Listening Notes: This is Power Metal

Power metal is a faster subgenre of heavy metal, widely known for its fantasy themes, uplifting spirit, and high energy. Although it has become one of my favorite genres, there are plenty of dull releases out there—often sounding static and repetitive due to minimal experimentation compared to something like black metal.

This time, I’m covering six related releases from different countries. Any familiar names? Any standouts? Let’s dive in.

Delain – Lucidity (2007)

73%

Power metal, you say? Then why open with Delain?

Hehehe… because I had no idea what to spin first, and this was what I had downloaded on Apple Music.

Overall, it doesn’t fully satisfy because it leans more toward symphonic rock/metal rather than emphasizing speed or solid heavy blows. Using slightly pricey earphones actually made the compositions feel raw rather than immersive—even though I do enjoy female clean vocals. Yes, I can hear the bass clearly, but it still doesn’t deliver that hi-res satisfaction some people crave.

The beauty-and-the-beast style appears in “Silhouette of a Dancer,” “Pristine,” and “(Deep) Frozen.” Sharon den Adel shows up on “No Compliance,” giving it a stronger gothic metal vibe. Meanwhile, “A Day for Ghosts,” featuring Liv Kristine (Leaves’ Eyes era Vinland Saga), stands out as a faster and more compelling track.

With that in mind, Delain is clearly suited for fans of Within Temptation, Leaves’ Eyes, and similar acts. The Dutch band is already well-established in the symphonic metal scene, after all.

Highlight: Frozen, No Compliance, A Day for Ghosts

The Ferrymen – A New Evil (2019)

60%

A cool album cover doesn’t guarantee strong content. Unfortunately, that applies on The Ferrymen here.

Flat, almost entirely lacking energy, atmosphere, or emotional lift. Even HammerFall—often criticized for repetition in recent albums—still feels more spirited than this.

Across 11 tracks, the promise fades quickly. “You Against the World” hints at potential, but the speed and banger riffs never fully come together within a single song. Quite disappointing.

Highlight: You Against the World

Gandavo – Pernambuco Imortal (2020)

74%

After revisiting Sabaton’s “Ghost Division,” I wanted to find another history-themed power metal band. That led me to Gandavo from Brazil via Bandcamp. Here’s my take on the Pernambuco Imortal EP.

Without lyrics available—and not understanding Portuguese—I gathered that “O Descobrimento de Pernambuco” refers to the northeastern Brazilian region of Pernambuco, also known for the pernambuco (Brazilwood) tree used in violin bows, whose population has declined in the rainforest—mirroring broader environmental concerns. The second single, “Branca Dias,” references Branca Dias Coronel (1515–1589), a Portuguese Jewish woman who helped lead the Jewish community in Pernambuco alongside her husband, Diogo Fernandes. A fascinating historical subject!

Musically, Gandavo incorporates ska and punk rock elements into power metal on “O Descobrimento de Pernambuco,” making it sound somewhat thrash-leaning but not fully committed. “Branca Dias,” meanwhile, plays more like a heavy ballad with slightly strained vocals.

Highlight: O Descobrimento de Pernambuco

Hagane – Code;9021 (2022)

75%

Code;9021 marks Hagane’s debut full-length and also the final contribution of vocalist UyU, who joined in 2019 replacing Chiemi.

The album artwork reflects their fantasy-adventure theme, while track titles like “GoGoKart,” “Sword of Judgement,” and “Undersea Paranolia” add quirky flair.

Hagane leans toward power metal/hard rock with mixed English-Japanese lyrics. “BlackCult” and “Sword of Judgement” emerge as melodic standouts, alongside “Labradorite,” an older, calmer, more emotional track. The rest of the album feels rawer and crunchier. “SuperVillan” brings energetic synth melodies for variation. The closing track “Zero” (7:45) embraces the classic extended power metal format, with tempo and atmosphere reminiscent of “Labradorite.”

Highlight: BlackCult, Sword of Judgement, Labradorite, Zero

Insania – House of Cards (1997)

65%

I only recently discovered that there’s a German Insania aside from Insania Stockholm. Active in the ’90s, this band frequently changed vocalists—Alicia being their only female vocalist, featured solely on this album.

As someone drawn to speed and melody, older releases like this don’t always click with me. The vocals are somewhat raspy in a traditional heavy metal style, which dominates the overall feel. Still, the title track and “Beyond the Other Side” stand out with their longer durations.

This German Insania—at least on House of Cards—will likely resonate more with fans of ’80s–’90s heavy metal such as Judas Priest, Doro, or Girlschool.

Highlight: Awakening, Beyond the Other Side

Pyramaze – Bloodlines (2023)

76%

Denmark’s Pyramaze closes this session with their latest album, Bloodlines.

Though I haven’t explored their full discography, it feels like something from their progressive power metal identity has softened. The band now plays in a more moderate style with modern hard rock influences, yet retains atmosphere without leaning into djent or chug-heavy tendencies.

While some moments felt ordinary on first listen, a second spin revealed fresh nuances. The epic opening title track stands strong, and “Even If You’re Gone” carries a subtle progressive edge. “Taking What’s Mine” structurally resembles “Stop the Bleeding,” though I’m hesitant to crown it as the other definitive standout. Energy-wise, “The Midnight Sun” and “The Mystery” embody solid power metal spirit.

Highlight: Bloodlines, Even If You’re Gone, The Midnight Sun, Stop the Bleeding, The Mystery