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)

Kotipelto

Kotipelto is the name for the solo project of Timo Kotipelto, the vocalist of power metal pioneers Stratovarius. Kotipelto is the only permanent fixture in the project's lineup; for each album he assembles an all-star cast of some of the greatest musicians from the world of heavy metal.

Sweet-ass, I got the new album.

Waiting for the Dawn - (2002)
Coldness - (2004)
Serenity - (2007)

Arwen

Arwen is a Power Metal group from Madrid, Spain. Boasting 2 vocalists, 2 keyboardists, 2 guitarists, a drummer and bassist, this 8-man (or rather, 7 man and 1 woman) band kills the high notes and sweeps the fret/keyboard wide and long, creating beautiful harmonies to lovely melodies while applying strange chord progressions. It's love in a basket.

Memories of a Dream - (2002)
Illusions - (2004)

Visions of Atlantis

Visions of Atlantis is a Power Metal band hailing from Styria, Austria. Formed in 2000, the group presents a sound much akin to that of Nightwish, utilizing both a male and female lead singer, while using keyboards to create atmosphere in the background. Visions of Atlantis is currently signed to Napalm Records. A new album, Trinity, is slated for March 2007.

Eternal Endless Infinity - (2002)
Cast Away - (2004)

Wintersun

An incredible one man project. Ensiferum's Jari Mäenpää decided to leave his former Viking Metal compatriots to focus on this side project after a conflict between recording times for one of Ensiferum's and Wintersun's album. Playing guitars, bass, and synth, as well as vocals ( session drummer Kai Hahto played drums for the album), Jari's genious has gone beyond the realms of wonder.

Wintersun - (2004)

Twin Obscenity

Twin Obscenity is a Viking Metal band from the icy north of Norway. Viking Metal in some of its finest. The group contains fierce growls and beautiful Viking instrumentality.

If someone knows where I can find the "Bloodstone" album, I would greatly appreciate it.

Where Light Touches None - (1997)
For Blood, Honour, and Soil - (1998)

Manowar

Manowar is possibly the best Heavy Metal band to ever come out of America. With an unusually epic sound, this band takes Heavy Metal to the next level.


Battle Hymns - (1982)
Into Glory Ride - (1983)
Hail to England - (1984)
Sign of the Hammer - (1984)
Fighting the World - (1987)
Kings of Metal - (1988)
The Triumph of Steel - (1992)
Louder Than Hell - (1996)
Hell on Wheels (Live) - (1997)
Hell on Stage (Live) - (1999)
Warriors of the World - (2002)

Timeless Miracle

Timeless Miracle is a Power Metal band from Sweden founded in 2001. After releasing 3 Demos, the finally came out with their first full-length album, Into The Enchanted Chamber. They've got another release coming out in 2007.

The vocals are what really seems to get me for this group. While the vocalist, Mikael Holst, has a strange style that shouldn't go with metal... it somehow fits into the music so that his voice is the only voice I can imagine singing to Timeless Miracle's material. While the music itself is a bit flowery due to the heavy keyboard usage, this band still needs to be heard of and supported.

Into the Enchanted Chamber - (2005)

Ensiferum

Ensiferum is a Viking/Folk Metal band from Helsinki, Finland. With their blazing distorted guitars and folk influences, Ensiferum... kicks ass. They're a must for any Viking Fan.

Ensiferum - (2001)
Iron - (2004)
Tale of Revenge (Single) - (2004)
Dragonheads EP - (2006)
Victory Songs - (2007)