Track Of The Day - The Guardians Edition

I've never bought into the idea that Fates Warning's "The Spectre Within" was the release that initially created the classic US progressive metal sound. "The Warning" was a fully fledged progressive metal release as far as I'm concerned & it's always baffled me that it's not regarded as such. There were actually a few earlier & significantly more underground examples of progressive metal too in my opinion however they were all a bit rough around the edges & weren't as well defined & executed as this one. I'll chuck 'em your way & see what you think at some point Andi.

I can probably check on RYM to see if there are any underground pre-Queensryche/Fates Warning progressive metal releases that aren't in this site, but the RYM server has been acting odd lately, so maybe later. Anyway, I also checked out that Fates Warning album, and it's another brilliant early example of 80s heavy/progressive metal. A very solid start, thanks Daniel! I think its closing track has pushed that of Queensryche's debut off the reign for the mightiest epic of that style and era:

RYM doesn't list the releases I'm talking about as progressive metal Andi which is kinda my point.

German heavy/power metal for fans of Grave Digger, Blazon Stone & Rage.

Dark ambitious British heavy metal. Fans of Judas Priest, Manowar, and Motorhead might dig this:

This one is my pick from the album. It a melodic heavy metal anthem out the highest order & a real ear-worm. For fans of Judas Priest, Accept & Grim Reaper.

Some very solid US power metal from Pennsylvania, USA. For fans of Brocas Helm, Manilla Road & Eternal Champion.

Some very solid US power metal from Pennsylvania, USA. For fans of Brocas Helm, Manilla Road & Eternal Champion.

I kinda think of the "Vargr" duo of songs to be slightly better than Blind Guardian's "Bard's Songs", in almost the same pace but heavier and faster at times, and less acoustic. The second part (after this one), "Vargr Theme/Confrontation" makes a fantastic transition from the previous "Vargr", though not as superior but still great.

Possibly the greatest example of the more European variety of power metal ironically comes from a US outfit in Kamelot. For fans of Dream Theater, Avantasia & Sonata Arctica.

This monster of a doom metal track sounds like Black Sabbath's debut album crossed with Led Zeppelin's "Dazed & Confused" & I absolutely love it.

The doomier closer from the 1997 debut album from Atlanta-based progressive US power metal outfit Cauldron Born". For fans of Slauter Xstroyes, Deadly Blessing & mid-80’s Fates Warning.

The chorus from this Swedish power metal anthem simply kills. For fans of Nocturnal Rites, Hibria & Sonata Arctica.

The chorus from this Swedish power metal anthem simply kills. For fans of Nocturnal Rites, Hibria & Sonata Arctica.

I love that killer chorus also!

An epic single from a former favorite power metal band of mine. Perhaps this could be a sneak peek to their next album, The War to End All Wars:

You just gotta get close to this dark-ish metal combo of the heavy metal of Judas Priest/Iron Maiden and the progressive art of Rush/Pink Floyd:

An essential metal ballad mandatory for all metalheads:

I just remembered that today is Remembrance Day. Let us have a minute of silence for those who sacrificed their lives for their countries, then enjoy this glorious song:

Unlike their glam metal peers, W.A.S.P. has made real heavy metal and mature serious lyrics, and this song shows how it should be made:

Danish power metal with folk/symphonic influences. For fans of Falconer, Manticora & Lost Horizon.

Danish power metal with folk/symphonic influences. For fans of Falconer, Manticora & Lost Horizon.

An incredible highlight that fits well for guitarist Erik Ravn, not just because of his guitar talents but also because of his name. You'll also witness flawless bass work that's often hard to find elsewhere.

Looking for a grand cinematic mix of Helloween, Manowar, and the dueling solos of Dream Theater? Rhapsody of Fire has it all in their latest album, especially this over 10-minute epic:

The fantastic opener from Savatage's first attempt at a heavy metal rock opera. For fans of Jon Oliva's Pain, Virgin Steele & WASP's "The Crimson Idol" album.

The big issues in life, whether personal or for the world, can be quite a struggle, but as much as we have to accept those hard times, we're not gonna let them get in the way of an amazing holiday like Christmas. So when the day comes two days from now, get ready to say....

There's no better definition of power metal than this, for fans of DragonForce, Gloryhammer, and ReinXeed/Majestica: