to Asgaard - (2002)
Eric the Red - (2003)
Ragnarok - (2006)

Karelia

So, back into the Power Metal groove again. This one's another from France. Karelia are different in that they combine strange compositions with a wide variety of vocals, from the normal high-tenor voice to an almost female-like high tone, and all the way to the other end of the spectrum to a beautiful baritone. The guitar and synth work is noteworthy as well. A good recommendation from France.

Usual Tragedy - (2003)
Raise - (2005)

Reverend Bizarre

It seems I've been in a Doom mood lately. Here's another modern Doom band from Finland, Reverend Bizarre. The group's three members - Albert Witchfinder (vocals/bass), Peter Vicar (guitar), and Earl of Void (guitar/drums) - create a beautiful blend of brutality and melancholy with awesome drone-style instrumentality, following in the footsteps of bands such as Black Sabbath and Pentagram. Although originally intended to release five albums, this trio will officially disband after releasing III: So Long Suckers.

Thanks to my friend Steel Lord for providing me with II: Crush the Insects.

In the Rectory of the Bizarre Reverend - (2002)
Harbinger of Metal (EP) - (2003)
Return to the Rectory (EP) - (2004)
II: Crush the Insects - (2005)
III: So Long Suckers - (2007)

Beyond Dawn

As a little bit of a break from the Power Metal, I bring you Beyond Dawn. Though now an Electronic Pop group, the band's earlier recordings were of that of a Doom Metal design, and as such, I see fit to put them here, though only their early albums will be posted. The band's early recordings consisted of legato, melancholy drones on the guitar, attaining a feeling of deep sorrow and depression. The group also utilized a trombone for their early album. A very good band.

Longing for Scarlet Days (EP) - (1994)
Pity Love - (1995)

Edguy

Edguy brings Power Metal to its knees. Formed in Germany, the band is headed by frontman and vocalist Tobias Sammet. Sammet's artistic and musical genious has made Edguy unique among the Power Metal world, stylistically combining both standard Power Metal elements with Heavy Metal to create a sound unlike any other. With fast dual guitar solos and Sammet's incredible vocal range, Edguy is a must-have for any Power Metal fan.

The Savage Poetry - (1995)
Kingdom of Madness - (1997)
Vain Glory Opera - (1998)
Theatre of Salvation - (2000)
Painting on the Wall (EP) - (2001)
Mandrake - (2001)
Burning Down the Opera (Live Album) - (2003)
King of Fools (EP) - (2004)
Lavatory Love Machine (Single) - (2004)
Hellfire Club - (2004)
Superheroes (EP) - (2005)
Rocket Ride - (2006)

Galneryus

This Japanese Power Metal band was formed in 2001 by Valkyr guitar virtuoso Syu and vocalist Yama-B. After releasing three albums, the band is still going strong, and have released a Live DVD as of last year (3 days before my birthday, actually.) The band plays a great style of power metal with great guitar solos, and, for those of you who hate keyboard wankery, you will enjoy the fact that there is none. The keyboard playing is purely atmospheric, with a small solo here and there, but the band is primarily guitar-driven. Good kick-ass power metal from the land of the rising sun.

The Flag of Punishment - (2003)
Advanced to the Fall - (2005)
Beyond the End of Despair - (2006)
Live for Rebirth (Live) - (2006)
One For All - All For One - (2007)

Conquest

Conquest is a Power Metal band from Ukraine. I don't have a lot of info on them other than that they were formed in 1996. They have two full-length albums out, Endless Power and Frozen Sky, the former being their first album. After Endless Power, vocalist Ivan Goncharenko was replaced by Jenick D. Lenkoff (Ivan was better, in my opinion.)

Endless Power - (2002)
Frozen Sky - (2005)

Sonata Arctica

Sonata Arctica is a Finnish Power Metal group with a fashion sense from hell. Originally called Tricky Beans, the group changed its name after being signed. The band incorporates fast rhythms with great keyboard and guitar solos. Tony Kakko's high vocals accenuate the band's performances. Sonata Arctica has played with such greats as Nightwish, Stratovarius, and Iron Maiden. The band has also had special appearances by other famous band members on their albums, such as Stratovarius's Timo Kotipelto singing on "False News Travels Fast" and Jens Johansson playing the keyboard solos for Winterheart's Guild. A new album, Unia, is due out May 25th, 2007.

Ecliptica - (1999)
Silence - (2001)
Winterheart's Guild- (2003)
Reckoning Night - (2004)

Orkrist

I'm really not sure what genre to label Orkrist. I've seen some instances where people called them Medolic Black, some call them Doom, but I sense some Folk or Power influences. So I'm gonna call them Folk/Viking, leaning towards Power, and be done with it.

These guys (and one girl) hail from Slovakia, of all places. Themed off of Lord of the Rings (the name Orkrist is a play off of Orcrist, meaning Goblin-cleaver), these guys play a good folky metal, with a flute adding nice melodic elements in the foreground. Great growling and nice female vocals add a nice touch.

The band is officially split up.

Reginae Mysterium - (2002)
Grond - (2003)

Rhapsody (of Fire)

Rhapsody of Fire - previously known as Rhapsody - is one of the most popular power metal bands to date. Hailing from Italy, Luca Turilli's excellent composition shines in this bands' epic sound. From their first album to last, Rhapdosy's blazing guitar/keyboard solos and awesome synth use create an incredible sound.

Legendary Tales - (1997)
Symphony of Enchanted Lands - (1998)
Dawn of Victory - (2000)
Power of the Dragonflame - (2002)

Manigance

Manigance is a Power Metal band from the good ol' country of France. These guys put together some great melodic-style power metal (as opposed to the hard rock-style power metal of bands such as Edguy), and they bust ou their lyrics entirely in French instead of English. A great band that is a must for any Power Metal fan. The band has 4 full-length albums, as well as one live ablum, with their latest album having been released in 2006.

Ange ou Demon - (2002)